Managing table flow takes more than just pens and paper. Without digital help, restaurants often waste valuable restaurant space, lose bookings, and face avoidable delays.

A seating chart app simplifies booking by handling self-reservations, adjusting layouts in real time, and tracking table use.

Many options offer flexible pricing, including pay-as-you-go plans, and tools like in-app purchase upgrades for added features. Teams can cut down on phone calls during rush hours and focus on helping guests instead.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best restaurant seating chart app, compare features, and use technology to improve how your restaurant handles reservations.

1. Plannera

Plannera gives you the tools to manage every part of the dining floor without slowing down. You get a full view of reservations, open tables, and waitlists from one dashboard. Real-time seating updates help seat guests quickly and avoid double bookings.

Large group reservations stand out with the clear color-coded reservation tags. Every team member sees the same data across multiple devices to keep floor decisions consistent.

Each session starts with a successful initial login, bringing up the reservation palette. The system also tracks every change in the reservation history, such as a cancellation, a layout shift, or a late seating.

Hosts can reserve anytime, even during off-hours or from the web, using self-reservations. Offline mode captures every action when the internet drops, syncing everything later.

Plannera further supports daily adjustments. Visit app settings to change layouts, shift times, or unlock manually flexible upgrade options. Managers can access monthly mainboard overview reports to track patterns during peak periods.

The planner ensures seating arrangements stay smooth and helps staff make quick changes without losing control. With a user-friendly app designed for fast actions and clean visuals, staff focus more on the guests, not the tools.

Key Features of Plannera

Plannera includes tools that make it easier to seat guests, adjust layouts, and manage pressure during peak hours, such as:

• Walk-in reservation dashboards
• Smart zoom-in view controls
• Multi-view selector chooses (list, timeline, or visual map)
• Free mainboard cell display for quick table status
• Complementary client online access for guest bookings
• Manually flexible upgrade options with in-app purchase
• Friendly confirmation message system
  

• The planner precisely adjusts seating positions
• Reservation tap for one-click confirmations
• Suggest integration with POS or loyalty tools
• Offline mode for continued service during outages
• Seating arrangements support for multiple layouts
• App’s unique features for mobile and tablet use
• Immediate feedback for live seating updates
• Optimizes seating orders based on table size and party
• Thumbs-up indication for cleared or ready tables
  

• Maximum utilization of tools to fill seats efficiently
• Streamlining table reservations to reduce guest wait times
• Manage peak hours with layout presets and traffic logs

2. Eat App

Eat manages bookings, walk-ins, and table flow with speed and accuracy. The dashboard updates in real time and shows each reservation with guest notes, status, and table info. You can seat guests fast using a drag-and-drop layout, which keeps floor traffic steady and service smooth.

Live alerts, dining history, and tags give staff quick access to guest details. The layout manager adjusts seating on the fly and avoids delays.

These tools support consistent service and help ensure smooth restaurant operations. Add-ons handle messaging, tracking, and all the rest without needing extra platforms.

Smart table rotation and built-in waitlist tools ensure maximum utilization of every seat. Eat works well in busy settings and helps teams stay focused during peak hours.

Key Features of Eat App

Eat App includes simple tools to manage bookings, layouts, and guest flow:

• Drag-and-drop seating manager
• Built-in waitlist features
  

• Calendar sync and shift reports
• Guest profiles with tags and notes
• SMS reminders and alerts
  

• Multi-location and layout presets
• Live dashboard for reservations and walk-ins
• Table timers and turn-time tracking

3. Waitlist Me

Waitlist Me keeps front-of-house teams organized by managing walk-ins, reservations, and floor layouts from a single screen. Hosts use it as a live queue and table planner, helping staff track each guest’s place, estimated wait time, and assigned table.

Guests receive text or phone call notifications when their table is ready, cutting down on repeat questions and crowding at the entrance.

Restaurant managers use the app for both walk-up lists and online reservations. A flexible interface tracks each booking and lets hosts reassign tables without losing guest info. Built-in tools for scheduling rules, blackout dates, and layout changes give teams full control.

Real-time updates help avoid overbooking and missed turns. Floor plans adjust easily, so teams never lose track of room usage.

Accurate table flow supports better restaurant seating and faster service. Guests can check in remotely, view their wait time online, and watch for updates without having to call. These features reduce stress at the front desk and keep the service line moving.

Key Features of Waitlist Me

Waitlist Me includes time-saving tools that improve seating control and guest handling:

• Digital waitlist with live updates
• Self-check-in through a kiosk or web
• Guest-facing waitlist with real-time status
• Drag-and-drop layout editor
• Section and staff assignment tracking
• Future reservation scheduling and time rules
  

• Floor layout tools for smart table management
• Analytics to review booking trends and staff performance
• Custom branding for public waitlist pages

4. OpenTable

OpenTable provides you with a complete toolset for managing reservations, table flow, and guest communication. A clean interface shows every upcoming booking, lets hosts assign tables in seconds, and updates in real time as guests arrive.

The platform works as a cloud-based system, so you can access the tools from any device with internet. With full support for online and in-person bookings, OpenTable helps teams respond faster and avoid missed reservations.

The dashboard shows which tables are open, which guests are waiting, and how long each party has been seated. All information stays connected, with live updates from start to finish.

Key Features of OpenTable

OpenTable offers trusted tools that keep bookings organized and guests satisfied:

• Real-time reservation dashboard
• Guest profile tracking and visit history
• Marketing tools for guest reviews and loyalty
• Device access through cloud-based login
• Table status updates with color-coded display
  

• Tools to adjust for walk-ins and last-minute changes
• In-app reporting for table turnover and guest traffic
• Calendar view for hosts and managers
• Availability alerts to reduce missed turns
• Automatic SMS and email confirmations

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In just a few days, you can get a branded restaurant website, mobile app, and direct ordering system to serve guests faster and boost online reservations!

Push out offers, reward loyal customers, and track repeat visits without outside platforms getting in the way. Month-to-month billing keeps things flexible, and launch happens in under 5 days. Full support stays available around the clock, so you’re never stuck waiting.

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FAQs About Restaurant Seating Chart App

Is there an app to make a seating chart?

Yes, there are apps to make a seating chart. Tools like Plannera, Eat App, Waitlist Me, and OpenTable offer drag-and-drop seating layouts, real-time updates, and table assignments to help manage floor plans more efficiently.

How do you calculate a restaurant’s seating area?

To calculate a restaurant seating area, measure the total dining space in square feet and divide it by the recommended space per guest. Casual dining usually needs 12 to 15 square feet per person, while fine dining may require up to 20 square feet per person.

Is the Resy app free?

The Resy app is free to download, but some advanced features may have a fee. Also, its business software has a subscription-based pricing model.

What is table management and why is it important in a seating chart app?

Table management refers to how restaurants organize, assign, and track their tables during service. A good seating chart app improves table management by showing real-time table status, preventing double bookings, and helping staff seat guests quickly.

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