Trying out dishes in restaurants is fun. But waiting for an hour or so drains the fun away. If you want to make the most out of your time, book a reservation. That way, even if it’s the holidays or a busy weekend, you can always sit down to a table with little to no waiting time. Follow these tips.
Do a Headcount
Before you call the restaurant, make sure you know how many people are in your group. That’s one of the things the restaurant will ask. If you’re not sure whether you’ve got ten or twelve people, say twelve. It’s easier to remove the extra two chairs than add two more if the place is packed.
Call Early
The weekends are the busiest for most food places. If you’re checking out fine dining restaurants in Beverly Hills, CA, be sure to call ahead. An early reservation—usually a few days—can make a difference. Nights are busier than days, too, so calling ahead will make your life easier.
Confirm the Reservation
Mistakes happen. Sometimes, your reservation gets lost. Sometimes, someone forgets. By confirming the reservation a few days early, the restaurant still has time to fix that mistake. It also gives you time to make alternative arrangements in case the restaurant fails to provide a suitable option for the date you chose.
Get There Early
Arrive at the restaurant around 10 to 15 minutes early. That way, you have time to rest for a bit until you’re ready to order. It’s also important that everyone else arrive within that time frame. If you hold the spot and your group arrives an hour later, they might ask you to leave, especially if it’s time for another group’s reservation.
Be Polite
Say thank you. Be polite and respectful. That will help you book a good table for your party.