How to Reserve a Table at a Restaurant

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Learn exactly what to say to make a restaurant reservation
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Whether you’re on a tight schedule or not, making a reservation at a restaurant ahead of time can help you make the most of your dining experience. It also allows you to focus your time and energy on the people you’re dining out with. Read on for our guide to understanding how to book restaurant reservations online and via phone, along with a list of the most popular reservation platforms and apps. You’ll also discover tips on how to plan and follow through during the restaurant reservation process.

Booking a Restaurant Reservation

Use an online reservation system to book if the restaurant doesn’t have its own. You can also call the restaurant to book your reservation. For example, say, “I’d like to place a reservation for this Friday at 5 for a party of 4.” Book as far ahead of time as possible, especially if you’re going out with a big group.

Section 1 of 4:

Calling to Reserve a Table

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  1. 1
    Call the restaurant to book as far ahead of time as possible. In some cases, you will be able to make a dinner reservation early on the same day. However, if you are planning the dinner ahead of time, call early. Most restaurants will accept reservations a few days in advance, and exclusive fine dining venues will often accept (or even require) reservations weeks or months in advance.
  2. Remaining polite on the phone is just as important as having good table manners at a restaurant. If you are attempting to book a tough reservation, remember that your attitude on the phone will go a long way. Be confident but polite; avoid giving the impression that you feel entitled to a reservation. However, remember that even Michelin-starred restaurants are not in the business of turning away customers. If the host replies that the restaurant has no availability, explain your situation and ask politely if there is any way you can be accommodated in the future.
    • When calling, say "Hi, I'd like to place a reservation for this coming Saturday at 5." The host will then likely ask how many people are in your party and tell you if that date and time are available. If not available, try asking "Is there a table available for an earlier/later time?" If the answer is still no, ask if they can give you their earliest availability and go from there.
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  3. If you book your table a week or more in advance, it's sometimes good to call the day of your reservation just to double-check that you still have it. You should do this as early in the day as you can in case there is an issue. This will allow you to make other plans if needed or give you time to work out any issues with the restaurant.
  4. Once you've secured your reservation, call ahead and apologize if it looks like you'll be up to 20 minutes late. If you are running much later than that, consider canceling and rescheduling your dinner. Remember that reservations are made for a reason—to make sure as many guests as possible are served each night. If you are late it can also affect other guests' reservations.
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Section 2 of 4:

Make a Reservation Online

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  1. 1
    Book a table via the restaurant's website. Many restaurants allow you to book a reservation directly on their website. When doing this, you may also be able to see a list of all available dates and times for either the upcoming week or month. The restaurant is likely to require you to create a login or provide an email address or phone number so they can confirm your reservations. However, they should not text or email you anything else outside of updates on your reservation.
    • Not every restaurant is willing to take reservations, even if they are consistently busy. For example, some smaller or newer restaurants may not have enough clientele yet to set up a system for reservations. So it's important to know a restaurant's policy before you try to book a table.
    • Some restaurants will require a credit card number upon booking your reservation and will charge you a "no show" fee if you do not arrive or cancel in advance.
  2. If you are unable to book a reservation directly on the restaurant's website, you can try an online booking site like OpenTable, Resy, or Google. These sites (and apps when available) allow you to search restaurants based on your preferred time, date, cuisine, and price range. Using a restaurant reservation app on your phone is great for making last minute reservations on the go.
  3. Once you've made your reservations online, you should receive a confirmation either by email or via text. Some of these sites or restaurants may require you to click a link or a button to confirm your reservation. You may also be sent a link to cancel or change your reservation if you need to.
    • Many of these online booking sites also offer coupons or have membership rewards programs through which you can accumulate perks.
    • If you can't cancel online, you may have to call the restaurant directly.
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Choose the Best Online Reservation Platform

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  1. Do you research when picking an online reservation platform to book with. Systems like OpenTable and Resy have been around for quite awhile, and both include apps you can download on your phone. Reserve with Google lets you search using your Google maps or search functions. Sites like TripAdvisor are more geared towards making reservations while traveling. A more complete list of platforms are listed below:
    • OpenTable : Widely used with a large number of participating restaurants; has an app for IOS and Android.
    • Resy : User-friendly platform with personalized dining experiences; app is only available to IOS users.
    • Reserve With Google : Known for its streamlined booking process that lets you search using Google Maps; works in real time; no apps.
    • Tock : Also includes events, takeout, and experiences; has an app for IOS and Android users.
    • Eat App : Manages waitlist and pay-at-table options; has an app for IOS and Android users.
    • Toast Tables : Offers waitlist management, loyalty program, and text reminder notifications; only available for diners as an app for IOS and Android users.
    • TripAdvisor : Known for its ratings and reviews, it offers easy-click online booking; has an app for IOS and Android users; requires sign-in for users.
Section 4 of 4:

Planning Restaurant Reservations

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  1. 1
    Choose a restaurant depending on your preferences. Before you make reservations it's best to decide on what kind of restaurant you'd like to go to. First, do your research to find one with the type of menu you need, including one that accommodates any dietary restrictions for those in your party ( food or gluten allergies or lactose intolerance ). Consider atmosphere (adults only vs. kid-friendly ), space, pricing, parking if applicable, and ambience. Knowing what you’re looking for in a dining experience before you make a restaurant reservation can prevent you showing up and being dissatisfied.
    • Note that many busy casual restaurants don't accept reservations as a rule; this is why many popular spots can be seen with a long line of customers snaking out the door. Be prepared to wait if you want to dine at a restaurant like this.
  2. 2
    Count how many people are in your party. Once you've chosen a restaurant, figure out how many people are going to go to dinner with you. Depending on the size of your party, your wait time may vary. For example, if there are only two of you, you are more likely to have an easier time getting a table. On the other hand, if you are trying to book a table for a party of 10, it's going to be much more difficult. The number of people in your party may also affect how far ahead you need to book your reservation. [1]
    • If you are unsure whether or not a person will be able to make it, book a table including them anyway. It's easier to have an empty seat rather than trying to add a chair to a table in a crowded restaurant.
  3. 3
    Set a date and time for your reservation. Depending on the day of the week, there may be more openings than others. For example, reserving a table on a weekday is easier than trying to book a table over the weekend. Similarly, setting a reservation for “off-hours” rather than the regular “prime time” hours for breakfast, lunch, or dinner will make getting a reservation easier.
    • You should always have a backup date and time in case there is no availability at the original time you chose.
  4. 4
    Mark your calendar and make any necessary preparations. When the day comes, try to arrive at the restaurant 10-15 minutes before your reservation time. This way you can let the hostess know you've arrived and ensure that your table won't be given to someone else. Many restaurants will have a bar or waiting area that you use while ordering drinks. However, remember to re-approach the hostess when the time for your reservation comes up so you aren't passed over.
    • Restaurant Industry professional Nicholas Di Paolo agrees that you should call ahead if you’re running late for your reservation, especially if the restaurant is busy. “Most restaurants will give you a 15-minute grace period, but if they're a busy restaurant that often has a line out the door and people are anxious to sit down, they're going to sit those people down.”
    • Credit card companies often include restaurant discounts in their rewards programs as a means to attract customers, and some high-profile cards even offer exclusive access to heavily booked restaurants.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What happens if we arrive late on our scheduled time?
    Nicholas Di Paolo
    Personal Chef
    Nicholas Di Paolo is a Personal Chef based in Sedona, Arizona. With over 30 years of restaurant experience, Chef Nick has worked in esteemed restaurants including Manhattan’s Raoul’s Bistro and Las Vegas' Foundation Room. Chef Nick has been featured in various publications including Time Out Magazine, Seven, Mountain Living, and the local news in New York City, Las Vegas, and Flagstaff. Chef Nick's Italian-America upbringing is the foundation of his private culinary services. Chef Nick offers buffet-style catering, wedding catering, and standard family dinner menus for clients. He attended the New York Restaurant School.
    Nicholas Di Paolo
    Personal Chef
    Expert Answer
    When booking a reservation at a popular restaurant, it's important to consider their policy, as many establishments typically allow a 15-minute grace period. However, in busy restaurants with constant demand and a line of eager patrons waiting, the staff may need to seat those who have arrived on time to efficiently manage the high volume of customers.
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  • Question
    Does it cost extra to book a reservation?
    Community Answer
    Never, however some places will charge you for not showing up for your reservation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    After confirming a reservation, can an upscale restaurant indicate what time we must leave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but they ideally should tell you before you confirm your booking. If a restaurant is very busy they may have a policy where you have a certain amount of time before you have to leave so they can reset the table/tables for another group. Most restaurants don't do this, but it never hurts to ask their policy ahead of time.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/how-to/a9364/how-to-make-a-reservation-at-a-restaurant/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you book restaurant reservations, pick the restaurant where you want to eat and decide how many people will be in your party. Call the restaurant and let them know the day and time when you would like to make your reservation, but have a backup date and time in case the restaurant is already booked. In some cases, you’ll be able to make a reservation for the same day, but usually, you will need to reserve a table at least a few days in advance, and at very exclusive fine dining venues it might be weeks or even months before there is an opening. For tips on confirming your reservation, read on!

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