7 Key Booking Trends Restaurants Can’t Ignore

The dining landscape is rapidly evolving, and diner habits are shifting in surprising ways. Staying on top of these trends is essential for success.

But with these shifts come challenges – like managing unpredictable bookings and adapting to new diner preferences.

Our latest Dining Out Trends Report covers all this and more, diving into how diner behaviour is changing across Australia. You'll find insights to help you adapt, optimise your booking management strategies, and keep those tables filled.

1. Be ready for last-minute diners

Think people plan their meals well in advance? Not quite.

Diners are increasingly making spur-of-the-moment plans, with many bookings happening just hours before dining. 25% of bookings are made within three hours of dining. This spontaneity can be a game-changer for your restaurant.

Capture these last-minute diners by ensuring your online presence is strong and your reservation system is updated. Many people check availability on the go, so being prepared can lead to more filled tables and increased revenue.

Invest in a reservation system like Quandoo for Restaurants that makes it easy to maintain table availability in real-time, helping you welcome those spontaneous guests without any hiccups.

2. Navigating same-day cancellations

Over 50% of cancellations in Australia happen on the same day, leaving restaurants scrambling to fill seats. While same-day cancellations are a reality, they don’t have to mean empty tables. 

Getting your restaurant listed on online marketplaces can help you manage cancellations and no-shows effectively. This increases the likelihood of filling those tables with last-minute bookings.

Quandoo is one such marketplace, connecting diners with your restaurant. 

Diners can easily find and book a table through the Quandoo website and app. You can also customise your restaurant profile with photos and menus to make your venue stand out and draw in more guests.

3. Rethink cancellation fees

Requiring deposits or credit card details can reduce last-minute cancellations, but it might also deter bookings. 

Australian diners are over 28% more likely to book when there's no cancellation fee.

The key is finding the right balance.

To maintain high booking rates without upfront fees, consider strategies like confirmation emails and automated reminders. These methods help ensure guests follow through with their reservations, keeping your tables filled without adding barriers.

4. The weekend rush

Saturdays are the most popular day for both making bookings and dining out in Australia.

To handle the weekend surge, ensure your restaurant is fully staffed and prepared. Don’t skip taking bookings – even if you expect to be full. Diners appreciate the security of a confirmed table during peak times.

By accepting bookings on busy days, you cater to planners and last-minute diners alike. 

5. Dinner dominates

Dinner is the top choice for dining out, with 63% of reservations happening in the evening. 31% of diners particularly prefer the 6 pm slot. For lunch, most people opt for noon.

Maximise this trend – create a memorable dining experience with excellent service and consider offering special evening menus. This will attract more diners and encourage repeat visits, keeping your restaurant bustling during dinner hours.

Want to highlight your standout dishes? 

Use our Menu Highlights feature to spotlight your special and popular dishes. These ‘highlights’ appear under the Menu tab on your restaurant’s profile page on the Quandoo website or app.

6. Post-payday indulgence

Diners enjoy treating themselves after payday, creating a prime opportunity for restaurants to see a surge in bookings. 

The numbers say it: the 12th and 14th are the most popular days for dining out in Australia.

Consider offering special promotions or themed nights around payday. These can attract diners eager to celebrate and indulge a bit more than usual.

7. Tables for two

Dining out as a duo is on the rise, with nearly 40% of bookings for tables of two. 

To tap into this trend, think about adding more two-seaters. 

This setup not only maximises your space but also lets you combine tables easily for larger groups when needed, keeping your venue flexible and efficient.

Stay ahead with these restaurant booking trends

Make the most of every dining opportunity by adapting to these changes, and use these insights to streamline operations, delight your guests, and keep your tables full.