Why your restaurant needs a robust restaurant reservation system

Restaurants, Operations , 18 December 2024

Why your restaurant needs a robust restaurant reservation system

Managing bookings efficiently can make or break a restaurant in today's competitive dining landscape. The right restaurant reservation system doesn't just fill your tables—it ensures your customers have a seamless and enjoyable experience, setting your venue apart.

With First Table and its powerful integrations with systems like Now Book It, ResDiary, Eveve, SevenRooms, Resmio, Obee, Favouritetable, resOS, Avenista, and TableCheck, you can elevate your booking process while driving more revenue and visibility.

In this article: 

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What is a restaurant reservation system?

A restaurant reservation system is a digital tool that enables diners to book tables in advance. Whether you're a high-volume restaurant juggling peak-hour chaos or a boutique eatery aiming to attract niche customers, an online reservation system ensures operational efficiency and maximises table occupancy.

These systems allow diners to check availability, choose their preferred time, and secure their table—all in a few clicks. For restaurant owners, the benefits extend far beyond just convenience. You can:

  • Manage reservations in real time.
  • Reduce no-shows with automated reminders.
  • Access valuable data about your guests for personalised service.

Integrations that make it seamless

Here are some leading restaurant reservation systems:

Now Book It

Now Book It is a one-stop restaurant reservations system that provides hospitality businesses the infrastructure to accept and manage online bookings directly. Available in New Zealand and Australia, it integrates seamlessly with First Table.

The platform simplifies operations with features such as real-time booking management, automated waitlists, POS and payment integrations, and table optimisation tools. It enhances guest experiences through personalised booking journeys, customer profiles, and marketing integrations that drive repeat visits and revenue growth.

Additionally, Now Book It supports event management, gift card sales, and multi-venue operations, empowering businesses to streamline processes, boost efficiency, and increase profits seamlessly.

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SevenRooms

SevenRooms is a restaurant booking and guest experience platform that makes managing and streamlining reservations easy while capturing and leveraging guest data to deliver experiences that boost revenue and repeat business for restaurants.

Available worldwide, and also integrating with First Table, SevenRooms provides a suite of tools, including advanced CRM, automated marketing, table management, and guest relationship features.

By personalising the dining experience, optimising operations, and increasing revenue, SevenRooms empowers restaurants to enhance hospitality and create loyal, repeat guests effortlessly. 

Seven Rooms

ResDiary

ResDiary is a commission-free online reservation, and table management system designed to help hospitality venues increase revenue and avoid hefty commissions on covers. It’s available in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK and integrates with First Table.

ResDiary provides powerful tools to attract diners, optimise operations, and grow businesses by leveraging customer booking data, personalised promotions, and streamlined table management. Integrating with over 60 software partners, including EPOS, CRM, and PMS systems, ResDiary ensures smooth operations and enhanced guest experiences.

The platform offers venues robust solutions to increase bookings, reduce no-shows, and maximise revenue while simplifying their booking processes.

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Favouritetable

Favouritetable’s online restaurant management software sits at the heart of quality restaurants’ operations, focusing on driving bookings, revenue, efficiencies, and error reduction. It is a complete package of tools covering every aspect of running a restaurant, from acquiring customers through table optimisation, managing reservations, menu pre-ordering, guest retention, and space optimisation.

Available worldwide, Favouritetable helps restaurants streamline operations, enhance the guest experience, and maximise profitability. It integrates with First Table, ensuring venues can optimise their resources and grow their business efficiently.

ResoS

ResOS is a modern restaurant booking system that enables restaurants to easily manage reservations, reduce no-shows, and keep every table booked with their intuitive platform. Designed for seamless operations, it features tools such as automated reminders, waitlists, customer profiles, and table planning to optimise efficiency and guest satisfaction.

ResOS also integrates with major platforms like First Table, Google and Meta to boost visibility and bookings. Available in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, ResOS empowers restaurants to streamline operations, improve revenue, and enhance the overall dining experience.

Avenista

Avenista is a restaurant booking system that empowers restaurant owners and managers to enhance guest experiences, streamline staff operations by automating repetitive tasks, and effortlessly boost revenue. Designed for ultimate efficiency, it provides tools such as pre-payments, table management, custom booking links, guest databases, and advanced reporting.

With its intuitive interface and exceptional customer support, Avenista ensures restaurants can optimise table turns, manage reservations seamlessly, and increase profitability. It is available in the UK and integrates seamlessly with First Table, offering a robust solution for modern restaurant operations.

Eveve

Eveve is a restaurant booking system that helps restaurants manage reservations, increase profits, and improve staff productivity, all in one tidy place. It is trusted by over 2,000 restaurants across 24 countries, including New Zealand, Australia, the UK, the USA, Spain, Chile, and Canada, and integrates seamlessly with First Table.

Eveve’s TELOS system offers advanced table management tools, maximising diner capacity and revenue while reducing waste. With features such as EPOS integration, VIP guest tracking, marketing tools, and 24/7 global support, Eveve empowers restaurants to streamline operations, optimise bookings, and enhance customer experiences worldwide.

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Quandoo

Quandoo is a restaurant booking and management platform that provides reservation management, table management, and CRM features. It also offers marketing tools to help restaurants increase their reach and attract more diners.

Available in 11 countries, including New Zealand, Australia and the UK, Quandoo helps venues streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and maximise bookings efficiently. By connecting diners with restaurants through an intuitive platform, it empowers hospitality businesses to grow their revenue and enhance guest satisfaction.

TableCheck

TableCheck is a restaurant booking and guest experience platform used by 10,000 restaurants worldwide to elevate the dining experience and create guests for life. Designed to streamline operations, it offers multi-channel booking integration, table management, CRM tools, and automated marketing features to boost bookings, optimise operations, and enhance guest satisfaction.

Available in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and the UK, TableCheck integrates with First Table, empowering venues to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and build long-term customer loyalty.

Obee

Obee brings smart automation to its restaurant partners, from small restaurants to multi-site franchises, assisting them with reservations, vouchers, and events. It simplifies table management, optimises bookings, manages guest communications, and integrates marketing tools to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Available globally—with features varying from country to country—Obee empowers hospitality businesses to streamline operations, increase revenue, and provide exceptional guest experiences seamlessly.

Resmio

Resmio is a digital reservation system that provides reliable support so owner-operators can focus on increasing sales and restaurant occupancy. It offers tools for seamless reservation management, real-time table optimisation, guest communication, and marketing features to boost bookings and streamline operations.

Resmio’s intuitive system reduces manual tasks, optimises capacity planning, and enhances staff efficiency. Available worldwide, it empowers restaurants to manage reservations efficiently, improve customer satisfaction, and maximise their operational performance.

Resmio

How First Table works with your reservation system

First Table seamlessly integrates with your existing online reservation system to unlock a new stream of off-peak bookings. By offering diners 50% off the food bill during quieter hours, First Table drives additional customers to your restaurant when you need them most. This unique approach ensures your tables are being used efficiently while introducing your restaurant to new diners searching for their next dining experience. 

How First Table enhances your reservation system

  • Real-time inventory search: First Table connects directly to your reservation system to access your table inventory, making it simple for diners to view and book available tables at off-peak times.
  • Targeted off-peak bookings: First Table focuses on filling tables during quieter periods, helping you maximise revenue during hours when you need more diners.
  • Integrated booking management: Reservations made through First Table are synced with your system, so you can manage all bookings in one place without extra admin work.
  • Attracting new customers: By showcasing your restaurant to a broader audience, First Table helps you reach diners who may not have discovered your venue otherwise, allowing you to turn them into loyal customers.

With First Table, your reservation system becomes a powerful tool for filling tables, increasing revenue, and ensuring more diners experience what your restaurant offers—even during traditionally slow periods.

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Why choosing the right reservation system to your needs matters

Selecting the best restaurant reservation system is key to maximising revenue, streamlining operations, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. The right system should match your venue’s size, budget, and goals while offering features that simplify table management and boost efficiency.

Here’s how to evaluate and choose a system that suits your needs:

Assess the features that matter most and the different systems that cater to various needs:
  • Table management and reporting: Platforms like Now Book It and ResDiary offer comprehensive tools for managing table layouts, tracking bookings, and generating performance reports.
  • Advanced analytics and CRM: Systems like TableCheck and SevenRooms provide detailed insights into diner behaviour, preferences, and spending patterns, helping you personalise customer experiences.
  • Marketing and communication tools: Look for systems with automated confirmations, reminders, and marketing capabilities to reduce no-shows and engage diners.

Consider pricing and scalability
Pricing can vary depending on the size of your restaurant, the number of features, and any add-ons:

  • Flat-fee systems: Some platforms charge a fixed monthly fee, which is ideal for restaurants with predictable traffic.
  • Commission-based pricing: Other systems charge per booking, which can work well for smaller venues or those with fluctuating traffic.
  • Tiered plans: Platforms often offer tiered pricing (e.g., basic, pro, premium) to scale with your restaurant’s growth. Be sure to check what’s included and avoid paying for features you don’t need.

Integration with First Table for seamless results

By integrating your reservation system with First Table, you can amplify your bookings and streamline operations:

  • Capture more bookings: Attract diners browsing First Table who are looking for new dining experiences.
  • Centralise your bookings: Manage First Table reservations directly within your system for a seamless workflow.
  • Reduce no-shows: Automate confirmations and reminders to keep diners informed and minimise last-minute cancellations.

Look for user-friendly and reliable support
Ease of use is crucial for staff training and day-to-day operations. Choose a system with intuitive design, reliable customer support, and helpful onboarding to ensure a smooth transition.

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Want to integrate First Table with your reservation system? Here’s how:

Whether you’re already using a restaurant reservation system or considering adopting one, First Table is here to help you make the most of it. With proven success in connecting restaurants with diners across the UK, NZ, and AU, we’re committed to driving value for your business.

Ready to take your reservations to the next level? Contact us today to learn how First Table can integrate seamlessly with your online restaurant reservation system and help your venue thrive.