Opentable

What is opentable

OpenTable is an online restaurant reservation platform that connects diners with restaurants and provides a suite of restaurant management tools. For diners it is a consumer-facing service and mobile app that lets users search restaurants, read reviews, see real-time availability, and book tables. For restaurants it provides a reservation and guest-management product that handles bookings, guest profiles, floor planning, and integrations with point-of-sale and marketing systems.

OpenTable operates as both a marketplace (exposing restaurant availability to millions of diners) and a software provider for restaurants. The product mix includes a free consumer booking experience, a subscription or pay-per-reservation model for restaurants, and add-on professional services like on-boarding and promotional placement. The platform emphasizes real-time availability, group and special-event booking support, and analytics for revenue management.

Because OpenTable serves two distinct audiences (diners and restaurants), its features and billing models differ between those groups. Diners use the service for discovery and convenience; restaurants use the service to reduce no-shows, capture guest data, and simplify front-of-house operations.

OpenTable features

OpenTable’s features are split across the diner experience and the restaurant management product set. On the diner side, core features include search and discovery, reviews, curated lists, and mobile booking. On the restaurant side, the suite focuses on reservations, table management, guest profiles, reporting, and third-party integrations.

Key restaurant-facing features include waitlist and host stand management, configurable floor plans, automatic table assignment, customizable booking rules, and tools for managing private dining or events. The system captures and stores guest preferences, visit history, and contact information to power marketing and loyalty initiatives.

Operational features for restaurants include real-time availability, automated confirmations and reminders, waitlist SMS notifications, shift and seating optimization tools, and reporting dashboards with metrics such as covers per service, no-show rate, and booking lead times. The platform also supports multiple locations with centralized reporting for multi-unit operators.

OpenTable provides promotion and discovery features to restaurants, such as featured placement in search results, promotional marketing campaigns, and integration with listing pages that help restaurants reach diners actively searching for reservations.

What does opentable do?

OpenTable enables diners to find and reserve tables online and enables restaurants to accept and manage those reservations in one system. Diners can filter by cuisine, price range, neighborhood, time, and ratings; they can also see available times and book instantly without calling the restaurant.

For restaurants, OpenTable centralizes bookings coming from its website, mobile app, the restaurant’s own website via an embedded widget, and connected partner channels. The system routes reservations to a host stand app or desktop dashboard and synchronizes availability across channels to avoid double bookings.

OpenTable also helps restaurants collect guest contact details and visit history, which can be used for follow-up marketing, targeted promotions, and loyalty programs. Its reporting tools let restaurants analyze booking patterns and adjust service or staffing plans.

OpenTable pricing

OpenTable offers these pricing plans:

• Free Plan: $0/month for diners using the consumer app and web booking.
• Starter: $0/month plus per-reservation fees for basic presence on the OpenTable network and pay-per-cover functionality (rates vary by market).
• Professional: $199/month plus lower per-reservation fees for restaurants that want a dedicated management suite, table management, and enhanced reporting.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact OpenTable) for large multi-unit groups and full-service integrations.

The consumer-facing OpenTable service is free for diners; the restaurant product uses a mix of subscription and transaction billing that can vary by region, seat type and volume. Check the OpenTable restaurant product and pricing details on the OpenTable restaurant pricing page for the latest regional plans and enterprise options: View the OpenTable restaurant pricing (https://restaurant.opentable.com/pricing).

OpenTable also offers add-on paid services such as marketing placements, guest CRM integrations, and onboarding packages that are quoted separately and can affect monthly costs.

How much is opentable per month

OpenTable starts at $0/month for a basic listing or pay-per-reservation option for restaurants that prefer a pay-for-performance model. Restaurants that select a managed subscription typically pay from $199/month for the core management suite. Larger operations pay custom monthly fees in Enterprise agreements.

Monthly costs will vary by region, whether the restaurant opts for included marketing/promotional placements, and the number of covers processed through the network. Always confirm current monthly rates and any promotional credits on the OpenTable restaurant pricing page (https://restaurant.opentable.com/pricing).

How much is opentable per year

OpenTable costs approximately $2,388/year for a Professional subscription at $199/month when billed monthly; enterprise and multi-location contracts are quoted annually. Restaurants using the pay-per-reservation model may effectively pay $0/year in base subscription but pay transaction fees that scale with covers and bookings.

Annual contracts for Enterprise customers typically bundle software, onboarding, and marketing services into a single annual fee. For exact yearly pricing tailored to your region and volume, consult the OpenTable sales team via the OpenTable restaurant product page (https://restaurant.opentable.com/).

How much is opentable in general

OpenTable pricing ranges from $0 (consumer use or a pay-per-reservation listing) to $199+/month for professional restaurant software and custom enterprise pricing for larger groups. Small restaurants with low reservation volumes can run on a pay-per-reservation plan with little or no base subscription cost, while higher-volume and multi-location operators will typically choose subscription plans to reduce marginal transaction fees and access advanced features.

When planning budget, account for potential add-ons such as marketing placements, SMS messaging credits, hardware (front-of-house tablets or printers), and integration costs with POS or CRM systems. For a full breakdown of available features and regional rates, review OpenTable’s restaurant pricing breakdown (https://restaurant.opentable.com/pricing).

What is opentable used for

OpenTable is used to manage and accept restaurant reservations, reduce booking friction for diners, and centralize guest data for marketing and service personalization. Restaurants use it to control availability, manage waitlists, and analyze reservation trends to optimize staffing and service flow.

The platform is also used to improve discoverability: restaurants listed on OpenTable gain exposure to the platform’s large user base and can use featured placement or promotional tools to fill slow nights. Managers use OpenTable reports to forecast busy periods and set booking policies such as seating times and booking windows.

For diners, OpenTable is primarily used to discover restaurants, compare availability and reviews, and book a table quickly. The platform also supports group bookings, special requests, and the ability to earn diner loyalty recognition in some markets.

Pros and cons of opentable

OpenTable is widely adopted and gives restaurants access to a large audience of diners and a mature reservation platform with proven front-of-house tools. Its strengths include robust discovery features, reliable real-time availability, and integrations with third-party systems.

Common advantages cited by restaurants include centralized bookings across channels, detailed guest profiles that enable personalized service, and analytics that support operational decisions. The platform’s ubiquity also helps restaurants attract new diners who use OpenTable as their primary search method for reservations.

On the downside, OpenTable’s marketplace model can be more expensive than some direct-booking or lower-cost competitors, especially for small restaurants with tight margins. Some restaurants prefer competing systems that emphasize direct website bookings or lower per-cover fees. Dependence on a third-party marketplace can also reduce direct relationships with diners if restaurants do not collect guest contact information for their own CRM.

Operationally, restaurants need to configure booking rules carefully to avoid overbooking and to manage no-show policies; staff training on the host-side software is required to get the most benefit. For restaurants that prefer an all-in-one POS and reservation system from a single vendor, integrations can add complexity.

OpenTable free trial

OpenTable periodically offers trial or demo access for restaurants evaluating the platform. Trial programs typically include a guided onboarding session, a time-limited access to the management console, and training resources so staff can test reservation workflows and table management.

The availability and length of free trials vary by region and whether the restaurant is a single location or part of a multi-unit group. In many cases OpenTable will provide a live demo and temporary access to administrative features to validate fit before a commercial agreement.

To arrange a trial or product demo, restaurants should request a consultation through the OpenTable restaurant product contact channels: schedule a demo on the OpenTable restaurant product page (https://restaurant.opentable.com/).

Is opentable free

Yes, OpenTable is free for diners to search and book restaurants. The consumer app and reservation process do not require payment from diners for standard bookings. For restaurants, a basic listing or pay-per-reservation option can be structured with $0/month base subscription but with per-reservation fees; full restaurant management subscriptions are paid products.

Restaurants evaluating the platform should confirm the cost structure that applies to their market and desired feature set with OpenTable sales, since regional variations and promotional offerings can change the cost picture.

OpenTable API

OpenTable provides API access and partner integrations to allow third-party systems to read availability, create reservations, and sync guest data where partnership agreements exist. The API is typically offered to channel partners, integrated booking widgets, and enterprise customers who require custom connectivity.

Common use cases for OpenTable’s APIs include embedding the reservation widget on a restaurant’s website, syncing bookings with a restaurant’s point-of-sale or CRM, and connecting availability with channel partners such as hotel concierge systems. Partner APIs also support two-way sync so that cancellations or modifications are reflected across connected systems.

Documentation and access to the OpenTable partner and developer resources are managed through their restaurant partner pages and developer portals. For integration guides and partnership details, see the OpenTable partner and integration information: OpenTable integrations and partner developer resources (https://restaurant.opentable.com/integrations).

10 OpenTable alternatives

Below are commercial and open-source alternatives that restaurants evaluate instead of or alongside OpenTable. Each alternative emphasizes different trade-offs between cost, discovery, direct bookings, and integrated POS functionality.

Paid alternatives to opentable

• Resy — Focuses on a modern reservation experience with table management, waitlist, and a strong brand for discovery. Resy often attracts higher-end dining audiences and offers both subscription and transaction models.

• Yelp Reservations — Combines Yelp listing visibility with a reservation product that integrates with Yelp profiles and the Yelp app, making it attractive for businesses relying on Yelp traffic.

• SevenRooms — Emphasizes guest relationship management and direct revenue optimization. SevenRooms provides robust CRM, marketing automation, and loyalty features aimed at higher-touch hospitality operations.

• Tock — Known for ticketed experiences and flexible revenue models (prepaid events, tasting menus). Tock is frequently chosen by restaurants that run reservations with deposits or requires advance payments.

• Quandoo — Offers reservation management and global distribution similar to OpenTable and targets international markets with marketplace exposure.

• Square for Restaurants — While Square is primarily a POS vendor, its booking and customer-facing features are integrated tightly with payments and can be a lower-cost option for restaurants wanting unified systems.

Open source alternatives to opentable

• Odoo (Website Booking module) — Odoo is an open-source ERP with website booking modules that can be adapted for restaurant reservations. It requires setup and customization but provides full control over data and workflows.

• Floreant POS — Floreant POS is an open-source point-of-sale system with table management features. It’s more POS-focused but can be extended for reservation workflows with development.

• Simple-Booking (self-hosted booking systems) — A range of lightweight, self-hosted booking scripts and open-source booking engines can be adapted for small restaurants and cafes that want direct control without marketplace dependency.

• OpenResa (community projects) — Community-driven reservation projects and plugins for CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal) provide simple direct-booking widgets for restaurants that prefer to keep bookings on their sites.

• ERPNext (custom booking apps) — ERPNext is an open-source ERP that can be extended with custom apps for bookings; it requires implementation effort but offers full data ownership.

Frequently asked questions about OpenTable

What is OpenTable used for?

OpenTable is used for online restaurant reservations and guest management. Diners use it to discover restaurants, check availability, read reviews, and book tables, while restaurants use it to accept reservations, manage seating and waitlists, and capture guest data for service and marketing.

Does OpenTable integrate with point-of-sale systems?

Yes, OpenTable integrates with many POS systems through official integrations and partner connectors. Integration options vary by POS vendor and region; integrations commonly sync covers and revenue data and can pass reservation details to the POS to support service flow and reporting.

How much does OpenTable cost per user or per restaurant?

OpenTable starts at $0/month for consumer use and a pay-per-reservation listing for some restaurants. Professional subscriptions for restaurants typically begin around $199/month, while Enterprise pricing is quoted per customer. Exact fees depend on region, volume and selected features.

Is there a free version of OpenTable for restaurants?

Yes, there is a pay-per-reservation listing option that can operate with a $0 monthly base fee. This model charges transaction or cover fees instead of a fixed subscription; full-feature subscriptions with table management and reporting are paid.

Can restaurants embed OpenTable on their own websites?

Yes, restaurants can embed OpenTable’s reservation widget on their websites. The widget connects to the restaurant’s OpenTable availability and allows diners to book without leaving the restaurant’s site; embedding instructions and widget options are provided in OpenTable’s restaurant partner resources.

Does OpenTable offer a developer API for integrations?

Yes, OpenTable provides partner APIs and integration options for channel partners and enterprise customers. APIs support availability queries, booking creation, cancellations, and guest data sync; access typically requires a partnership agreement and API credentials.

How does OpenTable handle no-shows and cancellations?

OpenTable provides tools to reduce no-shows including confirmation messages, cancellations handling, and waitlist management. Restaurants can configure booking policies, require deposits for no-show-prone services, and use SMS reminders to reduce no-shows.

Can OpenTable manage private events and large bookings?

Yes, OpenTable supports private dining and large-party management. The platform provides workflows for event inquiries, blocked time slots, and private-booking rules, and can route group requests to designated staff for follow-up.

Is OpenTable secure for storing guest data?

Yes, OpenTable uses industry-standard security practices for guest data. The platform protectsBookings and guest records with access controls, encrypted connections, and compliance measures; restaurants should review the OpenTable security and privacy documentation for details relevant to their market.

Where can I get help and training for OpenTable?

OpenTable provides onboarding, training resources, and a help center for restaurant partners. Paid plans often include enhanced onboarding and access to account management resources, while online documentation, webinars, and support portals are available for self-service learning.

opentable careers

OpenTable maintains a corporate organization with roles spanning product management, engineering, sales, onboarding, marketing, and customer support. Career opportunities typically focus on hospitality technology, consumer product design, and platform operations. Teams include people who specialize in marketplace growth, partner integration, and restaurant success management.

For those interested in working on restaurant technology, OpenTable careers pages and company job listings describe openings, required qualifications, and the company’s approach to product and customer support. Joining the company may involve technical interviews, hospitality-focused case studies, and role-specific assessments.

Employees at OpenTable often work cross-functionally with restaurant partners to improve products, so experience in hospitality operations, SaaS product delivery, or marketplace management can be advantageous. For current openings and application instructions, check OpenTable’s careers portal on their corporate site (https://www.opentable.com/).

opentable affiliate

OpenTable runs affiliate and partner programs that let websites, travel providers, and content platforms link to OpenTable booking flows and earn referral credits in applicable markets. Affiliate relationships are managed through partner programs that provide tracking, widgets, and reporting.

Potential affiliates—such as travel agencies, hotel groups, and food publications—can apply to become partners and receive marketing support and API access where appropriate. Affiliate commissions and program terms vary by market and the partner contract.

To explore affiliate opportunities and partnership requirements, review OpenTable partner information and reach out through the OpenTable partner pages (https://restaurant.opentable.com/partners).

Where to find opentable reviews

Independent reviews of OpenTable can be found on software reviews sites, app stores, and industry publications. Restaurants often review OpenTable on platforms such as G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot for business-facing feedback, while diners leave reviews for the consumer app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

For detailed, up-to-date feedback from restaurants, check reviews and case studies on restaurant technology review sites and hospitality forums. For user experience feedback from diners, consult OpenTable’s listing in mobile app stores and user review sections on food and travel sites. For official materials and case studies, see OpenTable’s restaurant success stories and resource center (https://restaurant.opentable.com/).