Restaurant table booking with food pre-ordering
Let guests book a table and choose their meal in the same journey — then send the pre-order to the kitchen at the right time.
The booking-to-kitchen workflow
- Guest selects a table and time. Capacity and time-slot rules apply.
- Guest chooses pre-order items. A restricted pre-order menu keeps preparation predictable.
- Pre-order is attached to the booking. The guest does not need to re-order on arrival.
- Kitchen receives the pre-order at a scheduled time. Not immediately, unless that is the configured behaviour.
- On arrival, the table order is confirmed. Additional items can be ordered normally.
Group meals and preparation scheduling
Pre-ordering is most valuable for groups, where the kitchen needs visibility before service. A group pre-order can specify quantities, dietary requirements and a serving time.
Deposits and no-show protection
Pre-ordering can be paired with a deposit, especially for large groups or tasting-menu bookings. Deposit rules are configured operationally and should be clearly communicated at booking.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Does pre-ordering replace the normal dine-in menu?
No. Pre-ordering is usually offered as an option alongside the dine-in menu, often with a restricted pre-order menu to keep kitchen preparation predictable.
Can pre-ordered items be changed after booking?
Change rules are configurable. Many restaurants allow changes up to a defined deadline before the booking, after which the pre-order is locked for preparation.
How do pre-orders reach the kitchen?
Pre-orders can be routed to the kitchen printer or KDS at a scheduled time, or held in a pre-order queue for review before service.