How do you cancel a restaurant reservation?
In short
Good to knowIf you cannot go, contact the restaurant and cancel as early as possible. Let them know if you are running late, too.
When does this apply?
Small restaurants and places serving set courses prepare ingredients for the number of people booked. Not showing up without notice (a "no-show") puts a heavy burden on them.
Why?
Prepared food can go to waste, and other customers may have been turned away. Some restaurants also set cancellation fees.
What to do
- Cancel by phone or through the booking site as soon as you know you cannot go
- If you will be late, tell the restaurant your expected arrival time
- Check the cancellation conditions when you book
Better to avoid
- Simply not turn up without contacting them
Exceptions and differences
Whether there is a cancellation fee, and the deadline, differ by restaurant. If phoning in Japanese is hard, use the booking site’s cancel function or ask your hotel staff for help.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
You can no longer make your restaurant booking. What do you do?
Choose an answer
Sources
Last checked:
This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.