Top 5 Restaurant Table Management Apps in 2025
Simple Host Team
Choosing the right table management app can transform your restaurant's operations. With so many options available, finding the perfect fit for your needs isn't always easy. We've researched and compared the top solutions to help you make an informed decision.
What to Look for in a Table Management App
Before diving into our top picks, here's what matters most when evaluating table management software:
- Ease of use: Your staff should be able to learn it quickly
- Pricing transparency: No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Feature set: Waitlist, reservations, floor plans, and guest management
- Device compatibility: Works on your existing hardware
- Customer support: Help when you need it
With those criteria in mind, here are our top 5 picks for 2025:
Simple Host
Best for: Restaurants wanting powerful features without the complexity or high costs
Simple Host stands out for its combination of comprehensive features and straightforward pricing. Built by restaurant owners who understood the frustrations of existing solutions, it delivers enterprise-level functionality at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- Flat monthly pricing ($49.99-$99.99)
- No per-cover fees ever
- Android, iOS, and web browser support
- Visual floor plan builder
- Server rotation and section management
- Online waitlist and reservations
- Rollover SMS included (250-1,000/month)
- 5-minute setup
Cons:
- Newer to market (less brand recognition)
- No consumer-facing booking app
Pricing: $49.99/month (Basic), $69.99/month (Professional), $99.99/month (VIP). 7-day free trial, no credit card required.
OpenTable
Best for: Restaurants prioritizing exposure to new diners
OpenTable is the industry giant with the largest diner network. If getting discovered by new customers is your priority, their consumer-facing app delivers millions of potential guests. However, this exposure comes at a significant cost.
Pros:
- Massive diner network
- Strong brand recognition
- Comprehensive feature set
- Marketing tools included
Cons:
- Per-cover fees add up quickly ($1-$7.50 per cover)
- Annual contracts required
- Complex pricing structure
- Diners may not return directly to you
Pricing: $149-$499/month base + $1-$7.50 per cover depending on source. Annual contract required.
Resy
Best for: Upscale urban restaurants seeking a "cool" factor
Owned by American Express, Resy has positioned itself as the premium choice for trendy, high-end restaurants. Their sleek app and exclusive partnerships appeal to a specific demographic, but the pricing reflects that premium positioning.
Pros:
- Modern, sleek interface
- AmEx partnership benefits
- Notify feature for fully-booked restaurants
- Strong in urban markets
Cons:
- Premium pricing ($249-$899/month)
- Less effective outside major cities
- Limited integration options
- Focused on reservations, less on waitlist
Pricing: $249/month (Platform), $499/month (Platform Pro), $899/month (Full Stack). Annual contracts typical.
Yelp Guest Manager
Best for: Restaurants already invested in the Yelp ecosystem
Yelp Guest Manager (formerly Yelp Waitlist) integrates with your Yelp business page, letting diners join your waitlist or make reservations directly. It's convenient if you already rely on Yelp for reviews and visibility.
Pros:
- Yelp page integration
- Waitlist and reservations in one
- Guest history and preferences
- Table management features
Cons:
- Per-cover fees on some plans
- Tied to Yelp ecosystem
- Monthly fees plus usage fees
- Mixed reviews on customer support
Pricing: $99-$299/month depending on features. Additional per-cover fees may apply.
Toast Tables
Best for: Restaurants already using Toast POS
Toast Tables is the reservation and waitlist add-on for Toast's popular POS system. If you're already a Toast customer, the integration is seamless. However, it requires being in the Toast ecosystem to use effectively.
Pros:
- Native Toast POS integration
- Unified guest data
- Waitlist and reservations
- Two-way SMS messaging
Cons:
- Requires Toast POS
- Additional monthly cost on top of POS
- Less feature-rich than standalone solutions
- Limited floor plan customization
Pricing: $75/month add-on to Toast POS subscription.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Starting Price | Per-Cover Fees | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Host | $49.99/mo | None | None |
| OpenTable | $149/mo | $1-$7.50 | Annual |
| Resy | $249/mo | None | Annual |
| Yelp Guest Manager | $99/mo | Some plans | Varies |
| Toast Tables | $75/mo* | None | With POS |
*Requires Toast POS subscription
The Bottom Line
The "best" table management app depends entirely on your restaurant's specific needs:
- Best overall value: Simple Host offers the most features at the most predictable price point
- Best for new customer acquisition: OpenTable's massive network can drive discovery
- Best for upscale urban restaurants: Resy's brand appeals to the fine dining crowd
- Best for Yelp-focused businesses: Yelp Guest Manager keeps everything in one ecosystem
- Best for Toast users: Toast Tables if you're already committed to their POS
For most independent restaurants looking for powerful features without complex pricing, Simple Host represents the best combination of functionality and value. The flat monthly fee means you'll never be surprised by your bill, and the comprehensive feature set covers everything from waitlist management to server rotation.
Whatever you choose, moving from paper and pencil to a digital solution will transform your front-of-house operations. The question is just finding the right fit for your budget and needs.
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Simple Host Team
The Simple Host team is made up of restaurant industry veterans and tech experts dedicated to making restaurant management easier for everyone.
