I tried to book a table for 3 at Pizza Meine Liebe on Friday night, a quick dinner before going to see a movie at the Westgarth. The last few times, I’ve been able to book whatever time I liked. However it looks like they’re back to their two-sittings rule: you can have 6.15 or 8.30.
I didn’t want 6.15 or 8.30. One of my dining companions doesn’t finish work till 6, so 6.15 was too early. The movie starts at 9, so 8.30 is too late. So guess what – they lost the booking and we will go somewhere else.
Seems to be quite the trend now among many popular restaurants – either take bookings only at set times, or don’t take bookings at all (notably Giuseppe, Arnaldo & Sons; Gigibaba; Cumulus Inc).
Personally, I don’t mind restaurants that don’t take bookings – so long as there is somewhere to sit with a drink while I wait, and it’s just me and my partner. (I would never try my luck at one of these places with a group.) Hey, at least there’s more room for spontaneity – beats waiting weeks for a reservation at, say, MoVida.
Obviously being able to dictate to the customer is a nice luxury for a successful restaurant. They can seat more punters and make more money. However there are bound to be customers who are turned off by not being able to make a reservation at the time they want, and go elsewhere instead.
What do you think? Do you like to be able to make reservations, or are you happy to alter your dining behaviour for the restaurant’s convenience?
KATE