When running a restaurant, it’s good to have something to help keep your operations organized at all times, especially from the customer’s side of things.
A restaurant reservation software organizes the influx of customers, manages their requests, and presents the data to you in clear, actionable ways. Aside from greatly simplifying everyday tasks, automating your restaurant operations this way also saves you a significant amount of time and effort.
As time passes by, the role of this type of software is becoming increasingly important in the industry. In this article, we’re going to explore the best restaurant reservation software that you can get for your business in 2021.
1. OpenTable
More than just a restaurant reservation software, OpenTable offers tools and features that can take your business to the next level.
One of the most popular reservation software around, it can be used with other apps and management systems, allowing integration with restaurant POS, email marketing programs, and major review sites.
It has features such as automated notifications, automated waitlisting, custom floor plans, digital takeout menus, and post-dining surveys. It even comes with free online training virtual support for your staff to make sure that they’re always at their best.
Prices start at $29 per month for the Basic plan, $249 monthly for the Core plan, and $449 monthly for the Pro plan. Take note that the Basic and Core plans don’t have several features, including POS integration for the Basic plan and email campaigns for the Core plan.
2. TableIn
With its intuitive UI and drag and drop features, setting up your restaurant’s layout and floor plan is a breeze with TableIn.
Its main features include an integrative booking platform, integrated pre-payment systems, and automated notifications, among others. The company is also well-known for its strong and reputable customer service.
TableIn offers a free trial when you sign up for an account. Once the trial is over, you have two options. The Standard plan costs $80 monthly and can get you up to 150 reservations, while the Premium plan costs $115 monthly with unlimited reservations.
Because of its ease of use and powerful features, TableIn is the reservation software of choice for small to medium-sized restaurants.
3. Yelp Reservations
If you want a restaurant reservation software that makes both your and your guest’s life easier, consider getting Yelp Reservations.
With a consumer-centric approach to its features, Yelp Reservations enables an accessible two-way communication between the guest and the restaurant. It features automatic waitlisting, table management, and Yelp-app integration. You also receive an Apple iPad once you register.
Yelp Reservations is priced at $249 a month and already comes with all the features and tools you need. With Yelp being one of the most successful review platforms around, you already know what you’re going to get in terms of quality.
4. Eat App
Need a user-friendly software that is committed to increasing hospitality? Eat App delivers robust features that let you manage bookings, seatings, and customer tracking all in one platform.
With Eat App, you can easily manage your restaurant operations from any operating system with only a web browser. It integrates with a variety of commonly used services such as Google Maps, Tripadvisor, and even Instagram.
Eat App has two packages. The Pro package costs $159 per month when billed monthly or $129 per month when billed annually. On the other hand, the Enterprise package is customizable, and the price varies based on the features you want to avail. If you’re interested, you can also check out the 14-day free trial for yourself.
5. Resy
Resy is one of the most customizable restaurant management software available on the market. Users have a say in every aspect of the operation. With Resy, you can personalize communication, access, and data presentation to your exact specifications.
More than that, one thing that stands out the most about Resy is its commitment to helping businesses during these uncertain times. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Resy has published a ‘Rebuilding Playbook,’ created special feature packages, and made health and safety compliance one of their advocacies.
Pricing starts at $249 per month for Basic, $399 per month for Pro, and $899 per month for Enterprise. If you want more power and control over your operations, be sure to consider Resy.
6. GloriaFood
Whoever said that there’s no such thing as free lunch must not have known about GloriaFood. This reservation software is widely known for offering features completely for free – all you need to do is sign up.
Features include unlimited orders, unlimited locations, and payment processing, among many others. It also allows integration with social media platforms like Facebook. You even get the option to create a sales-optimized website if you wish.
In terms of pricing, GloriaFood follows a freemium model. Many of its features are available in their entirety on the free version. If you need something more complex, you can avail of premium features at a cost, ranging from $9 to $59, depending on the specific feature.
7. Tock
Highly regarded by fine-dining restaurants, Tock is a web-based premium service that helps to increase the turn-up rate of guests who make reservations.
Unlike traditional reservation systems, Tock requires guests to pay a deposit upfront to finalize their reservation. This built-in commitment mechanism significantly reduces no-shows, which can be very expensive, especially for fine dining restaurants.
Aside from dine-in reservations, Tock also manages deliveries and takeouts. Notifications are automated to make sure that guests don’t miss their booking. It also offers event planning features, such as the ability to sell tickets and to create a guest directory.
Prices start at $199 per month for the Plus plan and $699 per month for the Pro plan. Both plans include the same features, but you have to pay an additional 2% on all prepaid reservations with the Plus plan. For a more customized experience, consider getting the Enterprise plan.
8. Wisely
With its cutting-edge technology, Wisely seeks to revolutionize the way that traditional restaurant reservation software functions.
Empowering producers and consumers alike, Wisely leads the charge to a more data-driven approach to restaurant management. It collates all public data available on every guest, with the full intent of turning them into loyal regulars. Using Customer Intelligence, Wisely can automate marketing efforts, create priority waitlists and reservations, and conduct customer surveys.
Wisely has variable pricing as well, but it does offer bundled packages that come with different features. Each package is tailored to your own needs and allows unlimited user licenses and flexible implementation.
9. HostMe
HostMe is a popular restaurant reservation and management software with one of the most accessible rates in the market.
An all-in-one app, HostMe offers features that can help you manage your restaurant virtually anywhere, anytime. These include table seating management, POS and social media integration, advanced analytics reports, alerts and notifications, and more.
Prices start at an affordable $29 per month for the Ordini plan, but you have to avail of the $39-monthly Piccolo plan to access the reservation features. The most expensive plan, Grande, costs $149 per month and already includes custom branding on your page and emails. All bundles come with 2-week free trials.
10. TablesReady
If you want something light, accessible, and flexible, then this is the perfect choice for you. Specifically made to be lite and mobile, TablesReady is a web-based, mobile-optimized waitlisting and queue-management software.
Guests can reserve themselves spots on your public waitlist anytime they want. Other features include customizable notifications, real-time syncing, online management, white-label branding on communication materials, and even intelligent automation.
At a nice, flat rate of $69.95, you can already access all of TablesReady’s features. There’s also a 2-week free trial available upon sign-up.
11. Eveve Telos
Telos by Eveve is a web-based, multi-featured software that can handle reservations, billing and invoicing, accounting, analytics, and even employee management.
Aside from its versatility, Telos is also known for valuing customer satisfaction more than anything with its reservation management system. With Telos, you gain access to smart table seatings, customizable reservation features, and solid customer support.
There’s no exact pricing for Eveve’s reservation software, but you can always get a quote by inquiring about the demo first.
Picking the Best Restaurant Reservation Software
And there you have it – the best online restaurant reservation software in 2021. Without a doubt, software like the ones we listed above can make the daily operations of a business run more smoothly and efficiently. Just pick the most suitable one for you and watch the benefits unfold!