If you manage a restaurant, you’ve likely thought about what more you can do to bring in guests, reduce no-shows, and keep things running smoothly during busy hours.

One tool that more restaurants across the United States are turning to is an online restaurant reservation system.

You’ve probably used one yourself — maybe as a diner booking a table on your phone. But running your own restaurant through a restaurant reservation system is a different experience.

These systems can help you manage traffic, collect guest data, plan ahead, and save time.

For many restaurants, they’ve become a core part of how they operate every day.

In this guide, we’ll explain how restaurant reservation systems work, what they cost, how to set them up, and which U.S. companies lead the space. We’ll also cover how to measure success and choose a system that fits your goals.

If you’ve never signed up for a restaurant reservations system before, or didn’t follow up after being contacted, this will help you decide with confidence.

You don’t need a tech team or a big budget — just the right info.

Let’s walk through how online restaurant reservation systems can work for your business.

What Is a Restaurant Reservation System?

A restaurant reservation system is software that allows restaurants to take and manage table bookings digitally. Instead of answering phone calls or writing in a physical logbook, reservations are handled in one place — updated in real time.

For example, when a guest wants to reserve a table for 7 PM, they simply go online, choose the time, and the booking is confirmed instantly. The system records the reservation and adds it to your schedule so staff can plan ahead without confusion.

An online restaurant reservation system also helps you control when and how people can book. You can set rules for lead time, party size, or limit bookings during peak hours. Some systems even let you collect guest details, track repeat visitors, and manage last-minute cancellations.

Most restaurant reservations systems also come with extra tools like reminders, guest notes, and waitlists. This helps you stay organized, reduce no-shows, and give a better experience to your guests — all with less effort from your team.

Why Use a Restaurant Reservation System for Your Business?

Over 80% of diners now prefer to book a table online rather than calling, according to recent U.S. industry reports. That shift alone shows why using a restaurant reservation system is no longer optional — it's essential for staying competitive.

If your restaurant still takes bookings only by phone or walk-ins, you're missing out on tools that can help you grow. A restaurant reservation system isn’t just a modern feature. It’s now a basic part of daily operations for many U.S. restaurants.

Here’s how a restaurant reservations system can help your business:

1. It Saves Time and Reduces Staff Stress

Handling bookings manually takes time. Staff answer calls, write things down, and manage no-shows — all while trying to serve guests. With an online restaurant reservation system, bookings come in automatically. Guests pick a time, and your system updates in real time. Your team can focus on service instead of the phone.

2. It Helps You Increase Bookings, Even During Slow Hours

Many restaurant reservation systems let you add booking buttons to your website, Google listing, or even through email links. This gives diners multiple ways to reserve without calling. You can also offer promos during slower hours — like 10% off early tables — and fill more seats.

3. It Reduces No-Shows With Automation and Policies

One of the biggest issues in the business is people not showing up. A good restaurant reservations system sends reminders automatically and allows you to charge a fee for missed bookings when needed. This reduces wasted time and lost revenue.

4. It Helps You Collect and Use Guest Data Effectively

These systems let you collect useful data — like guest names, preferences, birthdays, and visit history. Some online restaurant reservation systems even track repeat customers or let you tag VIPs. This helps you personalize service and connect with your best guests through emails or texts.

5.It Makes Staffing and Inventory Planning Easier

When you know how many bookings are coming in each night, it’s easier to plan ahead. You can schedule the right number of staff, prep ingredients based on demand, and manage orders more accurately.

Top 5 Restaurant Reservation Systems in the U.S.

There are many systems out there, but not all of them serve the U.S. market or fit your restaurant’s style. Below are five of the top restaurant reservation systems used by U.S.-based restaurants right now.

We’ll go over the key features, pros and cons, and what kind of restaurant each is best for.

• 1. Open Table

  Best for: Full-service restaurants that want reach and exposure

  Website: opentable.com

  OpenTable is the biggest name in restaurant reservation systems. It's trusted by thousands of restaurants and has millions of diners booking through its app and site.

  

  Pros:

  • ✅ Massive diner network

  • ✅ Syncs with Google, website, and socials

  • ✅ Good reporting and marketing tools

  Cons:

  • ⚠️ Monthly fee plus per-cover fees

  • ⚠️ Can be expensive for small venues

  Pricing: Starts at $39/month (basic), up to $449/month (premium), plus $1–$1.50 per seated diner from OpenTable network

• 2. Resy

  Best for: Upscale, trendy restaurants

  Website: resy.com

  Owned by American Express, Resy is known for its clean design and focus on high-end dining. Diners also love the waitlist and notification features.

  

  Pros:

  • ✅ Stylish and user-friendly app

  • ✅ AMEX exposure for premium guests

  • ✅ Waitlists, guest notes, and table management

  Cons:

  • ⚠️ Limited exposure compared to OpenTable

  • ⚠️ Higher cost than entry-level platforms

  Pricing: Custom pricing only. Average range: $249–$899/month

• 3. Yelp Guest Manager

  Best for: Restaurants that rely on Yelp reviews and search

  Website: restaurants.yelp.com

  This restaurant reservations system connects directly with your Yelp listing. When diners search, they can book without leaving Yelp.

  

  Pros:

  • ✅ Great for visibility through Yelp

  • ✅ Simple setup and training

  • ✅ Built-in waitlist management

  Cons:

  • ⚠️ Fewer advanced features

  • ⚠️ Yelp’s reputation may not appeal to everyone

  Pricing: Starting at $99/month

• 4. Tock

  Best for: Experiences, tastings, and prepaid bookings

  Website: exploretock.com

  Tock gives restaurants more control. It supports prepayment, deposits, and full event-style bookings.

  

  Pros:

  • ✅ Excellent for fine dining or ticketed events

  • ✅ Prepaid options to reduce no-shows

  • ✅ Custom add-ons and menu packages

  Cons:

  • ⚠️ Learning curve for setup

  • ⚠️ May be too advanced for casual restaurants

  Pricing: Starts at $199/month with 3% prepaid fee

• 5. TableIn

  Best for: Small or independent restaurants on a budget

  Website: tablein.com

  TableIn is an affordable restaurant reservation system that's easy to set up. It doesn't charge per diner and suits small venues.

  

  Pros:

  • ✅ Simple, low-cost plan

  • ✅ No per-cover fees

  • ✅ Syncs with Google and website easily

  Cons:

  • ⚠️ Fewer features compared to bigger names

  • ⚠️ Smaller diner network

  Pricing: Around $90/month

How to Enroll and Set Up a Restaurant Reservation System?

Once you’ve chosen a provider, it’s time to set up your restaurant reservation system. While each system is a bit different, the general process is similar.

Here’s how it works with OpenTable — one of the most well-known platforms in the U.S.

Step 1: Contact and Consultation

Visit OpenTable for Restaurants.

You'll find a “Request a Demo” button. Fill out the form with your name, restaurant name, location, and contact details. A representative will contact you to walk through the features and answer your questions.

You’ll discuss:

• ✅ Your business goals

• ✅ Number of tables

• ✅ Peak hours and average daily bookings

• ✅ Your existing systems (POS, website, etc.)

Step 2: Choose a Plan

OpenTable offers multiple tiers depending on your needs. The sales rep will help you choose the right plan based on your goals and volume:

• 💰 Basic Plan – For those who just want a booking widget on their own site

• 💰💰 Core Plan – Includes access to OpenTable’s diner network

• 💰💰💰 Pro Plan – Includes guest insights, marketing tools, and full analytics

Step 3: Onboarding and Setup

Once enrolled, an onboarding specialist will help you set up your restaurant profile. OpenTable will also help you install the booking widget on your website and Google Business Profile.

This includes:

• 1️⃣ Hours of operation

• 2️⃣ Table layout and seating rules

• 3️⃣ Reservation rules (cut-off times, lead times, etc.)

• 4️⃣ Cancellation policies

• 5️⃣ Integrations (e.g., Google, Instagram)

Step 4: Staff Training

Training is typically done online. The training doesn't take long. Most restaurants are fully operational within 1–2 weeks.

Your team will learn how to:

• 💯 Confirm, cancel, and adjust reservations

• 💯 View guest history

• 💯 Use waitlist features

• 💯 Handle walk-ins alongside online bookings

How to Measure the Success of a Restaurant Reservation System?

After setup, you’ll want to make sure the system is helping — not just running quietly in the background.

Here’s how to measure success.

• 1. Reservation Volume

  Track how many reservations you’re getting weekly and monthly. Are numbers going up? Are new guests finding you? All restaurant reservation systems offer dashboards for this. For example, OpenTable and Resy show:

  • ✅ Bookings from your website

  • ✅ Bookings from their app

  • ✅ Repeat vs. new guests

  If you see bookings grow month over month, the system is working.

• 2. Fewer No-Shows

  This is one of the biggest benefits. Compare your no-show rate before and after. Many restaurants see a 20–30% drop when using a restaurant reservations system with reminders or deposits.

• 3. Better Table Turnover

  Good reservation systems help you space bookings and reduce long waits. If your team feels more organized and your seating is smoother, that’s a good sign.

• 4. Guest Retention

  Many online restaurant reservation systems let you tag regulars, send emails, and even collect feedback. Over time, you should see more returning guests — and better reviews.

• 5. Increased Revenue

  More bookings, fewer gaps, and targeted marketing usually lead to higher daily sales. Some systems like Tock also let you upsell wine pairings, chef specials, or private events — which means higher ticket sizes.

How to Maintain Your Reservation System?

A restaurant reservation system isn't “set it and forget it,” but it's also not high-maintenance.

Here’s what you’ll need to keep up with once it’s running.

• 1. Update Hours and Closures

  If you change your business hours, remember to update your settings. You don’t want guests booking during off-hours or holidays.

• 2. Monitor No-Shows and Late Cancellations

  Most platforms show patterns. If certain time slots have more no-shows, you can tweak your booking rules. You might shorten the grace period or require a card hold.

• 3. Respond to Guest Feedback

  Many platforms let guests leave private feedback after dining. This is useful for spotting service issues and improving guest experience.

• 4. Review Analytics Regularly

  Take 10–15 minutes each week to review. These numbers help you make smarter choices — from staffing to marketing.

  • ✅ Guest volume

  • ✅ Table usage

  • ✅ Average party size

  • ✅ Repeat visits

• 5. Keep Your Team Trained on the System

  As staff change or systems get updates, make sure your team stays familiar with how the reservation platform works. A quick refresher can prevent mistakes and keep service smooth.

Takeaway: Should You Use a Restaurant Reservation System?

If you’re running a restaurant in the U.S. today, using a restaurant reservation system is no longer just “nice to have.” It’s quickly becoming a standard part of the business.

And for many restaurants, it brings real benefits — from reduced no-shows and more guests, to better planning and stronger relationships with regulars.

The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to get started. All the top online restaurant reservation systems in this article offer hands-on support, training, and tools to help you succeed.

Start by reviewing your goals. Think about what matters most: exposure, control, cost, or simplicity. Then compare the top providers — OpenTable, Resy, Yelp Guest Manager, Tock, and TableIn — and choose one that fits your restaurant.

Getting started takes just a few hours. And if done right, it could help your business grow for years to come.