Booking a table in a restaurant may not be as easy as it sounds. On many important occasions, it might even get very hectic when you have to wait for an hour or more upon arriving at the restaurant; all because of not making a proper reservation.
But things might turn out differently if you know how to reserve a table for a perfect dine-out with your family, friends, or coworkers.
With these seven useful tips, you’ll be equipped with the information and techniques required to make your lunch or dinner experience smooth and wholesome. Let’s continue with the tips below:
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Know Your Head Count
Whether you book a table online or over the phone, the very first question you will be asked by the manager at your chosen restaurant is the headcount.
You must know how many people will attend the dinner or lunch. This gives the person at the other end a clear idea of the number of seats to be reserved for the occasion. Moreover, you must consider the popularity and size of the restaurant compared to the size of your group.
For a very trendy place, chances are you won’t make it if you don’t make an early reservation. So, ensure how many people will attend the occasion for a perfect reservation plan.
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Make a Confirmation Call
Even if you’ve made an early reservation, things might go out of hand if you don't confirm a few days before the occasion. Some restaurants may not be as efficient in keeping reservation records as others. Even worse, your reservation might get switched to another one.
So, to remove any confusion, make sure you call the restaurant a couple of days earlier than the occasion to keep the schedule. This not only fixes the spot but also gives you peace of mind.
Moreover, an early confirmation gives you space to make alternative arrangements if the reservation has an unexpected problem.
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Arrive on Time
When you book a table in a restaurant, you must arrive at least 10-15 minutes earlier. This gives you time to check with the restaurant’s authorised personnel that everything is in order.
You may inform others that you’ve arrived while reassuring them of the event. Arriving early also helps you save your place from being transferred to others in your absence.
However, if you’re running late, call the restaurant, informing them that you’re coming and the lunch or dinner is on. Remember, some restaurants may not allow more than 10-15 minutes of late arrival. If you exceed their stipulated time, your spot may slip through your hands.
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Avoid Repetitive Cancellations
Making it a habit of cancelling your reservations at the last minute may reduce your score with the cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Many restaurants today verify customers’ databases before booking a table for them.
If the restaurant finds out about your repetitive cancellations, it’s highly likely that you won’t get any reservations. This can prove costly as you might need to reserve a table at a higher price in a more expensive or low-end restaurant with no other option.
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Make Advanced Plans for Special Occasions
As the festivals and holidays creep in, restaurants and cafes get busier than ever. It becomes cumbersome to book a single table to satisfy your dine-out requirements. Hence, it’s wise to plan ahead on important occasions so everything goes smoothly.
To beat the peak-hour traffic in restaurants, try to reserve a table at least 2-3 weeks before the occasion. Also, make sure that the restaurant provides the dishes and decorations you need for this occasion, along with top-notch service.
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Opt for Reservation Apps
Booking a table online is a blessing these days, as you have several helpful reservation apps on your cell phone. With these useful apps, you can make reservations at your favourite restaurants without even calling. Although a confirmation call may make things clearer, most of the reservation steps are taken care of on the particular app.
A reservation app will make your life much easier by taking all the required information, including price, number of guests, food menu, seating arrangement, etc. You may also provide additional instruction or make a special request to the restaurant in the relevant field available.
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Talk Gently While Making a Reservation
Being polite is essential when making a reservation at a restaurant. It doesn’t matter who answers the phone; you must inquire politely about what you need and let them know your requirements gently.
A well-mannered conversation makes it easier for the restaurant’s people to understand your reservation requirements while arranging things for you properly.
Be consistent in your manner before and after reservation. Even when you’re experiencing any trouble with their service at the restaurant, let them know quietly and request them to resolve it. Say ‘thank you’ or show a positive gesture as you’re leaving your table after your dinner or lunch is finished.
Key Takeaways
Finding a restaurant you like and book a table there can be tricky without guided instructions. Our helpful tips will make this task easy for you. So, here’s a recap of what we’ve discussed above on booking a table in a restaurant:
- Knowing your headcount
- Making a confirmation call
- Arriving on time
- Avoiding repetitive cancellations
- Making plans ahead
- Using reservation apps
- Being polite while booking a table
Keep these tips in mind to make your next restaurant booking hassle-free and your dining out with your loved ones memorable.
