In this article
- What makes Resos different
- A note for Formitable, Resengo, and Tablebooker customers
- Where Zenchef shines
- When Resos might be the better fit
- Switching is easier than you think
- Try both and see what fits
- How Resos and Zenchef compare
- Frequently asked questions about switching from Zenchef
- Help us improve this comparison
Like Zenchef, we handle table reservations, guest management, waitlist functionality, and no-show prevention. Where we differ is in accessibility. Zenchef doesn’t publish pricing–you need to request a demo and go through a sales process to get a quote. Resos shows pricing upfront on our website, and you can sign up and start using the system in minutes without talking to anyone.
What makes Resos different
Both platforms help you manage reservations without per-cover commissions, but Resos emphasizes simplicity and transparency over comprehensive feature breadth. When you log in, you see your bookings and table availability immediately. Adding a new reservation is straightforward – no need to navigate through extensive configuration options.
We also believe in accessible pricing. Instead of requiring a sales call to learn what you’ll pay, Resos starts from €23/month – with a free plan to get started. Our pricing is published on our website for anyone to see.
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 routing you through tiered support processes.
“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
A note for Formitable, Resengo, and Tablebooker customers
Since 2023, Zenchef has acquired multiple European reservation platforms and merged them under the Zenchef brand. If you were using Formitable, Resengo, or Tablebooker and are being migrated to ZenchefOS, you may find the new system quite different from what you’re used to.
Some users have noted that features they previously had are now behind additional paywalls or haven’t been implemented yet in ZenchefOS. If the transition isn’t working for your restaurant, Resos offers a straightforward alternative.
Where Zenchef shines
Let’s be fair: Zenchef offers things we don’t. Their platform goes beyond reservations into a full restaurant operations suite – QR code payments, website building, click & collect ordering, digital menus, and marketing automation. For restaurants wanting a single all-in-one platform covering multiple operational areas, Zenchef’s breadth is genuinely impressive.
Their consumer-facing Zenchef app, with 15,000+ restaurants across Europe, provides discovery and booking for diners. In markets like France, Netherlands, and Belgium where Zenchef has strong presence, this network can help guests find your restaurant.
Zenchef also works with many prestigious establishments – they count Michelin-starred restaurants like Geranium and De Librije among their clients. For fine dining venues wanting a platform with premium positioning and comprehensive CRM capabilities, Zenchef delivers.
Their recent consolidation of Formitable, Resengo, and Tablebooker means they bring together decades of combined restaurant tech experience across multiple European markets.
When Resos might be the better fit
Resos tends to work well for restaurants that:
- Want to see pricing before talking to sales
- Prefer quick setup without demos or lengthy onboarding
- Need a focused reservation system rather than an all-in-one suite
- Value flexible month-to-month billing over annual contracts
- Want straightforward software that staff learn in minutes
Many restaurants find that comprehensive all-in-one platforms – while impressive – include features they don’t actually need. If you’re paying for website building, QR payments, and marketing automation but mostly just need reliable table management, a simpler and more affordable system might serve you better.
Switching is easier than you think
Worried about losing your booking history and guest data? We’ve built an import tool that makes migrating from Zenchef (or any other system) straightforward. You can bring over your existing reservations and guest information so you’re not starting from scratch. Your regulars stay in the system, their preferences intact, and your team keeps the context they need to deliver great service.
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 Zenchef compare
| Feature | Resos | Zenchef |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing transparency | Published openly on the website | Not published; requires a sales demo to get a quote |
| Per-cover fees | None | None |
| Scope | Focused reservation management | All-in-one suite (reservations, QR payments, website building, marketing automation) |
| Consumer marketplace | No diner-facing app; guests book through your own channels | Consumer-facing app with restaurant listings across Europe |
| Contract flexibility | Month-to-month, cancel anytime | Requires a sales process; contract terms not publicly stated |
| Support | Free and fast for all plans, no tiers | Not publicly described |
Frequently asked questions about switching from Zenchef
How does Resos compare to Zenchef for managing reservations?
Both platforms handle reservations effectively and neither charges per-cover commissions. The main differences are scope and accessibility. Zenchef offers a broader all-in-one platform covering payments, websites, and marketing, but requires a sales demo to get pricing. Resos focuses specifically on reservations with transparent, published pricing and self-service signup.
Can I use Resos alongside Zenchef?
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 Zenchef?
Yes. Our import tool lets you bring over your existing reservations and guest information from Zenchef 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. You only choose your plan based on booking volume.
Does Resos offer QR payments and website building like Zenchef?
Resos focuses specifically on reservation management rather than broader restaurant operations. We don’t currently offer QR code payments or website building tools. If you need those features, Zenchef’s all-in-one approach may be better suited. However, if your primary need is solid reservation management, Resos delivers that at a lower price point.
How does pricing work?
Resos offers a free plan (25 bookings/month), Basic at €23/month (350 bookings), Plus at €43/month (750 bookings), and Unlimited at €63/month. There are no per-cover fees, no commissions. You pay the same whether it’s a quiet Tuesday or a packed Saturday night.
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, lengthy contracts, or weeks of 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 have a consumer app like Zenchef?
Resos doesn’t operate a diner marketplace app like Zenchef does. Our focus is on providing restaurants with excellent tools to manage their own bookings. Guests book through your website, Google, or social channels–not through a third-party app that also promotes your competitors.
Does Resos integrate with Google?
Yes. Resos integrates with Reserve with Google, allowing guests to book directly from Google Search and Google Maps. This is available as an add-on for €7.99/month with no per-booking fees. We also integrate with Facebook and Instagram for social bookings.
What about contract flexibility?
Unlike platforms requiring annual contracts with notice periods, Resos offers flexible month-to-month billing. Cancel anytime without penalties or multi-month notice requirements.
How do I get started?
Sign up at 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?
Help us improve this comparison
We’ve tried to present an accurate, fair comparison between Resos and Zenchef. If you notice anything that should be corrected or if you’ve used both systems and have insights to share, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us improve these pages for everyone considering a switch.
