OpenTable: all info, tips and rating in the profile
Last updated on 5 July 2026
OpenTable is an international reservation platform for restaurants where reviews are only possible after an actual visit.
What is OpenTable?
OpenTable combines an online reservation system for restaurants with a review system. A review can only be left after a guest has actually visited the restaurant. According to its own figures, OpenTable has more than 155 million verified reviews worldwide.
| Verification | High – a review is only possible after an actual restaurant visit |
|---|---|
| Leaving a review | Easy after the visit, usually via an automatic invitation |
| Having a review removed | On a policy violation, via OpenTable’s reputation management system |
| Cost for the business | Free for guests, restaurants pay for the reservation system and additional features |
| Credibility | High, due to the mandatory proof of visit |
How do I create a review on OpenTable?
After a restaurant visit that was booked via OpenTable, guests are given the opportunity to leave a review with stars and text. Without an actual visit, no review is possible.
How can I have an OpenTable review removed?
Via OpenTable’s integrated reputation management system, restaurants can view reviews and report them for review in the case of violations of the guidelines. Since every review is tied to a verified visit, unfounded fake reviews are structurally much rarer.
Strengths and weaknesses of OpenTable
Strengths
- Mandatory proof of visit for each individual review
- Very large international data base with over 155 million verified reviews
- Integrated reservation and reputation management for restaurants
Weaknesses
- Only usable for restaurants that use OpenTable as their reservation system
- Lower prevalence outside the USA and a few core markets
How credible is OpenTable?
Since a review on OpenTable is only possible after an actual restaurant visit, the platform is among the structurally most credible review systems in the gastronomy sector.
What makes OpenTable special
What is special about OpenTable is the close integration of the reservation system and the review function: only those who have actually reserved via the platform and visited the restaurant can leave a review.
Tips & tricks for OpenTable
- Actively use the reservation system to automatically collect more verified reviews
- Use OpenTable’s reputation management tools to analyze guest feedback
- Respond to reviews promptly and professionally
Frequently asked questions about OpenTable
Can I leave a review on OpenTable without a visit?
No, a review is only possible after an actual restaurant visit.
How many verified reviews does OpenTable have?
According to its own figures, more than 155 million worldwide.
Can restaurants use OpenTable without their own reservation system?
The review function is closely integrated with the OpenTable reservation system, so meaningful use generally requires the use of this system.
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