Ah, the annual game of Christmas table roulette. Whether it’s because you’ve ignored the group chat since October or you thought December would somehow be quieter this year, the festive dinner scramble has arrived. If you’re a group of six or more, prepare to part with a deposit. Those terms and conditions are there to make you commit. But don’t despair – here’s your guide to grabbing that last-minute booking.
Timing is all
First things first – book NOW. Not after lunch. Not once you have ‘checked with everyone’. Do it this second, because while you’re dithering over WhatsApp, someone else is snagging the last table for six. Aim for off-peak slots: early dinners (4pm-5pm) or late-night feasts (8.30pm onwards) are your best shot. Forget 7pm – that’s when everyone else is trying to eat.
Check out Instagram
The cancellations have started rolling in (not a good practice) so it’s worth watching your top picks of restaurants. I’ve seen posts for hotspots like Uno Mas and Variety Jones, so turn on notifications on the accounts you’re interested in and you may get lucky. It’s also worth sending a Direct Message, a cancellation may just have landed.
Get in touch
Send an email asking to be added to the cancellation waiting list. Make it clear in the subject line of the email, stating number of guests and dates. It’s best to be flexible on times. Top restaurants always have waiting lists, but chances are, those people have booked somewhere else. It’s also worth going old school and picking up the phone, but make sure you don’t do it in the middle of service.
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Be strategic in your search
Neighbourhood spots, those cosy local restaurants that aren’t on big booking platforms often have last-minute availability. Check out new openings, people can be wary of untested spots, so you might nab a table in one of the recently opened restaurants. Consider lunch Instead of dinner. Who says Christmas meals need to be after dark? A boozy 2pm lunch is just as festive, and there’s no rush to vacate your seat.
And then there are hotels. People often forget that some hotels have great restaurants; they tend to be quieter and more relaxed and often have spaces.
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Drop in
If you’re feeling brave, bypass the email and phone entirely and visit the restaurant. Speak to someone on the floor – they’ll know which tables they can shuffle around. Drop the magic phrases: “We can come at any time that works,” “We’ll be out in two hours if needed,” or even, “We’ll take the counter/bar seats”.
Be gracious
Remember, December is hell for anyone working in hospitality, a little charm goes a long way. If you get the booking, confirm promptly, show up on time, and don’t be the person asking for substitutions on a pre-set Christmas menu.
Be considerate
No-shows ruin Christmas for everyone. Cancel properly if you must and give the staff a fighting chance to rebook your table. If you’re finding it all too frenetic, take a break from the current craziness and celebrate in January. It’s cheaper, quieter and every restaurant will love you for bringing your party when they’re trying to recover from December.
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It’s not too late
There is still availability if you’re solidly in pre-Christmas celebrating mode. These restaurants had tables for six people when I checked earlier this week, although not all of them have weekend availability: Andhra Bhavan in Abbey St, Achara, Note, Floritz, Cellar 22, One Pico, Fade Street Social, The Old Spot, and Volpe Nera. And whatever you do, tip generously and in cash – it’s the least you can do after subjecting the poor waitstaff to the chaos of December service.
