Restaurant ReservationsPosto
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Comparison

Posto vs OpenTable

OpenTable is one of the largest restaurant booking networks in the world. It offers significant consumer discovery — diners searching on OpenTable can find and book your restaurant. That comes at a cost: per-cover fees for every diner booked through their network, on top of a monthly subscription.

Posto takes a different approach: a flat monthly fee per location, no per-cover charges, and no consumer network. It is a direct booking tool — your guests book through your own website or booking link. If you already have a loyal customer base and don't need OpenTable's discovery network, Posto is likely to be significantly cheaper.

Side-by-side comparison

FeaturePostoOpenTable
Pricing modelFlat monthly fee per locationMonthly fee + per-cover charges for network bookings
Starting priceFree (50 bookings/month)Paid plans only; pricing varies by contract
Per-cover chargesNoneYes — charged per diner booked via OpenTable network
Contract requiredNo — monthly rollingOften annual contract
Built for UK marketYes — UK GDPR, GBP pricingUS-founded; international coverage
Guest data ownershipOperator owns all dataShared with OpenTable network
Deposit collectionYes — Stripe, fixed or per-headAvailable on higher plans
Multi-venue managementYes — single accountYes
Setup time~10 minutesOnboarding process required
Discovery networkNot included (direct booking only)Yes — large consumer booking network

Which is right for you?

Choose Posto if…

  • You have an existing customer base and don't need a discovery network
  • You want predictable, flat-fee pricing with no per-cover surprises
  • You're running 1–20 locations and want simple, direct booking management
  • You want to own your guest data without sharing it with a third-party network
  • You want to get set up today without a sales call

Consider OpenTable if…

  • Consumer discovery through the OpenTable network is important to your business
  • You're in a high-footfall tourist or city-centre location where network bookings justify the per-cover cost
  • You want the brand recognition that comes with the OpenTable badge

Common questions

Does OpenTable charge per cover?

OpenTable typically charges a per-cover fee for reservations made through the OpenTable network, in addition to a monthly subscription fee. The exact amount varies by plan and contract. Posto charges a flat monthly fee per location with no per-cover charges.

Is there a UK alternative to OpenTable for independent restaurants?

Yes. Posto is a UK-built restaurant reservation platform designed specifically for independent operators. It offers flat-fee pricing from £49/month per location with no per-cover charges and no long-term contracts.

Can I switch from OpenTable to Posto?

Yes. Posto can be set up in around 10 minutes. You can export your guest data from OpenTable and import it, or start fresh. Posto offers a free Starter plan so you can test it before committing.

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