Head-to-Head
OpenTable vs Resy
OpenTable for breadth; Resy for the rooms that matter.
The Verdict
OpenTable for breadth; Resy for the rooms that matter.
OpenTable is the bigger network — over 50,000 restaurants globally, dominant in casual and mid-tier dining, and the only platform many smaller restaurants use. The interface is dated but reliable; the loyalty program (1,000 points = $20 dining credit) compounds over time.
Resy is the platform fine-dining cares about — owned by American Express, with 14,000+ restaurants but heavily weighted toward the rooms diners on this site care about. Notify (last-minute alerts), Hit List (saved restaurants notify when seats open), and the AmEx Platinum integration are best-in-class.
Which One for Which Occasion
| Occasion | Editorial Pick |
|---|---|
| Booking the splurge tier | ResyHigher percentage of fine-dining rooms; better notify functions. |
| Booking on the road in unfamiliar cities | OpenTableBigger network; more likely to have what's open near you. |
| Last-minute night-of | ResyThe Notify feature catches cancellations within minutes. |
| Group dining (8+) | OpenTableBetter large-party support; more restaurants set up for groups. |
| Loyalty / rewards | OpenTableThe dining-points program compounds across restaurants and converts to spendable credit. |
Price Comparison
Both free for diners. Restaurants pay OpenTable $1–$2.50 per cover; Resy $0.30–$1 per cover. (Some restaurants use both, some choose one.)
How to Book
Best practice: maintain accounts on both. Use Resy for intent at the splurge tier, OpenTable for breadth and casual. Set Notify on Resy for any restaurant on your shortlist.