# Eater vs Zenchef

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Zenchef at 79% against Eater's 42%. Zenchef also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Eater ships an update weekly, Zenchef every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Eater | Zenchef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eater/id6469005148/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **61** | — |
| Positive reviews | 41.6% of reviews | **78.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 154 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vox Media, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/457274452) | [Zenchef](https://appshunter.io/developer/1086608749) |

## What reviewers say

### Eater

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eater/id6469005148)

Discover top restaurant and bar recommendations curated by expert editors. Find new places in any city, get personalized suggestions, and easily make reservations. Never have a bad meal again with trusted insider picks.

**Highlights:** Editor-curated restaurant picks, Personalized recommendations, Insider community connection, Smart search functionality, Create and share custom lists, Direct table reservations

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient access to Eater content
- 🚀 Curated restaurant recommendations
- 💡 Ability to save/reference restaurant lists

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes/won't open for some users
- 🔒 Forced opt-in for data tracking
- 🗺️ Outdated restaurant information
- 🌍 Limited to certain regions/cities

**Reported bugs**

- Search and account icons smushed on main map page
- Location settings get stuck after disabling tracking

**Requested features**

- Add filters and sorting for map/list view
- Allow sharing of restaurant lists
- Improve font size and layout on map view


### Zenchef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenchef/id6758210764)

Discover and book available restaurant tables instantly without the stress of calling or guessing. This app provides real-time availability for your chosen date, time, and party size, offering a clear and confident dining reservation experience.

**Highlights:** See real-time restaurant availability, Book tables instantly, Explore trusted restaurants, Map-based restaurant discovery, Direct bookings with restaurants

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Eater free?

Eater is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Zenchef free?

Zenchef is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Eater or Zenchef have ads?

Eater shows ads; Zenchef does not.

### Which is updated more often, Eater or Zenchef?

Eater ships an update weekly, and Zenchef every 9 days. Most recently, Eater was updated on October 13, 2026 and Zenchef on October 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*