Bistro vs TouchBistro
TouchBistro is an iPad POS built for full-service dining, with reservations and other modules sold as add-ons. Bistro runs on the devices you already own and answers your phone with an AI agent that books tables and events. Here's how to choose.
7-day trial. No card required. Menu plans from $9/month after your trial.
What to consider
Competitor details are dated information. Confirm current terms directly with the provider before purchasing.
Information recorded: July 2026
| Criteria | Bistro | TouchBistro |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly software | $9 to $180 | From $69/mo per license on the Point of Sale plan. Some third parties note it is billed annually. |
| Hardware required | None. Use the phones and tablets you own. | Yes. iPad-based POS, hardware required. TouchBistro sells and finances it. |
| Payment processing | Connect your Stripe account. Processing rates depend on your country, payment method and Stripe terms. | TouchBistro Payments (powered by Chase, US) or third-party processors. Rates are custom quoted, not published. |
| Bistro per-transaction fee | No platform fee on pay at table. Reservation deposits carry 1% + $1.00, paid by the guest. | Not applicable. |
| Reservations | Table and event bookings with optional deposits, included on Full Bistro OS. | TouchBistro Reservations is a separate add-on at $229/mo flat, on top of the $69 base. |
| AI phone agent | An AI agent can answer calls and book tables or events. Voice requires separate activation and usage charges. | None native. Reservations are a traditional booking system. AI call answering only via third-party integrations. |
| Private event bookings | Captured on the phone or web with deposits priced by party size and time of day. | Handled through the standard reservations add-on, no event-specific deposit rules. |
| Digital menu and QR per table | Included on every plan. | Menu management for the POS. Guest-facing QR ordering via add-ons. |
| Add-on modules | Features are bundled into the plan tiers. No per-module fees. | Online ordering, loyalty, marketing, gift cards and KDS are separate paid add-ons, most custom quoted. |
| Time to launch | Set up online using your existing devices. Timing depends on the menu and tools you configure. | Longer. Depends on hardware install and setup. |
| Contract | Month to month. Cancel anytime. | Officially month to month. Reviewers report pressure toward annual contracts that are hard to exit. |
TouchBistro pricing and features verified July 2026 against touchbistro.com and reputable reviews. TouchBistro quotes payment rates and most add-ons individually, so figures here that are not on its public pricing page are marked as such. Get a written quote before signing.
Menu and QR features are available by plan. Photo import is included in the trial; voice service requires separate activation.
Choose the tools your restaurant needs.
Pick Bistro if
- You don't want to buy or run iPad POS hardware.
- You want reservations and an AI phone agent without a $229/mo add-on.
- You want private event bookings with deposits by party size and time of day.
- You want to review processing fees directly in your own Stripe account.
- You want pay-at-table on your own Stripe account, month to month.
Pick TouchBistro if
- You need a full on-premise POS with a cash drawer, floor plan and kitchen printing.
- You run a full-service restaurant with many terminals and staff roles.
- You want tableside ordering hardware and restaurant-specific POS depth.
- You are fine paying for reservations and other modules as add-ons.
Let your guests see what’s on the menu.
Create your restaurant, add your dishes and share your first QR. Seven days to try it, with no card required.
Menu plans from $9/month after your trial.