Deciding between Resy vs OpenTable comes down to whether you prioritize curated, trend-driven dining in the US or the widest possible global selection of restaurants. Resy excels for diners seeking exclusive events and buzzy spots in major American cities, while OpenTable offers unmatched international reach and a simpler booking process for frequent travelers.
Resy vs OpenTable: A quick glance
| Feature | Resy | OpenTable |
|---|---|---|
| Platform availability | Desktop, iOS, Android | Desktop, iOS, Android |
| Pricing | Free; pre-payment may be required for certain reservations | Free; some experiences may require pre-payment |
| Reservation management | In-app and on website | In-app and on website |
| Restaurant coverage | 26 US states and 4 international locations (France, Italy, Peru, Spain) | 20 US states and 20 international locations (Tokyo, South Australia, Glasgow, Vancouver) |
| Core discovery features | Curated event calendars, specific restaurant categories | Private dining listings, neighborhood and landmark search |
How to manage reservations on Resy and OpenTable
Both platforms support booking, modification, and cancellation flows, but the specific controls and policies differ by platform and by restaurant. Resy’s diner help pages document app and web steps clearly; OpenTable’s diner help pages document email-based reservation management and also note that some restaurant experiences have their own cancellation rules.
To change or cancel a reservation on Resy, open the app and tap the silhouette icon in the upper-left. Tap the three dots next to the reservation, then choose “Cancel Reservation” to cancel completely. On Resy.com, tap the silhouette icon in the upper-right, go to “Reservations,” find the booking under “Upcoming Reservations,” then choose “Manage Reservation” and click “Cancel.”
On OpenTable, open the confirmation email with the subject line “Your Reservation Confirmation for [Restaurant Name]” to view, change, or cancel a reservation. You can also manage reservations from the user’s Upcoming or My Reservations area, depending on the flow. If no “Modify” or “Cancel” options appear, the restaurant may not allow changes or cancellations within a certain window, or the reservation may be a non-refundable Experience. OpenTable’s unique experiences page says some reservations may show “Modify” or “Cancel” in Upcoming or My Reservations, but if no options appear the restaurant may restrict changes, or the Experience may be non-refundable.
For both platforms, restaurant-specific rules can override app-level defaults, especially for cancellation windows and refunds. Resy says help for reservation issues should go to the restaurant directly, because Resy provides the technology but cannot act on the restaurant’s behalf.
Understanding payments and fees
Resy does not add any additional payment-processing fees; a third-party processor fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction is shown instead. For prepaid reservations, guests who cancel online before the cancellation time are automatically refunded, and guests may see funds back in their account in approximately 3-5 business days. Resy’s prepaid reservation page says that if a guest cancels online before the cancellation time, the refund is automatic; if the guest cancels after the cancellation time, the guest cannot be refunded in Resy OS unless the restaurant toggles “Refund payment” during cancellation. Resy’s restaurant-side pages say cancellation fees can be charged manually from the Resy OS app by opening the reservation from the “Xcl/No Show” list, tapping the “!” icon, selecting a name on the accountability screen, and tapping “Charge.” Resy’s transaction FAQ says cancellation fee charges are disbursed 14 business days, excluding holidays and weekends, after the guest was charged. Resy’s cancellation fee pages say cancellation fee funds are disbursed directly to the restaurant’s bank account on file or by weekly collection rules depending on the policy page.
OpenTable’s policies vary by restaurant. Some reservations may require pre-payment, and cancellation fees or non-refundable policies apply to certain Experiences. Always review the restaurant’s specific terms before booking.
Restaurant coverage: Where can you book?
Resy’s coverage is mostly limited to the United States, offering reservations for at least 200 cities in 26 states. Most of their customers come from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London. Resy also offers reservations for restaurants in Europe, including France, Italy, Peru, and Spain.
OpenTable is available in 20 US states and 20 international locations including Tokyo, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The app caters to more international destinations than Resy. If you travel a lot, OpenTable may be the better app to make your restaurant reservation with as it caters to more locations.
Special experiences and discovery features
Resy shows users special events and experiences that they might want to try out that are in proximity to their location. From tasting menus to musical performances, they have a calendar of events that users can access. They also have unique restaurant categories that separate restaurants from each other, such as women-owned restaurants and vegan restaurants.
OpenTable shows a list of Private Dining experiences, helping eliminate the hassle of locating private rooms for dining events. OpenTable also allows you to narrow down your search for restaurants and dining experiences in terms of neighborhoods and landmarks so you won’t have a hard time exploring the area. If you enjoy reading while you dine, you might also appreciate that OpenTable’s app works well with Amazon Kindle Unlimited, letting you browse book options during a wait.
Why you should choose Resy
Resy is the perfect restaurant reservation app if you are more of a local traveler or traveling within the United States. It suits those who are fans of exploring different localities and experiences, and who don’t need a wide range of restaurants, preferring dining experiences closer to home.
Why you should choose OpenTable
OpenTable is the reservation app for you if you are a frequent traveler and dine out in the countries you visit. It works well for those who want a dining experience near a landmark or in a specific neighborhood, and for foodies who want to discover hidden gems around.
Resy vs OpenTable: The verdict
Choose Resy if you are a US-based diner focused on curated, trendy experiences and exclusive events in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco. Choose OpenTable if you are a frequent international traveler who wants the widest possible restaurant selection globally, including in destinations like Tokyo, Canada, and the UK. Both apps are free and easy to use, but your dining habits and location will determine which one fits you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a reservation for someone else using Resy or OpenTable?
Resy requires access to Concierge Tags, which are given by establishments to certain parties and managed through Resy OS, not the consumer app. OpenTable requires registering for an Administrative Professional account, which can be done during sign-up or by converting an existing account.
What happens if I don’t show up for a reservation?
Both apps consider this a “No Show” and reserve the right to take action against users who continuously violate reservations. Specific penalties depend on the restaurant’s policy, which may include cancellation fees charged through the app.
Do Resy and OpenTable have rewards programs?
Yes, both apps offer rewards programs for diners. Details and earning rates vary, so check each app’s program terms for specific benefits.
Can I use both Resy and OpenTable at the same restaurant?
Some restaurants partner with both platforms, but availability depends on the restaurant’s booking system. It is best to check each app for the specific restaurant you want to visit.
How do I contact a restaurant through OpenTable?
OpenTable allows customers to get in touch with the restaurant before or after (within 14 days) of their reservation. The restaurant will respond through OpenTable. Resy does not have a similar feature; you must contact the restaurant directly.
