DoorDash, Uber Eats, and AmEx Intensify Restaurant Reservation Wars

The competition for online restaurant reservations is heating up, with DoorDash joining established players like OpenTable and Resy, alongside increasing involvement from credit card companies. This renewed battle aims to capture a larger share of the dining market, offering consumers more convenience and options while vying for valuable restaurant partnerships.

The Rise of Reservation Platforms

For over a decade, Resy and OpenTable have been the dominant forces in the online restaurant reservation space. However, the landscape is shifting as delivery apps and credit card partnerships enter the fray. DoorDash’s $1.2 billion acquisition of SevenRooms in June 2025 signaled its intent to become a major player, following Uber Eats’ partnership with OpenTable earlier in the year. CNBC reports that American Express’s 2024 purchase of Tock, a reservation platform focused on upscale restaurants, for $400 million further intensifies the competition.

Key Players and Strategies

• OpenTable: Remains the market leader with approximately 60,000 restaurants listed on its platform. LinkedIn notes that OpenTable is actively working to recapture top-tier restaurants with Michelin stars or James Beard awards.
• Resy: Backed by American Express, Resy is known for its “cool factor” and strong presence in cities like Latest York. Starting this summer, Resy will integrate 5,000 eateries, bars, and wineries from Tock, bringing its total to around 25,000 venues. CNBC
• DoorDash: Leveraging its acquisition of SevenRooms, DoorDash aims to become a comprehensive dining destination, encompassing delivery, takeout, and table reservations. The company is offering incentives like DoorDash cash for reservations and exclusive tables for DashPass members. LinkedIn
• Uber Eats: Partnered with OpenTable to integrate reservations directly into its app, expanding its reach beyond food delivery.
• American Express, Chase, and Visa: Credit card companies are playing a crucial role by offering exclusive reservation access and dining credits to premium cardholders, incentivizing platform loyalty.

The Role of Credit Card Partnerships

Credit card companies are increasingly involved, viewing reservation platforms as a valuable perk for their premium cardholders. American Express Platinum cardholders receive special access to reservations and a $400 annual dining credit at Resy restaurants. Similarly, Visa and Chase offer exclusive OpenTable reservations to eligible cardholders. These partnerships provide financial incentives for restaurants to join specific platforms. CNBC

Data Integration and the Future of Dining

DoorDash’s acquisition of SevenRooms provides access to a more complete view of diner behavior. Integrating delivery and dine-in data allows for a more personalized experience and targeted marketing efforts. According to SevenRooms co-founder Joel Montaniel, understanding whether a customer is new or a repeat diner across different touchpoints is key to improving service. CNBC

Parisa Sadrzadeh, vice president of strategy and operations for DoorDash, acknowledges that the reservation marketplace is still in its early stages but expresses optimism about its growth potential. CNBC