- Feb 4, 2025
Best Time to Book a Valentine’s Dinner & Common Mistakes
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants and cafés. If you don’t book early, you might end up with no available tables, undesirable time slots, or even having to change your date night plans altogether. So, when is the best time to secure your reservation for a romantic Valentine’s evening?
Book Your Valentine’s Dinner Early for the Best Experience
How far in advance should you book a Valentine’s Day table?
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants and cafés. If you don’t book early, you might end up with no available tables, undesirable time slots, or even having to change your date night plans altogether. So, when is the best time to secure your reservation for a romantic Valentine’s evening?
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, book your restaurant or café as early as possible. This gives you better options for time slots and seating.
- For regular restaurants, booking 1-2 weeks in advance is ideal.
- For upscale venues with Valentine’s specials, like exclusive set menus or live music, booking as early as January—or even the previous year—might be necessary!
Some high-demand restaurants fill up months in advance. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, many top restaurants are fully booked by late December. In major tourist hubs like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York, some places require 3-6 months’ notice for a Valentine’s Day reservation.
Meanwhile, the following types of restaurants are often fully booked early in the year—or even the previous year:
- Fine dining restaurants (Michelin-starred, fusion cuisine, steakhouses)
- Rooftop restaurants & riverside venues with romantic views
- Celebrity chef restaurants with limited seating and pre-booking only
- Unique experiences like dinner cruises, private villa dining, or "dining in the dark" experiences
A beautiful city view
Some venues sell out as soon as they open their Valentine’s Day reservations. If you already have a place in mind, keep an eye on their website and social media for booking announcements so you don’t miss out!
Last-Minute Booking? Here’s What to Do
If it’s getting close to February 14th and you still haven’t booked a table, don’t panic! Here are some strategies to find a spot:
- Call restaurants in the morning to check availability for the day.
- If prime hours (7-8 PM) are booked, be flexible—opt for an early dinner (5-6 PM) or a late one (after 9 PM).
- Some restaurants may still have tables available if you’re willing to sit in less desirable spots—for example, near a wall rather than by a window with a view.
- Consider celebrating on February 13th or 15th instead.
- If your preferred restaurant is full, look for quieter alternatives—a charming café or even a cozy home-cooked dinner can make for a romantic and intimate evening.
Valentine date night at home
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Valentine’s Table
Reserving a table isn’t the end of the process! Several booking mistakes can ruin your date night, from losing your reservation due to lateness to ending up with a disappointing seat. Here’s how to avoid these pitfalls:
1. Failing to Confirm Your Reservation
Some restaurants experience system glitches or human errors, especially during peak times like Valentine’s Day. To avoid this, call the restaurant a day or two before to double-check your reservation.
2. Losing Your Table Due to Late Arrival
The second mistake is losing your table due to late arrival. Many restaurants only hold tables for 10-15 minutes before canceling the reservation.
To prevent this, be on time. If you anticipate being late, call ahead to let the restaurant know so they can try to accommodate you.
3. Not Specifying Your Seating Preference
Even if you book early, some restaurants don’t guarantee specific seating unless requested. This means you might end up near the kitchen, next to the restroom, or in a corner without a view.
When booking, ask about seating options and request a table with a good view, such as near a window or outdoors. Some restaurants offer VIP or private dining areas, but these often require an additional deposit.
4. Forgetting to Check the Menu
Many restaurants only serve a fixed Valentine’s Day set menu, with no à la carte options. If you or your date has dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, seafood allergies, or other food preferences), this could be an issue.
To avoid any problems, check the menu before booking to ensure it suits both of you.
Final Thoughts
We hope this guide helps you secure your Valentine’s Day reservation smoothly and avoid unnecessary stress. Wishing you a romantic and memorable Valentine’s celebration with your loved one!
And don’t forget—besides a lovely dinner, a thoughtful gift can make your Valentine’s even more special. Check out meaningful Valentine’s gifts for him/her on Chus to find the perfect present for your partner. English-speaking customer support & nationawide shipping available in Vietnam at your doorstep!
