Actually, it’s not one or the other — because wicker is a style of weave, and rattan is a material.

Rattan

• A strong, flexible natural material (like a vine)

• Lightweight but durable

• Commonly used in high-quality dining chairs and frames

• Can be woven into wicker styles or used as solid poles

Wicker

• A weaving technique, not a material
• Can be made from rattan, bamboo, plastic, or resin
• Depends entirely on what it's made from

So what’s better for dining?

A rattan chair with wicker weave is usually best — it gives you the beauty of the wicker look with the strength and natural warmth of real rattan.

Bottom line:
If you're choosing between a rattan dining chair and a cheap synthetic wicker one, rattan wins every time for quality, feel, and longevity.