Choosing the right restaurant booking system is crucial for managing reservations, reducing no-shows, and improving customer experience. Here, we compare resOS, OpenTable, and ResDiary, three of the most popular options, to help you decide which best suits your restaurant.
1. Overview of Each System
resOS – The Best Choice for Restaurants
resOS is an affordable, cloud-based reservation system that offers flexibility and ease of use for restaurants of all sizes. With no per-cover fees, restaurants can keep their costs low while enjoying powerful features like online bookings, waitlist management, and custom branding.
resOS integrates seamlessly with POS systems, Google, and restaurant websites, making it the best choice for independent restaurants, small chains, and budget-conscious operators looking for a cost-effective solution.
It’s especially perfect for growing restaurants that want an intuitive and scalable system without breaking the bank.
resOS
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ✅ No commission and no per-cover fees | Smaller diner network compared to OpenTable |
| ✅ Custom branding and flexible integrations | Fewer advanced marketing tools |
| ✅ Simple setup and ease of use |
Many restaurant owners praise resOS for being extremely easy to use, affordable, and offering excellent customer service. The platform simplifies the reservation process, making it a top choice for independent restaurants and small chains looking for a reliable booking system.
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OpenTable — Best for High-Traffic Restaurants
As one of the biggest reservation platforms worldwide, OpenTable offers high visibility to potential diners. Restaurants that rely on high customer volume can benefit from its extensive marketing tools and loyalty programmes.
However, it charges a per-cover fee, which can significantly impact profits, especially for busy establishments. OpenTable works best for high-traffic restaurants in prime locations that prioritise exposure and customer acquisition over cost savings.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extensive customer base | High commission fees per booking |
| ✅ Advanced marketing and loyalty programs | Less flexibility for brand customization |
| ✅ Strong integration capabilities |
OpenTable UK has received a mix of feedback from users on Trustpilot. Many diners appreciate its wide network and the ease of booking reservations, making it a convenient choice for both restaurants and customers.
However, some reviews mention issues with customer service and occasional booking reliability problems. While it remains a popular platform, restaurant owners should evaluate the benefits of its visibility against potential challenges with support and fees.
ResDiary — A Strong Reservation Management
ResDiary is a widely used restaurant reservation system that offers robust table management features and marketing tools. Unlike OpenTable, it does not charge per-cover fees, making it a cost-effective solution for restaurants that prefer a subscription-based model. ResDiary is known for its in-depth customisation options and integration capabilities, making it ideal for restaurants that want greater control over their booking process.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ✅ No per-cover fees | Smaller diner network than OpenTable |
| ✅ Advanced table management and booking features | Higher cost compared to resOS |
| ✅ Strong marketing tools and POS integrations |
Many users appreciate its comprehensive features and customization options, which help restaurants manage bookings effectively.
2. Key Features Comparison
| Feature | resOS | OpenTable | ResDiary |
| Custom Branding | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Marketing Tools | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Commission Fees | None | Per cover | None |
| Waitlist Management | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Integrations | Facebook, Google, Instagram, POS | POS, Google, Websites | POS, Google, Websites |
| Diner Network | Limited | Extensive | Moderate |
Note: resOS offers all features without per-cover fees, making it a cost-effective choice.
3. Pricing Comparison
resOS: Offers transparent, subscription-based pricing with no per-cover fees, making it budget-friendly.
OpenTable: Monthly fee plus per-cover commission, which can add up for busy restaurants.
ResDiary: Subscription-based with no per-cover fees, with a higher subscription models than resOS.
4. Which One Should You Choose?
- For budget-conscious restaurants: resOS is the best choice, offering a cost-effective solution without per-cover fees.
- For high-volume restaurants: OpenTable provides unmatched visibility and marketing capabilities.
- For established restaurants: ResDiary provides advanced table management without per-cover fees, making it ideal for venues with complex operations.
5. Final Thoughts
For most restaurants, resOS is the best option, providing a balance of affordability, functionality, and ease of use. It’s especially suitable for small to medium-sized restaurants that want to manage reservations efficiently without incurring high per-cover costs.
OpenTable is great for maximising exposure, while ResDiary is an excellent alternative for those who need strong table management tools without per-cover fees. Choose the one that aligns with your restaurant’s goals and budget!
How does a restaurant booking system work?
A restaurant booking system allows customers to make reservations online, which are then managed by the restaurant through a centralised platform. This helps in organising bookings, reducing no-shows, and improving overall efficiency.
Why should I use a restaurant reservation system?
Using a reservation system helps manage bookings efficiently, reduces the likelihood of double bookings, provides valuable customer data, and can enhance the overall guest experience.
Are there any free restaurant booking systems available?
While some systems offer free basic versions, they may come with limitations. It’s essential to assess your restaurant’s specific needs and consider investing in a system that offers the necessary features for smooth operations.
How can a booking system reduce no-shows?
Many booking systems send automated reminders to customers and allow for easy cancellations or modifications, significantly reducing the number of no-shows.
Can I integrate a booking system with my existing POS system?
Yes, many modern booking systems offer integrations with popular POS systems, allowing for seamless operations and better data management.
