Best Chatbots for Restaurant Websites in 2025: Complete Guide
- Info (Kitxens.com)
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
In today’s fast-paced dining world, every second counts; a delayed reply can mean a lost customer and a missed booking. Restaurant chatbots transform that risk into an advantage, providing instant answers, streamlining reservations, and keeping guests engaged 24/7.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best chatbot solutions for restaurant websites in 2025, breaking down their features, pricing, and which platforms work best for different types of restaurants, from cozy cafés to high-volume fine dining.
Why a chatbot is essential in a restaurant
A well-implemented chatbot can:
Automatically answer frequently asked questions (opening hours, location, menu, reservations)
Manage reservations and orders directly from your website or social channels.
Increase conversions by engaging customers who might otherwise leave.
Provide 24/7 service with no extra staffing costs.
Key criteria when choosing a restaurant chatbot
When selecting a solution, consider:
Built-in AI or not – Does it respond intelligently or only with pre-set answers?
Supported channels – Website, social media, WhatsApp, etc.
Ease of setup – Time and technical skill required.
Integrations – With CRM, POS, reservations, Google Calendar, and more.
Price – Monthly cost vs. the value it delivers.
Top restaurant chatbot solutions for 2025.
Platform | Starting Price* | Native AI | Supported Channels | Ease of Use | Ideal For |
Tidio (Lyro AI) | $29/mo | ✅ Yes (trained with your content) | Web, Messenger, Instagram, Email | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Restaurants that want a quick, simple setup with ready-to-use AI |
Crisp.chat (MagicReply) | $25/mo | ✅ Yes (learns from chat history) | Web, WhatsApp, SMS, Email, Social | ⭐⭐⭐ | Businesses wanting to unify all channels in one inbox |
Intercom (Fin AI Agent) | $39/ mo/user | ✅ Yes (advanced AI linked to CRM & database) | Web, Email, WhatsApp, Social | ⭐⭐⭐ | High-volume restaurants and events |
$39/mo | ⚠️ No native AI (integrates with OpenAI) | Web, WhatsApp, Messenger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Creating custom visual conversation flows | |
$29/mo | ⚠️ AI integration possible | Web, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, Email | ⭐⭐⭐ | Multi-channel support with AI + human handoff | |
Variable | ✅ Yes (fully customizable) | Web + any integrated channel | ⭐⭐ | Complete control over tone and content | |
$18/ mo/user | ⚠️ AI integration possible | Web, WhatsApp, Social, Email | ⭐⭐⭐ | Centralizing messages and automating workflows |
*Prices are approximate for entry-level plans.
Detailed analysis of each option:
1. Tidio with Lyro AI.
Pros: Very easy to install, AI-ready in minutes, user-friendly interface, and social media integration.
Cons: Less customizable than a full ChatGPT integration.
Best for: Small to medium restaurants that want fast, effective automation with no technical hassle.
2. Crisp.chat with MagicReply.
Pros: Unifies all channels in one inbox, AI learns from chat history, and advanced automation.
Cons: Setup can be slightly more technical.
Best for: Businesses managing web, WhatsApp, and social channels in one place.
3. Intercom with Fin AI Agent.
Pros: High-quality AI, integrates with CRM and knowledge base, highly customizable.
Cons: Higher price, designed for large-scale customer service.
Best for: Premium restaurants or those with high online and reservation traffic.
4. Landbot.
Pros: Visual, code-free conversation flows, AI integration for natural replies.
Cons: No built-in AI, requires setup for intelligent responses.
Best for: Restaurants creating tailored conversational experiences.
5. Respond.io
Pros: Centralized management of multiple channels, AI integration, automated conversation routing.
Cons: AI is omitted by default.
Best for: Restaurants managing many channels and aiming to automate 80% of interactions.
6. Chatway + Zapier + ChatGPT.
Pros: Total control, AI speaks exactly in your brand voice, connects with reservations, inventory, and promotions.
Cons: Requires technical skills, ongoing maintenance.
Best for: Businesses wanting full customization and already using tools like Zapier.
7. Trengo.
Pros: Unified inbox, automated workflows, AI-ready
Cons: Some key features only in higher plans
Best for: Restaurants prioritizing organized message handling and team task assignments
Real-World Chatbot Solutions for Restaurants.
Restaurants aren’t just testing chatbots, they’re finding real, measurable wins from them.
In Chicago, Nonna’s Table, a cozy family-run Italian bistro, struggled to keep up with calls and Facebook messages during busy dinner hours. Most were simple questions: “What time do you open?” or “Do you have gluten-free pasta?” After adding Tidio (Lyro AI) to their site and Facebook page, 9 out of 10 of these inquiries were answered instantly often in both English and Spanish—without staff lifting a finger. That meant fewer missed calls, happier customers, and more time for the front-of-house team to greet guests in person.
In Los Angeles, The Velvet Fox, a high-end cocktail lounge, was juggling Instagram DMs, WhatsApp bookings, and website chat—all in separate apps. It was costing them opportunities because replies sometimes took hours. They switched to Crisp.chat, which pulled every message into one inbox. Now, when someone asks about booking a birthday table on Instagram, they can confirm their drink package via WhatsApp, all tracked in one place. The result? Response times were cut in half, and a noticeable bump in VIP reservations.
In New York, Oceana, a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, uses Intercom for a different reason: personalization. Their AI doesn’t just say “We have a table at 8:00”. When a loyal guest messages about a reservation, the AI sees their dining history, remembers they prefer a window table, and even suggests a wine pairing that matches their last order. Guests feel remembered, valued—and they keep coming back.
In Austin, El Toro Loco Tacos, a fast-growing taco chain, built a custom Chatway + Zapier + ChatGPT workflow. They wanted something fun, on-brand, and bilingual that could handle daily catering requests. The chatbot jokes like their Instagram captions, takes orders in both English and Spanish, and automatically updates the “special of the day” by pulling it straight from a Google Sheet the kitchen updates each morning. Their catering bookings went up by 27% in three months.
Why are these restaurants embracing chatbots? Because customers today expect instant, accurate answers—and they reward businesses that deliver with their loyalty (and their bookings). The right chatbot isn’t just answering questions; it’s creating a faster, more personal experience that keeps people coming back.
Recommendations by business goal.
Almost full automation, minimal complexity: Tidio (Lyro AI)
Multi-channel coverage with AI: Crisp.chat or Respond.io
Full customization and total control: Chatway + Zapier + ChatGPT.
Premium or high-volume restaurants: Intercom.
In 2025, a chatbot is no longer a “nice-to-have” for restaurants it’s a competitive advantage. The restaurants winning today are the ones that answer quickly, personalize every interaction, and make booking or ordering as easy as sending a text. Whether it’s a family bistro using Tidio to cut missed calls, a cocktail bar using Crisp to centralize messages, or a fine-dining room using Intercom for concierge-level service, the pattern is the same: faster replies lead to more satisfied guests and more business.
The key is finding the right match for your needs. If you want simplicity, go for Tidio. If you need multi-channel control, Crisp or Respond.io will get you there. If you’re after complete customization, Chatway + Zapier + ChatGPT puts you in the driver’s seat.
Whatever you choose, the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now because your next loyal customer might already be waiting for an answer.