How to Book Restaurant Reservations While Traveling (Even Before You Arrive)
- Nikol Allee
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make—especially when visiting bucket-list destinations like Italy, France, or popular coastal towns—is waiting until they arrive to figure out dinner plans.
In high-demand destinations, the best restaurants book out days or even weeks in advance. The good news? There are several easy (and often free) ways to secure reservations before your trip.
Here’s your complete guide to booking restaurant reservations anywhere in the world.
1. Use Global Reservation Apps
These platforms are the easiest and most reliable way to book restaurants in advance, especially in major cities.
Widely used in the United States, Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe.
Great for major cities and hotel restaurants.
(especially in Italy, France, Spain)
One of the best tools for Europe. It often includes:
Instant booking confirmation
Discounts (sometimes up to 20–50%)
Verified diner reviews
Popular in major U.S. cities and expanding internationally.
Known for trendy, high-demand restaurants.
(Global)
Handles reservations as well as prepaid experiences and ticketed dining.
Common for high-end and Michelin-starred restaurants.
(Mostly North America)
Integrated into the Yelp platform, making it easy to book while browsing reviews.
2. Country-Specific Reservation Apps
Different countries often have their own preferred platforms, and knowing them can give you an advantage.
Asia
Europe
USA / International
Italy & France
United Kingdom
Germany & Central Europe
Australia & New Zealand
3. Contact Restaurants Directly
(Often the Best Option)
In many destinations—especially in Europe—restaurants prefer direct communication.
Many restaurants list a WhatsApp number on their website or Google listing. This is one of the easiest and completely free ways to book.
A reliable and professional option, especially for upscale restaurants.
Instagram DMs
Surprisingly effective for trendy or smaller restaurants. Many respond quickly and confirm bookings this way.
4. Let Your Hotel Concierge Handle It
(Highly Recommended)
If you're staying at a hotel, this is one of the most valuable (and underused) perks—and you can absolutely arrange this before you even arrive.
Concierge teams can:
Recommend the best restaurants based on your preferences
Secure reservations at high-demand spots
Request special tables (like terraces or waterfront views)
Handle language barriers
Adjust or rebook plans during your stay
Email Your Concierge Before Your Trip
This is one of the easiest and most effective strategies—and it’s completely free.
Most hotels list a concierge or front desk email on their website. Simply reach out in advance with your request.
Example email:
Hello,
I have an upcoming reservation from [dates]. I would love assistance with dinner reservations. We are [# of guests] and are interested in [type of dining—romantic, waterfront, local favorites, etc.]. Preferred dates/times: [list]. Thank you so much!
Pro tip: Email them 2–4 weeks in advance (or earlier for peak season destinations).
5. Book Directly on Restaurant Websites
Many restaurants now have built-in reservation systems on their websites. These may connect to platforms like TheFork or OpenTable, or use their own booking tools.
This is especially common in:
Europe
Australia
High-end or Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide
How to Call Restaurants Internationally (For Free or Cheap)
Sometimes the best (or only) way to secure a reservation is by calling—especially for smaller or high-demand restaurants. But international calls don’t have to be expensive.
Use Wi-Fi Calling Apps (Free)
WhatsApp Call
Call directly using the restaurant’s WhatsApp number
Completely free over Wi-Fi and very common in Europe
To make a call without saving the contact, use this format: https://wa.me/PHONENUMBER
FaceTime (iPhone Only)
Free audio or video calls over Wi-Fi through messenger
Only works if the restaurant uses Apple devices
Essential for China and useful in parts of Asia
Free messaging and calling within the app
Low-Cost Calling Options
Offers low international call rates, often just a few cents per minute
Wi-Fi Calling Through Your Carrier
Many U.S. carriers allow international calls over Wi-Fi, depending on your plan
Pro Tips for Calling Abroad
Always include the country code
Call during local business hours (watch time zones)
Have your details ready: name, date, time, number of guests
If there’s a language barrier, your hotel concierge can call on your behalf
Important Tips for Booking Abroad
Book early: 2–4 weeks in advance (longer for peak season)
Use 24-hour time (e.g., 19:30 = 7:30 PM)
Request seating preferences such as terrace or waterfront
Confirm your reservation, especially for high-demand restaurants
Final Thoughts
Dining is one of the highlights of any trip, and a little planning goes a long way. Whether you're using reservation apps, messaging restaurants directly, making a quick Wi-Fi call, or working with your hotel concierge ahead of time, securing your tables in advance ensures you won’t miss out on the places you have your heart set on.
Please reach out for complimentary travel booking! We book hotels, rental homes/apartments, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages, villas, transportation, excursions, and travel insurance.
Nikol Allee
Alleeways Travel
317-828-4950
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