Choose the Right Reservation Platform: Opentable, Resy, and Tock Compared

TLDR

When selecting a reservation platform, restaurant owners often find themselves choosing between OpenTable, Resy, and Tock. Each platform comes with its own strengths, weaknesses, and areas of specialization. The choice depends not just on costs or ease of use but also on the type of guests you want to attract and the style of your restaurant. Here, we’ll lay out a clear comparison to help you decide what might work best for your business.

‍

Understanding the Audience

One of the key differences between these platforms is who uses them. OpenTable typically has an older clientele, people who have been using the platform for years and often turn to it first when booking a table. Resy, on the other hand, tends to attract a younger, more affluent crowd, with many users tied to perks through cards like American Express Platinum. Tock doesn’t have the same reach as the other two; it’s a niche platform used primarily for high-touch experiences and ticketed events.

If you’re in a location with an older demographic or tourists looking for reliable, well-known reservation systems, Opentable can help you get discovered. However, if your audience skews younger, with a taste for trending spots and unique experiences, Resy could be a better fit. Tock works well if you’re offering something truly distinctive that relies more on prepayment and special experiences than high foot traffic.

Opentable: The Broadest Reach

OpenTable is the largest of the three. It’s a third-party marketplace for reservations, similar in concept to delivery platforms like DoorDash. This broad reach can be particularly helpful if you’re opening a new restaurant in a busy urban center. When people are searching for a place to eat, they often turn to OpenTable first. This gives you instant visibility.

One of OpenTable’s strengths lies in its interface. From the guest side to the back-end tools for staff, the system is intuitive and easy to navigate. Training new staff members to use it is straightforward. Reports and analytics are also easy to generate, making it simple to keep an eye on performance metrics.

However, OpenTable’s largest audience doesn’t always translate to the most engaged diners. It has 4.8 million ratings in the App Store, compared to Resy’s 413.4k ratings. While OpenTable can bring you a large pool of potential customers, many of these diners may not be as discerning or loyal as those who seek out more curated experiences.

Resy: The Younger, Affluent Market

Resy began as an invite-only platform, and that air of exclusivity still lingers today. Its audience is typically younger and has a higher net worth. These guests expect top-notch service, memorable dishes, and thoughtful decor. Resy users often have higher expectations and are less forgiving if the experience doesn’t match what they see on the app.

While its audience is smaller, Resy’s reach tends to be deeper. These diners dine out often, and they’re more likely to become repeat guests if they have a great experience. The platform also has a reputation for superior support. Staff on Resy’s team take the time to answer questions and find workable solutions, creating a smoother experience for restaurant owners.

Tock: Focused on Experience-First Dining

Tock isn’t as mainstream as OpenTable or Resy. It has carved out a space in wine country in California and other locations with a focus on immersive, pre-paid experiences. If your restaurant hosts ticketed events, prix-fixe menus, or other special formats, Tock can be a perfect fit. It’s not a discovery tool like OpenTable — you won’t get new customers just by being on Tock. But for established places with a solid reputation and a unique offering, it’s a way to manage demand and reduce no-shows.

Tock’s interface is simple and works well for lower-volume, high-ticket experiences. However, for restaurants that rely on daily covers and table turns, it might not be as robust.

Comparing Pricing Structures

Pricing is the major consideration when choosing a reservation platform. Here’s how the three stack up:

Tock has a tiered model that starts at $79 per month with a 3% fee on prepayments for its Base plan. This option is best for managing walk-in traffic. Essential, its next tier at $199 per month, adds reservation and takeout capabilities. Premium, at $339 per month, offers advanced features like API access and POS integration. There’s also a Premium Unlimited tier at $769 per month with no prepayment fees and comprehensive tools and support.

Resy’s pricing begins at $249 per month for its Basic plan. Platform 360, the most popular option at $399 per month, adds event management and guest insights. For multi-location businesses, Resy’s Enterprise plan costs $899 per month and includes advanced reporting and premium support.

OpenTable has three tiers: Basic at $149 per month, Core at $299 per month, and Pro at $499 per month. Unlike Tock and Resy, OpenTable doesn’t list extensive details about what each plan includes publicly, but the general progression adds advanced table management and relationship tools as you go up.

‍

Where Each Platform Shines

OpenTable’s strength lies in its sheer size and name recognition. If you’re in a busy market and want to build awareness quickly, especially if you’re a new restaurant without a built-in customer base, OpenTable can deliver exposure. Its larger audience can help fill tables, and its back-end interface is user-friendly for staff training and management.

Resy caters to a younger, affluent crowd who care deeply about the dining experience. If you have an elevated concept, Resy might be the better choice. Its users are loyal and often more likely to seek out the best of what’s new and unique. Plus, Resy’s excellent client support can be invaluable when your team needs help fine-tuning operations.

Tock’s model is best suited for destination-driven, experience-first dining. If you’re in a niche market like wine country or if your restaurant offers a ticketed dining model, Tock’s tools can help you manage bookings and reduce no-shows. However, don’t expect to build brand awareness through Tock alone—it’s a great operational tool, not a marketing engine.

Consider the Local Market

Beyond features and price, consider your local market when choosing a platform. In New York, for example, many diners start their search for a table right on the reservation platform. If you’re opening in a neighborhood where diners default to OpenTable, you might want to be there just to get in front of those potential customers.

But if your restaurant has already built buzz, perhaps you are a James Beard restaurant or a sought-after concept, Resy or Tock can better align with your brand’s identity. Resy’s high-end positioning and its Amex Platinum perks can draw in guests who want something memorable and exclusive.

‍

Ease of Use and Support

Restaurant owners consistently note that OpenTable’s interface is easy to train on and intuitive to navigate. This can be critical for new staff who need to get up to speed quickly. Reporting tools are built in, making it easier to monitor your numbers.

Resy’s interface is also solid, but what really stands out is its customer support. Staff are responsive, friendly, and proactive in solving problems. This level of attention can make a real difference if you’re fine-tuning reservations and want to create a seamless experience for guests.

Tock is straightforward to use for restaurants that don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. If you’re hosting smaller, premium events or relying on prepayments to secure bookings, it can be the most efficient choice.

Here is the checklist to consider before choosing the right platform for your business.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a reservation platform is about aligning your restaurant’s needs with the habits of your guests and the identity of your brand. If you’re a new spot in a business hub, OpenTable’s massive reach can help build your name. If your audience is younger and you’re creating a high-end dining experience, Resy can help you reach those guests who want more than just a meal. And if you’re hosting unique events or intimate dinners, Tock’s ticketing and experience-first tools can support your approach.

Evaluate where your restaurant fits in this landscape. Consider who you want to reach, what you need from a back-end system, and how you want to present your brand to the world. The right reservation platform can do more than fill tables—it can help shape the story you tell to every guest who walks through your door.

‍