How to get a table at the finest restaurants

Jun 16th, 2009 by savvyclub

Dear Friends,

Just last week I wrote about Private Dining and gave you a small list of top London restaurants that offer private dining rooms. I hope it was helpful to you. Today’s blog is an important one for many of my clients who like to enjoy the delights of fine dining in some of the best restaurants in London. But getting a table at a top restaurant can be tricky, unless you know some of the tricks of the trade, or you’re already famous. So here are my personal 5 top tips on securing a table at the finest restaurants.

ONE: Get in Early – When a new restaurant opens, it’s easier to get a reservation. You could even pass by in the weeks before they open, they will be taking bookings in advance and you could use it as a chance to meet the staff. If you can make it to the restaurant’s opening, you can get a foot in the door and get to know the owner, manager and the rest of the staff.

TWO: Build a Relationship – In my own experience, I’ve found that when you a build a relationship with the restaurant and its staff, you often get special treatment. Paying attention to the name of the Maitre D’ and the waiters is important because people like to feel remembered. Treat the staff well, compliment the food and the service and tip around 20%. Waiters remember good tippers. You won’t struggle to build a relationship when you ‘invest’ in the waiting staff.

THREE: Ask the Question – Ask your waiter what’s the dish the chef’s most proud of? If they don’t know, ask them if they would mind asking the chef. The chef may even be tempted out of the kitchen to tell you! Again, this will make you more memorable.

FOUR: Mondays – Monday is the least popular evening for dining out; so booking a table on a Monday evening is a little easier.

FIVE: Show some SaVVy – If you’re struggling to book a table, then book long in advance and if you’re STILL struggling ask when there would be a table available. Don’t sound desperate; say it’s for a special occasion or that you were told that the restaurant was the best in town to entertain clients.

Good luck – I hope it helps.

Kind Regards

Kim Rix