OpenTable announced the launch of its new all-in-one marketplace for private and group dining. The product replaces scattered searches, calls, and emails with one reliable hub – making it easier for diners to plan large gatherings and for restaurants to drive revenue with less friction.
Booking a group or private dining space has traditionally meant hours of online research, followed by multiple layers of communication and guesswork. OpenTable’s new survey of U.S. consumers found it takes an average of 17 hours to find and book the right venue for private and group dining. More than two-thirds (68%) said they’d organize more events if the process were easier, while nearly half (42%) of respondents said they’ve abandoned booking altogether due to the hassle.
In August 2025, OpenTable surveyed over 1,500 respondents in the United States who had dined with a group of 10 or more as part of an individual booking in the past five years.
The city discovery page offers a user-friendly way for diners to explore and compare private dining rooms, semi-private spaces, and tables for large groups. It provides transparent pricing, detailed menus, information about the ambiance, capacity, and visuals for each venue. In a first for reservation platforms, an expanding selection of venues in the marketplace will feature instant booking, allowing diners to check real-time availability and secure their reservations in seconds. For restaurants, this marketplace will create additional leads for large bookings through an easy setup, helping to increase revenue.
“We’ve heard countless times that searching for and booking large group and private dining is frustrating and complicated for both restaurants and diners. It’s been an overlooked area of the industry that is ripe for innovation,” said Amy Wei, Chief Operating Officer for OpenTable. “Our marketplace is the perfect place to source profitable leads for restaurants and connect diners to exactly what they’re looking for. Now, it’s simple and seamless for restaurants to grow revenue and maximize underutilized private dining spaces.”
OpenTable’s consumer research underscores the demand behind the launch. Birthdays, family gatherings, and corporate events – including company celebrations, client meetings and team bonding – were identified as the most common drivers of private dining reservations. Almost three-quarters of respondents (72%) said they would rather host a group dinner at a restaurant than at home, and 66% reported they are willing to spend more per person for a private or group dining venue than they would a la carte at a restaurant. Together, these findings point to a shift in how consumers want to celebrate and gather, and the untapped potential for restaurants.
The marketplace is now live globally. To explore private and group dining on OpenTable, visit opentable.com/private-dining.
