If you’re searching for Dojo alternatives, you’re likely looking for a restaurant reservation and virtual queue system with better features, pricing or integrations.This article explores several competitors and similar platforms that might suit your needs better, covering aspects like ease of use, cost, scalability, and unique functionalities.
Key Takeaways
- Eat App provides a flexible, user-friendly reservations & waitlist system with multiple subscription plans, making it suitable for restaurants of all sizes.
- OpenTable offers an extensive diner network & advanced management tools that help fill tables and streamline operations albeit with higher fees and costs.
- Alternatives to Dojo often come with competitive pricing or specialized features (e.g.CRM, analytics or loyalty programs) catering to various restaurant types and focusing on improving guest engagement and efficiency beyond what Dojo offers.
Eat App: A top Dojo alternative for restaurant operations in 2025
Eat App is a top-rated restaurant reservation & table management platform that helps increase efficiency and revenue through real-time bookings and intelligent automation. It supports both online reservations and waitlist management, allowing restaurants to handle walk-ins and bookings seamlessly from one system. With pricing options ranging from a free plan to a Pro plan at $239/month, Eat App is flexible and scalable for any restaurant size. Smaller venues can start free, while high-volume restaurants can opt for advanced plans as their needs grow.
Notable features:
- Real-time table and waitlist management: Keep track of bookings and walk-in queues in one place with updates across all devices.
- Built-in guest CRM and analytics: Capture guest details and preferences and generate reports to improve service. See our restaurant analytics feature.
- Integrated communication tools: Engage customers with two-way SMS and WhatsApp messaging for confirmations, feedback and promotions.
- Customizable floor plans: Design your restaurant layout digitally (even in 3D) to optimize seating and turn times.
- 24/7 support: Get round the clock support and onboarding assistance for smooth operation.
These capabilities make Eat App ideal for restaurant owners looking to streamline operations and elevate the guest experience. Even those migrating from pen-and-paper systems find it easy to adopt. For instance, many users report a noticeable increase in new customers after switching to online booking with Eat App as it expands their reach and reduces no shows. Compared to some competitors (for eg. SevenRooms, which has a steeper learning curve) Eat App is more user-friendly while still offering an abundance of functionality even in its free tier.
Takeaway:Eat App is a comprehensive yet cost-effective alternative to Dojo, combining reservations, waitlisting & guest engagement tools in one platform. It’s a compelling choice if you want a full-suite solution to manage bookings without paying per-cover fees (unlike some third-party networks). Explore our table management features
Further reading
Pricing Plans include
- Free Plan – $0/month: Includes up to 30 covers each month
- Starter Plan – $69/month: Includes up to 300 covers per month
- Basic Plan – $139/month: Unlimited covers every month
- Pro Plan – $239/month: Access to the full suite of guest experience tools
TableIn:A site like Dojo for small restaurants
TableIn offers a simple and user friendly reservation system that adapts to a variety of restaurant types.Whether you run a bustling urban bistro or a cozy small-town cafe, TableIn’s software is designed to be accessible on any device, staff can manage bookings via web browser on iOS, Android, or desktop & guests can easily reserve online. This similar site to Dojo focuses on ease of use and affordability which is especially attractive for small and mid-sized restaurants.
The platform provides a few straightforward subscription plans so you only pay for what you need. For smaller venues there’s a Starter plan (around $99/month for ~300 reservations), while larger establishments can opt for a Pro plan (about $149/month for unlimited reservations). This tiered approach ensures you aren’t paying for unnecessary extras if you don’t need them.
Key features include:
- A centralized guest database to track customer contact info and dining history.
- Automatic email/SMS notifications to confirm bookings and send reminders helping reduce no-shows.
- Customizable booking widgets to embed on your website or social pages for direct reservations.
- An option for a free restaurant webpage giving businesses without a website an online presence for reservations.
By focusing on the basics TableIn guarantees a smooth booking experience for your diners without much complexity. It’s a great starting point for restaurants new to digital reservation systems. However, its feature set is more limited. TableIn lacks some of the advanced tools and integrations that larger restaurants might crave (for eg, detailed analytics or integrated marketing campaigns). It doesn’t provide the wide array of capabilities that more robust platforms like Eat App do, so growing restaurants may eventually outscale it.
Conclusion: TableIn is an excellent Dojo alternative for smaller restaurants or those on a tight budget who need a reliable, no frills reservation system. Its simplicity and lower price point are strengths, though businesses looking for deeper functionality (like loyalty programs or complex reporting which is available in platforms like Eat App) might soon seek an upgrade.
OpenTable: A leading Dojo competitor in 2025
OpenTable is one of the most well known names in online restaurant reservations, and it remains a leading competitor to Dojo. The platform stands out for its extensive network of diners millions of people use OpenTable’s website and app to discover restaurants. This broad exposure can help new guests find and book your restaurant, effectively boosting your visibility beyond your own marketing efforts.
OpenTable operates on a subscription model with tiered plans. In 2025, the core pricing options typically include: a Basic plan ($39/month), a mid-tier plan ($249/month) and a Premium plan ($449/month). However pricing is only part of the cost, OpenTable also charges per cover fees for reservations made through their network (around $1 to $1.50 per seated diner depending on the plan) plus small fees for reservations via your own widget. Higher tier plans unlock more features such as interactive floor maps, waitlist management & automated email marketing which are not available on the Basic plan.
OpenTable’s biggest advantage is also its main drawback the expansive feature set and diner network come at a premium price. Many restaurants especially smaller independent ones find the monthly fees plus per-cover commissions difficult to sustain. Essentially you pay OpenTable for bringing you customers. In contrast, some Dojo alternatives like Eat App follow a flat subscription model with no per-cover fees which can save money as you grow your reservations.
Conclusion: OpenTable is a powerful reservation platform and similar website to Dojo in terms of core functionality. It’s best suited for restaurants that want maximum exposure and don’t mind the higher cost. If filling seats through a third-party network is a top priority and the budget permits, OpenTable can deliver but more cost conscious restaurants may prefer a solution with a fixed fee structure.
TableAgent: Free and flexible reservation solution
TableAgent is a free-to-use reservation platform that offers basic table booking management without any monthly fees. It’s a cloud-based system (accessible via browser on any device) and does not require software installation making it a hassle-free alternative for restaurants, pop-ups, or event organizers who want to get started quickly. With TableAgent, you have control over your data and schedule without the worry of subscription costs an appealing proposition for small establishments or those just testing the waters of online booking.
Despite being free, TableAgent provides useful features for day-to-day reservation management: you can create a floor plan, take online bookings, block times and record customer details. Its interface is straightforward and lightweight enabling staff to learn it with minimal training. Additionally, because it’s cloud-based on reliable infrastructure, you can trust that your booking data is secure and accessible anytime.
That said, TableAgent is a no-frills solution. It’s essentially an analog to Dojo’s core reservation functionality but without advanced add-ons there are no built-in marketing tools, no customer loyalty programs & limited integration with other restaurant systems. For security and reliability, TableAgent performs well (using robust cloud servers similar to big tech companies) but as your needs grow, you might require more comprehensive tools.
Conclusion: TableAgent is an attractive free alternative to Dojo for independent restaurants that need a basic online booking system without committing budget. It covers the essentials of taking and managing reservations. Just keep in mind that with zero cost comes a limited feature set. As your business expands you may eventually seek a more all-in-one platform (like Eat App or others) that includes CRM, automated communications and analytics to support your marketing and guest experience goals.
TouchBistro: POS integration with reservations
TouchBistro is a bit different from the other alternatives on this list, it’s primarily an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system that also offers integrated reservation and table management features. For restaurants looking to combine their POS and reservations into one system, TouchBistro provides an all-in-one solution. This means your table availability, sales & customer data can all live in the same ecosystem potentially streamlining operations from dining room to backend.
Operating on a software-as-a-service model, TouchBistro’s pricing starts around $69/month for a single iPad license and scales up with more devices or add-ons like dual plan,team plan, etc. Because it’s a POS-first product you may need to sign an annual contract and pay extra for certain modules like online ordering, gift cards or loyalty features).The reservation module integrates with the POS to for e.g, automatically update table statuses and even tie reservations to checks which some restaurateurs find useful for tracking spend per visit.
TouchBistro is very attractive for tech-savvy restaurants that want to modernize their entire front-of-house. However, it’s not a dedicated reservation platform so it may lack some advanced reservation-specific capabilities found in other Dojo alternatives. For example, it might not offer as extensive online discovery (no broad diner network like OpenTable) or marketing automation tools out-of-the-box. Some users also find that while the integration is great the reservation component itself is simpler than specialized systems like Eat App which offer more in terms of guest marketing, feedback collection and multi-channel booking integrations.
Conclusion: TouchBistro can serve as a viable Dojo alternative for restaurants that value POS integration above all. It effectively covers the basics of bookings and waitlists while unifying them with sales operations. If you’re aiming for an all-in-one restaurant tech solution and are willing to invest in a POS-centered platform, TouchBistro is worth considering. Just be aware that for purely reservation focused needs other competitors might offer a more robust feature set.
ResDiary: Commission free booking with unique features
ResDiary is a reservation management system known for a couple of unique strengths particularly in the UK & Europe. It sets itself apart with the ability to automate phone bookings through a feature called ResPhone. This means that aside from handling online reservations and walk-ins like other systems, ResDiary can also manage inbound phone calls by using an automated phone line to book tables. For restaurants that still receive a lot of bookings over the phone, this can save host staff time and reduce missed opportunities when the line is busy.
Key features of ResDiary include:
- Automated reminders: It helps cut down on no-shows by sending guests automatic email/SMS reminders of their upcoming reservations.
- Multi-channel integration: Manage reservations from your website, social media, Google & phone all through ResDiary’s interface with no extra commission fees.
- Custom policies: Ability to set up deposits or credit card holds for high-demand time slots, helping ensure guests honor their bookings.
- Reporting and CRM: Access guest history and dining preferences and generate reports on reservation metrics and customer trends.
ResDiary offers tiered pricing (e.g. Connect, Express, Pro, Ultimate plans) ranging roughly from about €99 to €289 per month, each unlocking more features and support levels. The Ultimate plan for instance includes the full suite of features and priority support. Compared to Dojo, ResDiary is a more mature platform that is feature rich but some of those features (like ResPhone or advanced CRM tools) come at the higher pricing tiers.
Conclusion:ResDiary is a strong Dojo competitor if you are looking for a robust reservation system with options like telephone booking automation and third-party marketplace exposure. It’s especially popular with restaurants that want to avoid per cover charges yet still get a broad range of tools. Keep in mind that for the top tier capabilities you’ll need to invest in the higher plans, so evaluate which features you truly need. In many cases, alternatives like Eat App can provide similar core functionality (online bookings, waitlist, communications) at a different price structure, but ResDiary’s unique extras (like the phone booking service) might tip the scales if those are critical for your operation.
SevenRooms: Powerful marketing tools
SevenRooms is a reservation, seating & guest experience platform that is often praised for its powerful marketing and CRM capabilities. It provides a direct online booking system for restaurants (with no per-cover fees for reservations on your own site) and integrates with major channels like Google, Facebook and Instagram to help diners discover your restaurant. This broad integration can widen your reach & maximize reservation opportunities without relying on a single app or website.
One of SevenRooms’ standout features is its ability to capture rich guest profiles. Every time a guest books or dines the system can record preferences such as dietary restrictions, birthdays or favorite wine. Restaurants can leverage this data to deliver highly personalized service and targeted marketing campaigns. For e.g, you could set up automatic email campaigns to past guests inviting them back for seasonal events or offering a promotion on their birthday. These automated marketing tools empower restaurants to increase loyalty and repeat visits in ways a basic reservation system like Dojo might not.
Other notable features of SevenRooms include:
- Virtual waitlist and queue management: Guests can join a digital waitlist via a link or QR code and receive live wait time updates on their phones perfect for busy venues managing walk-ins.
- Custom policies for bookings: SevenRooms supports requiring credit card holds or ticketed deposits for reservations during peak times or special events helping reduce no shows for high demand slots.
- Multi-language support: Useful for hospitality businesses in cosmopolitan cities or those attracting international tourists as the booking widgets can accommodate multiple languages.
- Analytics dashboard: Detailed reports on guest frequency, lifetime value, reservation sources and more, giving insight into your business performance.
While feature packed, SevenRooms is known to be complex to navigate at first.The depth of its tools means a steeper learning curve for your team, and you may need to dedicate time to fully implement and utilize all features. Additionally, SevenRooms doesn’t publicly list pricing, it often operates on custom quotes and has an annual subscription. However, it’s understood that the cost can be significant for the full suite, especially if you add premium support. (For reference, they have support packages such as Pro Support at $149/month and Premier Support at $799/month which indicate the scale of investment for large restaurant groups.)
Conclusion: SevenRooms is an excellent alternative to Dojo for restaurants that want to take their guest engagement to the next level with built-in marketing, loyalty, and CRM tools. It’s particularly suitable for enterprises, fine-dining establishments or chains that can invest in a comprehensive platform and the training to master it. For smaller restaurants, the system might feel overwhelming (and pricey) for what you need.In comparison something like Eat App offers many similar benefits like loyalty programs and WhatsApp messaging but in a more accessible, affordable package,Learn more about our waitlist feature. Ultimately if your focus is on deep customer insights and tailored marketing, SevenRooms is a top contender.
Why look for a Dojo alternative?
Dojo’s virtual queue and booking system is a promising tool especially for restaurants tied into the Dojo (Paymentsense) ecosystem but it may not meet everyone’s needs. There are a few reasons restaurateurs might seek an alternative to Dojo’s platform:
- Broader feature set: Some establishments require features that go beyond Dojo’s scope such as integrated email marketing, loyalty reward programs or detailed sales analytics.
- Pricing and fees: While Dojo charges a flat monthly fee (around £99/month) for its service, alternatives come in a range of pricing models from free basic tools to premium subscriptions.Depending on your budget and reservation volume, you might find a competitor that offers better value or a pricing structure that aligns more with your business.
- Independence and integrations: Dojo Bookings is part of a larger payments-focused company, which could be a benefit if you use their card machines but maybe less useful if you don’t.Restaurants sometimes prefer a standalone reservation system that plays nicely with a variety of POS systems, payment providers or other software. Alternatives like Eat App, OpenTable or SevenRooms can integrate with multiple tech partners giving you more flexibility.
- Global reach and diner networks: If attracting a wide audience of diners is a priority platforms with established consumer apps or marketplaces (like OpenTable or Resy) might serve better.
- Specific restaurant type needs: Not all tools excel in every environment. Perhaps you run a high-end restaurant requiring personalized touches and VIP guest management (where SevenRooms shines) or a small café that just wants something ultra-simple and free (where TableAgent would work). Choosing an alternative lets you pick a solution tailored to your venue’s unique operations and clientele.
Summary
Selecting the right reservation and waitlist platform is critical for smooth restaurant operations and great guest experiences.Each of the Dojo alternatives and competitors discussed above offers its own mix of benefits. For example, Eat App’s all-in-one platform combines ease of use with powerful features like analytics and marketing tools, OpenTable provides unmatched exposure via its diner network and ResDiary brings innovative options like automated phone bookings. Others like TableIn focus on affordability and simplicity while SevenRooms emphasizes deep customer insights and marketing capabilities.