In this article
If you’re weighing OpenTable for your restaurant, it helps to know what it offers, what it costs, and where a simpler tool fits better before you commit. Like OpenTable, Resos handles table reservations, guest management, no-show prevention, and automated reminders. Where we differ is in our pricing philosophy and approach to features. Our platform includes all features on every plan, so you’re never locked out of functionality you need just because you’re on a smaller budget. Setup takes minutes, and there’s no sales call required to get started.
What makes Resos different
Both platforms help you manage reservations, but Resos emphasizes simplicity and transparent pricing over feature density and network reach. When you log in, you see your bookings and table availability immediately. Adding a new reservation is straightforward – no need to navigate through layers of configuration just to get your day started.
We also believe in predictable costs. Instead of charging per-cover fees that add up with every seated guest, Resos uses simple subscription pricing based on booking volume. A busy weekend won’t come with a surprise invoice at the end of the month. For restaurants watching their margins closely, this predictability can make a real difference.
Our approach to customer service follows the same philosophy. Every restaurant gets access to fast, free, and friendly support – whether you’re on the free plan or unlimited. We take the time to understand your specific situation rather than directing you to a help article.
“I couldn’t be happier that I selected Resos over Resy and OpenTable. I initially chose Resos because it was cheaper but I was surprised to find that it was also just better… like, in every way. More features, easier to use, WAY better customer support. I can’t imagine using another reservation system!”
Ian Miller – The Dollhouse Tearoom, US
Where OpenTable shines
Let’s be fair: OpenTable offers things we don’t. Their global diner network of over 60,000 restaurants and more than a billion seated diners a year provides exposure that’s hard to match. If your restaurant relies heavily on attracting new customers through a reservation platform’s marketplace, OpenTable’s reach is genuinely valuable. They also offer extensive POS integrations with hundreds of tools, advanced marketing campaigns, and benchmarking against local competitors – features designed for high-volume operations that prioritize customer acquisition.
For restaurants in competitive markets where visibility on a diner platform drives significant bookings, the per-cover fees may well be worth the return.
When Resos might be the better fit
Resos tends to work well for restaurants that:
- Already have steady customer flow and don’t rely on a marketplace for discovery
- Want predictable monthly costs without per-cover fees
- Prefer a clean, predictable reservation system without per-cover fees
- Value quick setup and intuitive daily use over extensive configuration options
- Need excellent support without upgrading to a higher-tier plan
Many independent restaurants and small chains find that once they’ve established their customer base, paying per-cover fees becomes harder to justify. That’s often when they start looking for alternatives.
Switching is easier than you think
Worried about losing your booking history and guest data? We’ve built an import tool that makes transferring your old booking data to Resos straightforward, whether you are coming from OpenTable or any other system. You can bring over your existing reservations and guest information so you’re not starting from scratch.
Most restaurants complete their migration in a single session. If you run into any questions, our support team is happy to walk you through the process – no extra charge, no premium support tier required.
Try both and see what fits
The best way to decide between any reservation systems is to try them yourself. Resos offers a free plan with 25 bookings per month, so you can test the full system with real operations before committing. Run it alongside your current setup for a few weeks and see which workflow feels more natural for your team.
Many restaurants find that Resos’s simplicity helps staff get up to speed faster. When someone needs to check a booking or manage the waitlist, they can do it without extensive training. The interface guides them through the process naturally.
How Resos and OpenTable compare
| Feature | Resos | OpenTable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat subscription based on booking volume | Per-cover fees charged for every seated guest |
| Cover fees / commission | None | Charged per seated guest |
| Features by plan | All features included on every plan | Feature access varies by plan tier |
| Diner marketplace | No marketplace; works with your own channels | Large global diner discovery network |
| Support | Fast, free support on all plans | Support level varies by plan |
| Setup | No sales call required; most restaurants are live within an hour | Sales process may be required for some plans |
Frequently asked questions about switching from OpenTable
How does Resos compare to OpenTable for managing reservations?
Both platforms handle reservations effectively. The main differences are pricing structure and scope. OpenTable offers marketplace exposure and charges per-cover fees, while Resos provides flat-rate pricing with no commission. Both include table management, automated reminders, and guest communication tools and much more.
Can I use Resos alongside OpenTable?
Yes. Many restaurants run multiple systems during a transition period or to compare workflows. Since Resos has a free plan, there’s no risk in testing it alongside your current setup.
Can I import my bookings and guest data from OpenTable?
Yes. Our import tool lets you bring over your existing reservations and guest information from OpenTable or other systems. You won’t lose your booking history or have to rebuild your guest database from scratch.
What features does Resos include?
Resos provides table management, visual floor plans, online bookings, waitlist management, no-show tracking, prepayment options, automated SMS and email reminders, guest profiles, Google Reserve integration, and multilingual support.
Will I lose the exposure OpenTable provides?
Resos doesn’t operate a diner marketplace like OpenTable does. If a significant portion of your bookings comes from guests discovering you through OpenTable’s platform, that’s something to consider carefully. Many restaurants find that most of their reservations come through their own website, Google, or direct channels anyway – but you should check your own booking sources before deciding.
How does pricing work?
Resos offers a free plan (25 bookings/month), Basic from €23/month (350 bookings), Plus from €43/month (750 bookings), and Unlimited from €63/month. There are no per-cover fees or commissions. You pay the same whether it’s a quiet Tuesday or a packed Saturday night. See our full pricing overview here
Is Resos difficult to set up?
Most restaurants are up and running within an hour. You can add your floor plan, set your booking rules, and embed the booking widget on your website the same day. No sales calls or lengthy onboarding required.
What about customer support?
We offer fast, free support to all restaurants regardless of plan. Our team takes the time to understand your specific needs rather than pointing you to documentation. Support is included – it’s not a premium feature.
Does Resos work internationally?
Yes. Resos works worldwide, including SMS notifications to international numbers. The booking interface supports multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and more.
How do I get started?
Sign up at app.resos.com and set up your first tables. The process takes a few minutes, no credit card required for the free plan. You’re already here – why not give it a try?
