How to get more restaurant bookings without paying commission

Booking platforms give restaurants visibility, but almost always in exchange for something: a fee, a commission per diner or both. In addition, the guest ends up on their list, not yours. That is why many restaurants want more direct restaurant bookings without disappearing from where people find them.

What platforms cost a restaurant

You do not need to leave them. For many places they are an important source of new diners, especially tourists. Still, it is worth knowing what they cost each month and how many of those tables would have come anyway. Often, a good share are regulars who could book with you directly.

Direct restaurant bookings on your website

A clearly visible "Book" button on your website, leading to a simple form or calendar, collects tables without intermediaries. Guests pick the day, time and number of people, then get an email confirmation. You keep their details in case anything changes.

I explain it further in online booking benefits.

From Google Maps and Instagram

Many people find your restaurant on Google Maps or Instagram. So, in both places, the main link should lead to your booking page, not to a platform. That way, bookings created by your own visibility pay no commission. Google explains how local visibility works in its tips to improve your local ranking.

WhatsApp and phone too

Some guests prefer to message or call, especially for groups or celebrations. A WhatsApp button with a ready-made message ("Hi, I'd like to book a table for…") saves them time and leaves everything in writing for you.

How to reduce restaurant bookings that do not show up

• Confirm every booking and remind guests a few hours before.
• Ask for a deposit from large groups or on special dates.
• Make cancelling easy, so people tell you instead of not turning up.

There are more ideas in how to reduce missed appointments.

Groups, events and special menus

Company lunches, birthdays or Christmas menus are usually booked in advance and by email. A dedicated events page, with capacity, menus and prices, attracts exactly those bookings, which are also the most valuable.

If you are working on your menu, continue with your restaurant menu online. And if your place is in Córdoba, read what restaurants in Córdoba need from their website.

What I build at Nueva Página

I design restaurant websites with a menu that reads well on mobile and a clear booking button, ready for Google and for AI assistants to find you. A website with online booking costs €599 + VAT where applicable as a one-off payment. If you manage many sittings and rooms, I will tell you honestly whether a specialist tool suits you better. See online booking website and the restaurant website guide.

Know your numbers

Once a month, check how many tables came from your website, from platforms and by phone. That way you can see whether direct booking is growing and decide where to put your effort. In addition, you will spot which days need a push.

Frequently asked questions

Should I leave booking platforms?

There is no need. The usual approach is to keep them and bring guests who already know you to your website.

How do I stop people not turning up?

With confirmation, a reminder and, for large groups, a small deposit.

Can I limit bookings per sitting?

Yes. Your own booking system lets you set how many tables you accept in each slot.

How much does a website with booking cost?

At Nueva Página, €599 + VAT where applicable as a one-off payment, with no monthly fees.