Guide
UK restaurant booking systems compared (2026)
Updated 24 October 2026 · 6 min read · By AI Genie
UK restaurant booking systems start from free (Resos’ free plan) and typically run £70–£315 a month. Few include an AI receptionist that answers the phone; where they do, it usually sits on a higher plan.
Prices at a glance
| System | Starting price | AI phone answering | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resos | Free plan available | Not stated in the sources checked | Commission-free; says 3,000+ restaurants use it |
| TableFox | £70/month (Core) | Yes, from £175/month (Growth) | 12-month minimum term; no setup fee |
| ResDiary | £109/month (Connect, up to 150 bookings) | Not stated in the sources checked | Higher tiers £139, £209 and £315 a month |
| OpenTable | From $149/month (listed in US dollars) | Works with third-party voice tools | Large diner network |
| SevenRooms | Price on request | Yes, its own Voice AI | Aimed at larger and multi-site groups |
| GenieTables | £49/month (Starter) | Yes, included on every plan | 100 AI call minutes on Starter; no per-cover fees |
What actually matters when you compare
- Total monthly cost at your volume: some plans cap bookings, others charge for extra texts or minutes.
- Contract length: a 12-month minimum term is common; check before you sign.
- Commission or per-cover fees: these grow every time you have a good month.
- Phone bookings: if the phone is your busiest channel, check whether calls are answered and booked automatically, or still need a person.
- Getting your data out: you should be able to export your guest list and bookings at any time.
Looking for an OpenTable alternative?
Restaurants usually look for an alternative to a large booking platform for one of three reasons: cost, wanting to own the guest relationship rather than share it with a marketplace, or wanting the phone answered as well as the website. Match the alternative to the reason. If cost is the issue, compare total monthly cost at your volume. If phone bookings are the issue, look for a system where the AI receptionist books directly into the table plan.
This comparison is written by GenieTables. We have kept it to each provider’s published information and linked every source so you can check it.
Common questions
- How much does a restaurant booking system cost in the UK?
- From free (Resos’ free plan) to around £315 a month for higher tiers, with most paid plans between £70 and £210 a month, excluding VAT.
- Which UK booking systems include an AI receptionist?
- As of October 2026, TableFox includes one from its £175 Growth plan, SevenRooms offers its own Voice AI, and GenieTables includes one on every plan from £49 a month.