ResDiary or Tablein: Choosing the Right Solution

Are you struggling to choose between ResDiary and Tablein for your restaurant's reservation needs? 

With so many features to compare and different pricing models to consider, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming.

We'll help you cut through the complexity. 

In this comparison, we'll examine what each platform does best, what real users say, and which solution offers better value for your specific needs. 

Let's find your perfect match!

Key Features Comparison

Let’s start by comparing the essential features of these two tools: what they excel at, where they fall short, and what specific needs each of them caters to.

Online Booking

When it comes to tools like these, the first question that probably springs to mind is, “How easy will it be for my guests to book a table?”

Let’s start by analyzing how Tablein performs when it comes to facilitating online bookings.

Tablein provides a straightforward, user-friendly booking widget that can be easily embedded into any restaurant website. 

The widget supports 28 languages and integrates seamlessly with major platforms, including Google Business Profile, Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor. 

Source: Tablein

Restaurant owners can also customize the widget's appearance to match their brand's aesthetic, with four possible designs, as well as light and dark themes.

And the customizations don’t stop there: you can also include optional fields like those for entering discount codes, gift vouchers, and food allergies, or even set up a multi-language widget.

On the guest side of things, the widget is intuitive and user-friendly, too.

It allows them to select their preferred dining area within the restaurant, on top of the desired booking date and time.

Source: Tablein

ResDiary comes with its own customizable website booking widget, too.

Source: ResDiary

On top of that, it integrates with Dish Cult, ResDiary’s dedicated table booking platform, as well as Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

This enables restaurants to receive commission-free table bookings directly from these platforms while managing everything effortlessly in one centralized system.

Source: ResDiary

However, ResDiary lacks clear information on the number of languages supported by their widget. 

Reservation Management

Efficient reservation management is crucial for keeping operations running smoothly and maximizing table utilization.

Luckily, both tools make this process fairly easy.

Tablein's reservation management features focus on simplicity and ease of use. 

The platform provides a clear calendar view where staff can quickly access booking details, manage table assignments, and track guest information. 

Source: Tablein

Aside from the Full Day view—providing you with an overview of all the reservations for the day—you can also filter out upcoming reservations (all reservations that haven’t been marked as 'Seated’), as well as those currently on the waiting list status.

You can further filter reservations based on specific tags they carry, such as anniversary' or 'VIP,', allowing you to hide all others for a more streamlined focus.

Source: Tablein

The system also offers a list view, as well as automated email and SMS confirmations to reduce no-shows and allow for easy reservation modifications when needed.

ResDiary, just like Tablein, allows users to choose between a detailed calendar view, a list view, and a complex floor plan visualization, enabling staff to monitor reservations from different perspectives.

The platform excels at handling complex scheduling scenarios with features like dynamic yield management. 

This means you can automatically adjust booking availability based on time slots, party sizes, and even special events. 

For instance, you can set different availability rules for weekends versus weekdays, or limit large party bookings during peak hours.

Source: ResDiary 

Another standout feature is ResDiary's ResPhone – an automated phone booking service that integrates directly with your booking system. 

This helps capture reservations from customers who prefer calling over online booking, without tying up your staff.

ResDiary also offers simple communication with guests to reduce no-shows, as they explain in their brochure: 

“You can create standard emails and SMS notifications for your customers. Plus, you can also set rules to allow them to edit or cancel their reservation.”

While Tablein focuses on simplicity and ease of use, ResDiary offers more granular control and customization options, though this comes with a steeper learning curve. 

Table Management

Next, let's talk about table management. 

Both Tablein and ResDiary help you manage your floor plan, but they do it quite differently.

Tablein keeps things simple and visually clean. 

With it, you get access to an easy-to-use floor plan editor where you can set up your layout to accurately represent your restaurant’s seating arrangement.

You can even automatically join tables for parties that cannot be seated at a single table.

Source: Tablein

As you can see below, customers can also pick their preferred dining area when booking.

Source: Tablein

If you so desire, you can make dining area selection mandatory.

However, if you turn that option off, tables will be automatically allocated by priority.

This streamlines the seating process, ensuring efficient use of available space and reducing wait times during busy periods.

Source: Tablein

Speaking of wait times, Tablein boasts a smart waitlist feature that allows you to text your guests when their table is ready.

This comes in pretty handy for those busy nights when you want to keep guests from walking away. 

Source: Tablein

ResDiary takes things up a notch with more advanced table management features. 

Think sophisticated table combinations, more detailed section management, and even complex rotation patterns.

You can handle multiple seatings per table, and they've got specific features for all kinds of restaurants, whether you're running a casual café or a fine dining spot.

Source: ResDiary

They also offer a guide to creating a floor plan, with lots of screenshots to help users through each step.

Source: ResDiary

ResDiary’s system is, however, more complex to master.

Regardless, for many restaurants out there, their long list of options is a big enough pro to take the time and get the hang of it. 

The bottom line? 

Tablein focuses on making things straightforward and user-friendly, while ResDiary offers more complex table management options for those who need them.

Guest Profiles & CRM

Knowing your customers isn't just a nice-to-have. It's essential for turning first-time diners into regulars. 

This is where guest profiles and CRM features come into play.

Tablein and ResDiary both have smart, yet different approaches to them, so let’s explore them further.

Tablein focuses on the essentials—the things you absolutely need to know about your diners.

You can store all the important details like contact info and visit history, plus add special notes to remember what makes each guest unique. 

For example, you can mark someone as a VIP, regular, or food critic.

You can also add notes for each guest, which is a great feature to have for remembering dietary restrictions, preferences, or special occasions.

Source: Tablein

You can even set up automatic discounts for your frequent visitors. 

While Tablein is working on adding more advanced features—such as Guests CRM system and Guest blacklisting—the current system covers all the basics you need. 

ResDiary goes a bit further with its Dish Cult platform. 

With it, restaurants can track everything from dietary preferences to spending patterns in detail. 

Plus, they've got some neat marketing tools built right in for running promotions and loyalty programs. 

Source: ResDiary

On top of that, you can sell and manage digital gift cards directly through their platform.

Both get the job done—it just depends on whether you want the straightforward approach or all the extra bells and whistles.

Analytics & Reporting

Numbers tell important stories about your restaurant's performance, from busy hours to booking patterns and everything in between.

In this respect, Tablein keeps reporting simple and focused while providing valuable analytics for strategic decision-making.

Source: Tablein

The system delivers insights into all relevant metrics, such as:

• Most-booked hours
• International guest analysis
• Number of guests per day
• Loyal guests’ visit frequency 
• No-show rates
• Latest ratings

For instance, this is what the bar chart for most booked hours can look like:

Source: Tablein

Aside from a bird’s-eye view of your restaurant's key metrics, you can easily drill down into detailed data for each day.

Source: Tablein

There’s also an option for database export, which allows you to further filter your client database according to preferences and export it via a CSV file.

This makes it easier to analyze and integrate the data with other business tools you might be using.

It’s worth noting that Tablein is currently working on additional reporting and analytics features, like the following:

• Daily overview summary
• Strategic multi-channel marketing
• Guestbook metrics and filters
• Customizable reservations view and metrics
• Feedback analytics and filters

Now, let’s see how ResDiary performs when it comes to reporting.

Their reporting system offers restaurant owners a treasure trove of insights beyond basic booking data. 

Their analytics toolkit includes everything from revenue forecasting to detailed table utilization stats. 

You can also track marketing campaigns, create custom reports, and export your data in different formats to use with other business tools.

Source: ResDiary

On top of that, their reporting suite includes specialized reports, like the Lead Time Report, for instance.

This type of report shows how far in advance customers typically book, helping restaurants better understand booking patterns and adjust their marketing efforts accordingly.

For operations management, their Running Order View provides a customizable list of all reservations that can be sorted by different criteria and filtered by service or area.

This is helpful for briefing kitchen and front-of-house teams. 

You can even print a condensed version showing booking frequency throughout each time slot.

Source: ResDiary

Furthermore, ResDiary helps track marketing effectiveness with detailed Booking Source Reports that show exactly which channels bring in the most customers.

And if you want to reduce no-shows, their dedicated No-Show Report helps identify patterns so you can implement targeted prevention strategies.

Overall, when it comes to reporting and analytics, Tablein gives you access to all the key numbers you need in order to run your restaurant efficiently.

ResDiary, on the other hand, boasts a more granular approach, for those who want to analyze every detail. 

It all boils down to how much data you really need.

Mobile Usability Overview

Running a restaurant means you're always on the move. 

So, you need your reservation system to keep up.

Tablein provides just that: a website that works seamlessly on any device—no app needed.

This makes it easy for you and your staff to check reservations, update table status, and add, cancel, or edit bookings on the go.

Source: Tablein

Tablein promises: 

“Everyone on your team can access and make real-time updates from any device, at any location, ensuring your team always has the latest information.”

ResDiary took a different route, developing a dedicated mobile app.

Source: ResDiary

Their app offers features like table management, guest tracking, and real-time reporting. 

The ResDiary Plus booking management app for iOS allows users to access their booking list and see table bookings for the current day.

It includes: 

• Customer’s name 
• Time of booking 
• Number of covers 
• Any attached promotions 
• Any notes that were added to the booking 
• Their assigned table(s) 

The app is available to Android users, too.

However, they report that it only works in landscape mode on Android devices, and that it only allows them to see the bookings, but not actually manage them.

Source: Google Play Store

So, if you’re an Android user who wants to manage their table reservations on the go, this could be a deal-breaker. 

But if you’re an iPhone user, the app also provides an offline functionality, which can be valuable in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. 

However, this requires staff to download and keep another app on their devices. 

Available Integrations

When it comes to available integrations, Tablein keeps it focused on what most restaurants actually use. 

Need to take payments? 

You've got Stripe, PayPal, Redsys, and Paysera ready to go, and you can collect deposits or pre-payments through any of these. 

Source: Tablein

For building your website, the system integrates seamlessly with WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, and other popular platforms. 

Plus, it connects to all the places where guests book tables: Google, Facebook, Instagram, and even the Michelin Guide. 

When it comes to email marketing, Tablein works with popular platforms like Mailchimp, though you'll need these third-party tools for loyalty programs, too.

ResDiary, on the other hand, spreads its wings a bit wider, especially when it comes to POS systems. 

They've built seamless connections with numerous EPoS systems, requiring minimal setup time. 

Source: ResDiary

Their Dish Cult platform adds even more options for gift vouchers and marketing campaigns, with built-in loyalty features you won't need external apps for. 

Both platforms offer API access for custom integrations, but ResDiary's more extensive API documentation and longer track record of third-party development might give them an edge for restaurants needing specialized customizations.

Customer Support Differences

ResDiary and Tablein both know that, in order to keep their business on top, they need to stay on top of all the little things that break. 

So, both tools offer customer support around the clock.

Tablein emphasizes accessible, multi-channel support. 

It provides assistance through email, live chat, and in-app messaging, ensuring restaurants quickly get help when needed, wherever they might be.

In select markets, Tablein offers phone support, too.

And if you have a question that you want to find an answer to yourself, Tablein’s self-service portal is there to help.

It includes detailed troubleshooting instructions for common issues and answers to a variety of system-related questions you might have.

Source: Tablein

A unique feature is Tablein’s settings optimization advisor, there to help restaurants configure the platform to match their specific needs.

ResDiary, on the other hand, focuses on structured support and training resources. 

This makes sense, considering their platform is overall more difficult to use than Tablein’s.

Source: ResDiary

You can even join live webinars to see everything in action or dive into their detailed guides whenever you need help. 

Not sure if it's right for you? They'll walk you through a personalized demo first.

What's particularly handy is ResDiary’s comparison library. 

If you're stuck choosing between different reservation systems, they've done the homework for you, breaking down how their features stack up against competitors. 

You'll find everything from basic how-tos to in-depth feature comparisons in their knowledge base.

User Feedback and Reviews

Real reviews tell you more than any sales pitch. 

So, let’s see what actual restaurant owners and staff say about these platforms.

Tablein boasts a 5/5 star rating on GetApp.

Source: GetApp

Its users frequently praise the platform's intuitive interface and straightforward pricing structure. 

Positive feedback also often mentions responsive customer support and ease of integration with existing websites. 

Source: GetApp

The platform's simplified approach to reservation management appears to be especially appreciated by smaller restaurants and those new to digital reservation systems. 

Areas where users request improvements, however, include more advanced payment options and the addition of a dedicated mobile app.

ResDiary receives positive feedback for its comprehensive feature set and advanced integration capabilities. 

However, some users note that the platform's extensive features can create a steeper learning curve, particularly for smaller operations with limited technical resources.

This might explain their low rating of just 3.1 on GetApp.

Source: GetApp

As you can see above, the lowest rating of 3/5 is for ease of use. 

Furthermore, several clients mention that the complicated software went hand-in-hand with not-so-responsive customer support.

Source: GetApp

This is a recent review, so ResDiary might address the feedback in the future. 

Overall, as of early 2025, Tablein is viewed more favorably by users, which is worth taking into account when comparing these two reservation platforms for your own needs.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Cost considerations play a crucial role in choosing a reservation system.

But, these two platforms take different approaches to pricing their services.

Tablein adopts a transparent, all-inclusive pricing model with three distinct tiers: Starter, Growth, and Success.

Source: Tablein

The Starter plan accommodates up to 50 reservations monthly, while the Growth plan handles up to 150 reservations. 

Lastly, the Success plan offers unlimited reservations, so it’s a great option if your establishment gets busy.

It’s important to note that all features are included at every tier, with no hidden fees or additional charges for core functionalities. 

This allows you to accurately budget without worrying about unexpected costs.

It also means that all restaurants—no matter their size—get the same powerful features, without being pushed to upgrade their plan just to unlock key functionalities.

On top of that, Tablein offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test all the features before committing.

Source: Tablein

Now, let’s take a look at how ResDiary does it. 

ResDiary's pricing structure is more complex and will vary based on features and usage levels. 

While they don't publicly disclose their pricing or even the plans they offer, they do list some of the features prospective users should count on.

Source: ResDiary

However, if you want to learn more about the plans they offer and find out which one is right for you, you’ll have to fill out the form on their website.

And while you won’t find out how much using ResDiary will cost you without getting in touch with their team, they’re more transparent when it comes to the pricing of the additional features they offer.

You can see some of these add-ons and their pricing below.

Source: ResDiary

However, that’s all you get at first glance. 

ResDiary requires interested restaurants to book a demo for detailed pricing information, promising customized packages based on specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing between Tablein and ResDiary comes down to matching your restaurant's needs with each platform's strengths. 

Tablein offers a user-friendly, transparent solution ideal for restaurants prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

ResDiary, on the other hand, provides a feature-rich platform suited for operations requiring advanced marketing and integration capabilities.

Remember, the right reservation system should feel like a natural extension of your restaurant, not a hurdle to overcome. 

So, take advantage of both platforms' trial options to experience their features firsthand and discover which one truly enhances your restaurant's efficiency and guest experience.