Best Restaurant Booking Systems 2025: Top Picks & Comparison

Choosing the right booking system can transform your restaurant's operations. Gone are the days of managing a paper diary and answering constant phone calls: today’s digital platforms streamline everything from reservations to guest management, freeing up your time to focus on what you do best: creating an exceptional dining experience. 

But with so many options available, how do you find the perfect fit for your business? This guide compares the top restaurant booking systems to help you make an informed decision.

Why Every Restaurant Needs a Booking System

An online booking system is no longer a luxury - it’s an essential tool for modern restaurants. It works around the clock to capture reservations when you can't, turning website visitors into confirmed diners. 

By automating confirmations and reminders, it significantly reduces costly no-shows and late cancellations. This leads to better table turnover, optimised seating capacity, and a smoother workflow for your team. Ultimately, it provides a seamless and professional booking experience for your guests from the very first interaction.

How to Choose the Right Booking Software

Selecting the right software depends on your restaurant's specific needs. As you evaluate your options, consider these key factors:

• Ease of use: The system should be intuitive for all staff members, requiring minimal training.
• Mobile support: A responsive, mobile-friendly interface is crucial for managing bookings on the go.
• Integrations: Check for seamless integration with your existing Point of Sale (POS) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.
• Automation: Look for features like automated confirmations, reminders, and waitlist management to save time.
• Cost: Understand the pricing structure - is it a flat monthly fee, a per-booking charge, or a combination?
• Data insights: The ability to collect and analyse guest data is vital for making smarter business decisions.

Best Restaurant Booking Systems for 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the top platforms available in the UK, each with its own unique strengths.

TheFork Manager

TheFork Manager is an all-in-one solution designed to increase a restaurant's visibility and streamline its operations. It combines powerful table management and reservation tools with access to TheFork's vast community of diners, actively helping restaurants to fill their tables. 

Its features focus heavily on maximising occupancy and reducing no-shows through tools like booking confirmations, credit card guarantees, and guest feedback analysis.

• Pros: Access to millions of diners on TheFork marketplace, comprehensive no-show prevention tools, and smart integrations with POS and social media.

• Cons: .The pricing model can be more complex than basic systems, and its wide range of features might be overwhelming for very small venues that only require simple booking functions.

OpenTable

As one of the most recognised names in the industry, OpenTable provides restaurants with access to a massive global network of diners. Its platform offers real-time reservation management, robust table planning, and detailed reporting. Restaurants benefit from its strong brand recognition and extensive marketing options, which can help attract both locals and tourists looking for a place to eat.

• Pros: Unmatched brand recognition and a huge existing user base, powerful marketing features, and valuable performance analytics.
• Cons: Can be one of the more expensive options, with a pricing model often based on a per-diner fee, which can add up quickly.

Resy

Acquired by American Express, Resy positions itself as a modern, premium booking tool focused on hospitality. It is known for its elegant, user-friendly interface for both the restaurant and the guest. The platform excels at guest relationship management, allowing restaurants to build detailed profiles and offer personalised experiences. 

It is particularly popular with sought-after and high-end dining venues.

• Pros: Sleek and intuitive design, strong guest communication features, and integration with the American Express network.
• Cons: Its diner network is smaller than OpenTable or TheFork, and it may be perceived as being tailored more for premium or city-centre establishments.

SevenRooms

SevenRooms is a comprehensive guest experience and retention platform that goes far beyond standard bookings. It combines reservations, waitlist management, and events with a powerful CRM at its core. 

It is designed to help operators collect and leverage guest data from every touchpoint, enabling them to build direct relationships, automate marketing, and drive loyalty without relying on third-party marketplaces.

• Pros: Exceptional data collection and CRM capabilities, builds direct guest relationships, and is highly customisable for complex operations.
• Cons: It is an enterprise-level tool that can be complex and costly, making it better suited for large restaurant groups than small independents.

Eat App

Eat App is a flexible, cloud-based reservation system that is used by restaurants worldwide. It offers a simple and clean interface for managing bookings, tables, and guest information. 

The platform is adaptable, providing core reservation management features along with options for phone and email automation, making it a solid choice for restaurants looking for a modern and straightforward solution.

• Pros: Simple setup and user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, and flexible pricing plans.
• Cons: May lack some of the deeper marketing and guest acquisition features offered by larger marketplace platforms.

DesignMyNight (Access Collins)

Access Collins, the software behind the DesignMyNight marketplace, is a booking system tailored for the UK hospitality scene. It allows venues to drive bookings and be discovered by millions of monthly visitors on DesignMyNight. The system is highly adaptable, catering to restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs with features to manage standard reservations, events, and pre-orders seamlessly.

• Pros: Direct access to DesignMyNight's large UK audience, robust features for managing events and pre-payments, and excellent for multi-purpose venues.
• Cons: The subscription starts from a set monthly fee, which might be a higher entry point for very small or new restaurants.

Square for Restaurants (Reservations)

Integrated within the broader Square for Restaurants ecosystem, Square Reservations is an affordable and accessible option for many businesses. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized restaurants, cafés, and casual dining spots already using the Square POS. 

It offers essential features like table management, automated guest communication, and a public booking page.

• Pros: Seamless integration with Square POS and payments, straightforward pricing, and a simple interface perfect for smaller teams.
• Cons: Its features are less advanced than specialised, standalone booking systems, making it less suitable for fine dining or complex operations.

Tableo

Tableo is a lightweight and modern booking system designed for simplicity and efficiency. It focuses on providing essential tools like real-time reservation management, visual table planning, and easy setup. Its clean interface and straightforward approach make it an excellent choice for smaller, independent venues that need a reliable system without unnecessary complexity.

• Pros: Very easy to set up and use, affordable pricing plans, and a clean, modern interface.

• Cons: Lacks the extensive features and marketplace exposure of the larger, more established platforms.

Dojo

Dojo Bookings is a smart reservation system offered for free to businesses using Dojo’s card payment machines. It is designed to help restaurants manage bookings efficiently while protecting them from the financial impact of no-shows. Key features include easy table management, options to take deposits or pre-orders, and a virtual waitlist to handle walk-ins during busy periods.

• Pros: Free for Dojo customers, powerful tools to reduce no-shows (deposits and card capture), and simple integration with their payment services.
• Cons: The service is tied to the Dojo payment ecosystem, and it may not offer the same depth of features as a dedicated, subscription-based platform.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips to Maximise your Booking System

Simply having a booking system isn't enough; you need to use it strategically.

• Automate reminders and confirmations: Set up automatic SMS or email messages to be sent to guests before their visit. This simple step drastically reduces the chance of no-shows.
• Use waitlists and cancellation policies: During busy services, a digital waitlist helps you manage walk-ins and fill tables from last-minute cancellations. Clearly communicate your cancellation policy and consider taking deposits for large groups.
• Analyse reservation data: Use your system’s reports to understand booking patterns. Identify your busiest and quietest periods to optimise staffing, run targeted promotions, and manage your capacity more effectively.
• Integrate with POS and CRM: Connecting your booking system to other tools gives you a complete picture of your guests, from their booking habits to their average spend, allowing for a more personalised experience.

The Role of a Restaurant Booking System

In 2025, a digital booking system is fundamental to running an efficient and profitable restaurant. It enhances the guest experience, reduces costly no-shows, and provides invaluable data to help you grow. By choosing a system that aligns with your goals, you can streamline your operations and build stronger relationships with your customers.

While many platforms offer great features, TheFork Manager stands out as an all-in-one solution that not only manages your reservations but actively helps you fill your restaurant. With its powerful tools and access to a huge network of diners, it empowers you to streamline reservations, reduce no-shows, and improve customer loyalty for long-term success.

FAQ section

What is the best restaurant booking system in 2025?

The "best" system depends entirely on your restaurant's size, style, and goals. TheFork Manager is an excellent all-rounder for growth, OpenTable offers unmatched visibility, and systems like Square are perfect for smaller venues already in its ecosystem. Evaluate your specific needs using the criteria in this guide to find your ideal match.

How do booking systems reduce no-shows?

They combat no-shows in several ways: by sending automated SMS/email reminders, allowing you to set clear cancellation policies, and enabling you to take credit card details or deposits to secure bookings. This creates a stronger commitment from the diner.

Can reservation software integrate with POS and CRM tools?

Yes, most leading booking systems are designed to integrate with popular POS and CRM platforms. This integration creates a unified view of your guest, linking their booking information with their order history and preferences to enable a more personalised service.

Are there affordable booking systems for small restaurants?

Absolutely. Systems like Square for Restaurants, Tableo, and Dojo (if you use their payment services) offer very affordable or even free entry points. They provide all the essential features a small restaurant needs to manage bookings without a large financial commitment.

What features should I look for in a booking system?

Key features include real-time table management, automated guest confirmations and reminders, waitlist management, guest database (CRM) capabilities, and reporting/analytics. Also, consider integrations with your website, social media, and POS system.

How can booking systems improve customer loyalty?

By creating a guest database, you can track diner preferences, visit history, and special occasions like birthdays. This data allows you to offer a personalised experience, run targeted email campaigns, and make your guests feel valued, encouraging them to return.

Do booking platforms also manage waitlists and walk-ins?

Yes, most modern booking systems include features to manage both digital waitlists and walk-ins. This allows your front-of-house team to quote accurate wait times, send an SMS when a table is ready, and manage floor capacity efficiently during busy services.