Zenchef vs Resos: Complete comparison 2026

For most restaurants, Resos is the more affordable and accessible choice thanks to its free tier, published pricing, and lower entry cost. Zenchef is the stronger pick if you operate in France, the Netherlands, or Belgium and want deep local support, a built-in website builder, and a platform with 15,000+ restaurants already on board in those markets.

Key takeaways

• Zenchef: Commission-free European platform, strong in France and Benelux, formed from the merger of Zenchef + Formitable + Resengo, EUR 69-119/month, 15,000+ restaurants, website builder and marketing tools included
• Resos: Commission-free reservation platform, transparent pricing ($0-149/month), free tier available, Copenhagen-based, fast self-service setup
• Both platforms charge zero per-cover fees. This comparison is not about commissions versus flat fees. Both already solved that problem. The real differences are pricing, market focus, and how you get started.
• Cost difference: Resos starts at $0/month. Zenchef starts at EUR 69/month with no free tier

Zenchef vs Resos at a glance

Quick verdict

Zenchef is the right choice if your restaurant operates in France, the Netherlands, or Belgium and you want a commission-free platform with deep local roots. The 2023 merger with Formitable and Resengo means Zenchef has strong on-the-ground support, local POS integrations, and brand recognition in those markets. The website builder and marketing tools add value if you need an all-in-one digital presence solution.

Resos is the right choice if you want the lowest possible cost of entry, fully transparent pricing, and a focused reservation system without extras you may not need. The free tier removes all financial risk from getting started, and the self-service setup means you can be live within an hour.

Both platforms reject the commission model that marketplace platforms like TheFork and OpenTable rely on. The core question is not whether to go commission-free, but which commission-free platform fits your market, budget, and needs.

Zenchef vs Resos pricing comparison 2026

Zenchef pricing

Zenchef does not charge per-cover fees on any plan. Pricing may vary by market since the platform operates under different brands in different countries (Formitable in the Netherlands, Resengo in Belgium). A free trial is available.

Visit Zenchef for current pricing (as of February 2026).

Resos pricing

Promotional pricing is 50% off for the first 6 months. No cover fees on any plan. No contracts required.

The pricing philosophy

Both platforms align on the principle that restaurants should not pay per-cover commissions. The pricing difference comes down to entry cost and flexibility. Zenchef’s Essential plan at EUR 69/month is reasonable for an established restaurant, but it is a meaningful commitment for a smaller venue still evaluating whether online reservations will move the needle. Resos lets you answer that question for free before investing anything.

For a broader look at platforms that skip per-cover fees, see our guide on commission-free booking systems.

Zenchef vs Resos features compared

Core reservation features

Both platforms cover the reservation fundamentals that every restaurant needs:

For core reservation management, both platforms deliver. A restaurant that needs online booking, table management, guest profiles, and automated confirmations will find either platform capable. The differences emerge in the extras and the markets each platform serves best.

Where Zenchef wins: local presence, website tools, and scale in Western Europe

Zenchef’s biggest advantages are its market position and the breadth of tools that come with the platform.

Deep local presence in France and Benelux. With over 15,000 restaurants across France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, Zenchef has the kind of market penetration that matters for local support, local POS integrations, and local payment methods. The 2023 merger with Formitable (established in Amsterdam, popular with Dutch restaurants) and Resengo (a Belgian booking platform) gave Zenchef ready-made networks in three major European markets.

Website builder. Zenchef’s Premium plan includes tools to build or enhance your restaurant’s website with integrated booking functionality. For restaurants that do not have a strong web presence, this can consolidate two problems (website + reservations) into one solution.

Marketing tools. Email campaigns, automated guest communication, and loyalty features help restaurants drive repeat visits directly, without relying on a marketplace. This is particularly valuable for restaurants transitioning away from TheFork’s marketplace model where direct booking strategies become essential.

European POS integrations. Zenchef connects with POS systems commonly used in French, Dutch, and Belgian restaurants, a practical advantage for venues already running local software.

Established track record. Founded in 2010, Zenchef has been building its commission-free model for over 15 years. The longevity and scale (15,000+ restaurants) provide confidence that the platform will be around long term.

Where Resos wins: affordability, transparency, and accessibility

Resos takes a leaner approach: make reservations affordable and accessible to every restaurant, regardless of size or budget.

Free tier with real functionality. Resos offers 25 bookings per month at zero cost, permanently. This is not a trial. It is a plan that lets small restaurants or those new to online reservations get started with no financial risk. For restaurants exploring online booking for the first time, see our guide on how to get more reservations.

Lower cost at every level. Even comparing paid plans, Resos comes in below Zenchef. The Basic plan at $47/month (or $24/month with the promotional discount) is significantly less than Zenchef’s EUR 69/month Essential plan, while covering the same core reservation features.

Published, predictable pricing. Every Resos plan and its price is listed on the website. There is no sales call, no discovery process, and no regional pricing variation. You know exactly what you will pay before you sign up.

Self-service setup. Create an account, configure your tables and hours, embed the widget on your website, and start accepting bookings. The process takes under an hour with no onboarding call required.

Month-to-month flexibility. No annual contracts. Scale up or down as your business needs change. This flexibility matters for seasonal restaurants or venues that are still finding their booking volume.

Focus on reservations. Resos does not try to be a website builder, marketing suite, or POS replacement. If you already have tools you like for those functions, Resos fits alongside them without conflict. For help deciding whether to consolidate or keep separate tools, our article on how to choose a booking system covers the key decision factors.

The merger factor: Zenchef, Formitable, and Resengo

One aspect worth understanding is Zenchef’s recent history. In 2023, Zenchef merged with two other European restaurant platforms:

• Formitable (founded in the Netherlands): Popular with Dutch restaurants, known for its design-forward booking widget and prepayment features
• Resengo (founded in Belgium): A well-established Belgian restaurant booking platform

The merger created a larger company with broader European reach, but it also introduced complexity. Restaurants in the Netherlands may still know the platform as Formitable. Belgian restaurants may recognize Resengo. The underlying technology is being unified, but the brand transition is still in progress.

For restaurants, this means:

• Pro: Larger company with more resources, broader feature set from combining three platforms, stronger negotiating position with POS and payment partners
• Con: Brand confusion during transition, potential growing pains as systems merge, uncertainty about which legacy features will survive unification

If you are evaluating Zenchef today, ask about the current state of the integration and which features from each legacy platform are available in your market.

Who should choose Zenchef?

Zenchef makes sense if:

• You operate in France, the Netherlands, or Belgium. These are Zenchef’s strongest markets with the best local support, integrations, and brand recognition. If you are currently on TheFork and want to stay with a platform that understands your local market, Zenchef is a strong alternative.
• You need a website builder. If your restaurant lacks a proper website and you want booking-integrated web pages, Zenchef’s Premium plan bundles this in.
• You want marketing tools built in. Email campaigns, automated guest follow-ups, and loyalty features come with the platform, reducing the need for separate marketing software.
• You want an established platform. Over 15,000 restaurants and 15+ years of operation provide stability and confidence.
• You are comfortable with the EUR 69/month starting price. For established restaurants processing hundreds of bookings monthly, this is reasonable. The value becomes clear when compared to the per-cover fees that marketplace platforms charge.

Who should choose Resos?

Resos makes sense if:

• You want the lowest cost of entry. Starting at $0/month, no other commission-free platform matches this. The free tier is ideal for testing online reservations without financial commitment.
• You are a small or new restaurant. Budget matters most when you are starting out. Resos lets you grow into paid plans as your booking volume increases.
• You already have a website and marketing tools. If your digital presence is sorted, you do not need Zenchef’s website builder or email marketing. You just need a reliable, affordable reservation system.
• You want fast, self-service setup. No onboarding calls, no sales process. Sign up and go live in under an hour.
• You want month-to-month flexibility. No contracts. Downgrade or cancel anytime. Useful for seasonal restaurants or those with fluctuating demand.
• You operate outside France and Benelux. Zenchef’s biggest advantage is its local presence in specific Western European markets. If you are outside those markets, that advantage does not apply to you. For Nordic restaurants specifically, also see our Superb vs Resos comparison.
• Budget is a priority. Every euro saved on software can go toward food quality, staff, or guest experience. Resos keeps overhead low. For more affordable options, see our guide on free restaurant booking software.

The bottom line

Zenchef and Resos share the same core philosophy: restaurants should not pay commissions on every booking. Both platforms deliver on that promise with flat-fee subscription models and zero per-cover charges. The differences come down to market focus, extra features, and cost of entry.

Zenchef is the established player in France and Benelux, backed by its mergers with Formitable and Resengo, with 15,000+ restaurants and a broader toolset that includes website building and email marketing. If you operate in those markets and want a comprehensive local platform, Zenchef delivers real value at EUR 69-119/month.

Resos is the more affordable and accessible option, with a free tier that eliminates risk, published pricing that eliminates surprises, and a focused reservation system that eliminates complexity. For restaurants that want reliable booking management without paying for extras they do not need, Resos is the smarter financial choice.

If you are currently paying per-cover fees to a marketplace platform and looking for a commission-free alternative, both Zenchef and Resos are strong options. Your market and budget will determine which one fits best.

Related comparisons: TheFork vs Resos | Superb vs Resos | TheFork alternatives | Best commission-free booking systems

Sources

• Zenchef
• Zenchef + Formitable + Resengo merger (EU-Startups)
• Formitable
• Resengo
• Resos pricing