Restaurant reservation software: the key to a perfect customer experience
More and more customers are reserving a table or ordering a dish from their smartphone or computer, at any time of day.
Waiting for the restaurant to open and then picking up the phone to make a reservation is a habit that is giving way to the digitalization of services. To keep up with this trend and maintain their business, professionals are generally equipping themselves with restaurant reservation software.
What does this tool actually offer? What are its advantages, and how do you choose one? Here's a closer look at the best tools. 👇
Why use restaurant reservation software?
Having a reservations management tool at your disposal offers a number of advantages for both professionals and customers.
Time savings and greater efficiency for restaurateurs
Reservations can be made even when the restaurant is closed, as the tool is accessible 24/7.
Offering different reservation modes is a plus for staff, who often have to juggle telephone calls, room service and table service. This takes the strain off their daily tasks, and reduces errors caused by stress and pressure (misunderstanding times or names during phone calls, double bookings, etc.).
All orders, whether placed by phone, online or direct, are centralized in one place and accessible via the restaurant's various media and terminals (in the dining room, in the kitchen, at the bar, etc.).
Gone are the days of notebook sheets, e-mail copies and post-it notes!
Reservation software also enables you to :
- view occupancy rates in real time,
- build up a customer file with qualified data, and obtain reports and statistics to help you manage your restaurant and achieve your objectives.
To avoid no-shows or unfulfilled reservations, most reservation tools offer automatic confirmation mailings. This feature allows tables to be reallocated to passing customers in the event of late arrivals or no-shows.
It's even possible to activate a pre-payment or bank imprint to reduce the number of missed reservations.
A smoother customer experience
As a restaurateur, one of your key missions is customer satisfaction.
By offering multiple booking methods, you keep up with current consumer trends and offer your customers greater flexibility and opportunity.
It can be complicated to book during a restaurant's opening hours for a variety of reasons (incompatible working hours, quick lunch breaks...).
So, allowing customers to book outside opening hours during the night and when the restaurant is closed is a real advantage for them.
5 criteria for selecting the best software
There are many factors to consider when choosing restaurant reservation software. Here are 5 essential criteria:
#1 Ease of use
The idea is to save you time by automating certain time-consuming tasks.
Choose interfaces that are easy to use, fluid and ergonomic. If you have the opportunity to test a software product, don't hesitate to do so, so you can see for yourself how it's used and what it can do for you.
#2 Functionality
They must correspond to your needs and operating modes.
Some features may seem superfluous to one restaurateur, but indispensable to another. Take the time to compare the services offered by different tools to select the platform best suited to your needs.
#3 Cost
Cost is an important factor to analyze in terms of functionality, included services (support, for example) and impact on your business.
Developers most often offer monthly packages or annual subscriptions, which can be fixed or vary according to the number of covers reserved.
Take your budget into account, and make compromises so that a software package meets your needs without exceeding your budget!
#4 Integration
The reservation platform must complement your existing tools (cash register software, for example) and communicate with them to facilitate the overall management of your restaurant.
#5 Customization
With some software, you can select modules or functionalities according to your needs or business sector.
Customization is therefore a must-have, as it's what allows you to have a tool that perfectly meets your needs.
The 7 best restaurant reservation software packages to discover
1 of 6
 GloriaFood |  Guestonline |  Reserve With Google |  SumUp |  TheFork Manager |  Zenchef |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 250 employees | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about GloriaFood | Learn more about Guestonline | Learn more about Reserve With Google | Learn more about SumUp | Learn more about TheFork Manager | Learn more about Zenchef |
Gloria Food
Gloria Food is an online ordering system that also manages :
- take-out,
- deliveries,
- pre-orders,
- table reservations.
It centralizes requests from a website, Facebook page or mobile application.
What are the key functionalities? 👇
- Orders can be confirmed in real time from a smartphone;
- Gloria Food offers sales-ready restaurant websites with an online ordering system (for restaurants without a website).
The price 💸
Price: free package and optional paid services:
- payment by credit card or online,
- restaurant website,
- advanced marketing promotions, etc.
GloriaFood
Guestonline
Launched in 2007, Guestonline is a customer-focused restaurant reservations management solution that enables you to
- control all reservations,
- improve occupancy rates,
- attract new customers.
Since 2021, the company has been introducing responsible reservations: 10 centimes per place setting are donated to partner associations (L'école comestible, La Tablée des chefs...).
What are the key features? 👇
- Centralization of over 35 online reservation channels;
- the provision of an ultra-complete customer file, thanks to the addition of personalized notes (allergies, favorite table...) and attachments;
- an automatic SMS confirmation service.
The price 💸
- Price: on request.
Guestonline
The Addition
L'Addition is a cash register with comprehensive management tools designed to reduce the time spent on certain tasks, thanks in particular to the centralization of information. It includes a wide range of functions, such as
- reservation management,
- order taking,
- support for different types of payment,
- payment at the table,
- reporting, etc.
What are the key functionalities? 👇
On the reservations side, L'Addition offers:
- Management of a reservation book and its translation on the seating plan in the cash register. This minimizes errors and allows you to better anticipate customer needs;
- simplified set-up of the service, with a simple button on the site giving access to a dedicated area;
- an intuitive booking interface for the end customer.
The price 💸
- Price: on request.
Reserve With Google
Reserve With Google allows you to schedule reservations from :
- your My Business listing,
- your website,
- your social networking pages.
This service works with a compatible scheduling software provider to ensure centralized reservation management.
What are the key features? 👇
- With "Book with Google", web users can reserve a table or dish following a search (Google Search or Google Maps). There's no need to visit your website;
- Reservations are quick and easy, making your customers happy.
The price 💸
- Price: free of charge.
Reserve With Google
SumUp
SumUp offers a complete cash register system for the foodservice industry, enabling you to:
- organize reservations ;
- organize deliveries from a single location.
It also manages tables and sends orders directly to the kitchen.
What are the key functionalities? 👇
- SumUp's cash register pro lets you create detailed customer profiles;
- You can manage menus and display a precise, easy-to-read dashboard, or manage stocks (tracking and alerts, etc.).
The price 💸
- Price: from €79 per month.
SumUp
TheFork Manager
TheFork Manager is all-in-one restaurant management software.
It centralizes all reservations from :
- telephone calls,
- e-mails
- websites
It can also be used to optimize occupancy rates (promotional offers, loyalty programs, etc.).
As an added bonus, the tool also sends SMS and e-mail confirmations to combat non-honored bookings.
What are the key features? 👇
- TheFork Manager lets you manage your TheFork page free of charge.
- It also includes a free mobile payment solution, TheFork Pay, to facilitate collections.
The price 💸
- Price: There are 3 formulas:
- Basic at €29 per month,
- Pro at €59 per month and
- Pro+ at €139 per month, with variable features for each.
TheFork Manager
Zenchef
The Zenchef restaurant management solution is the result of the merger of Formidable, Resengo and Zenchef in early 2024.
Aimed at independent restaurants and catering groups, it facilitates reservation management and optimizes the entire customer experience.
What are the key functionalities? 👇
- Zenchef is a complete tool for managing :
- reservations, a website,
- digital menus (online or via QR code),
- collections,
- Click & Collect;
- It also enables the creation of a customizable customer file and a loyalty program.
The price 💸
- Price: on request.
Zenchef
Restaurant reservation software: what you need to know
Working with a reservation system saves management time, avoids data entry errors and duplications, and optimizes occupancy rates.
It also gives you access to a qualified customer file, enabling you to create targeted marketing campaigns (promotions, loyalty programs, etc.).
To choose the best restaurant reservation software for you, you need to consider a number of factors, such as the features offered, compatibility with cash register software and cost (monthly or annual subscription).
Article translated from French
After attaining a master's degree in translation and communication, Coralie stepped into the world of SEO and copywriting, drawn by the magic of words and the art of influencing. With her social media expertise, she effortlessly navigates digital communication. Fluent in English, Japanese and French, Coralie skillfully uses her understanding of cultural and linguistic nuances to engage a broad and diverse audience.
Fun fact: In her free time, Coralie swaps her keyboard for a game controller and an apron, indulging her passions for video games and food. She’s currently on a quest to find the best ramen in Paris. 🍜