Most restaurants book tables for between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, depending on party size and the kind of meal. A good starting point is around 90 minutes for two, two hours for four, and two and a half hours or more for six and above. Then check how long tables actually stay over a few weeks, and adjust your booking times to match.
Why table times matter
The length you give each booking decides how many covers you can take. Too short, and the next party waits at the bar while the last one finishes dessert. Too long, and tables sit empty between bookings on your busiest night.
Starting durations
These are starting points, not rules:
| Party size | Casual dining | Fine dining or tasting menu |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 75 to 90 minutes | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| 3 to 4 | 90 minutes to 2 hours | 2.5 hours |
| 5 to 6 | 2 hours | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| 7 and above | 2.5 hours or more | 3 hours or more |
Weekend evenings usually run longer than weekday lunches.
Measure what really happens
For two or three weeks, note when each table sits down and when it leaves. Group by party size and day. You’ll often find:
- couples finish faster than you expected;
- Saturday tables of four stay much longer than on a Tuesday;
- the last sitting stays as long as you let it.
Set your booking durations from that data, not from guesswork.
Sittings or rolling bookings?
- Sittings (for example 6pm and 8:30pm) are simple to run and tell guests exactly how long they have. They suit busy rooms and set menus.
- Rolling bookings let guests choose any time, and the system fits them around existing tables. They fill more gaps but need a system that tracks table times.
Tell guests their time, kindly
If a table is booked for two hours, say so in the confirmation: “Your table is yours until 9:30.” It’s far easier than asking a party to move mid-dessert.
Turning tables without rushing
- Bring the bill when it’s asked for, quickly.
- Offer coffee and dessert at the bar if the table is needed.
- Reset the table fast. Minutes lost between parties add up over a night.
How ForStars fits
ForStars shows the team every booking on a live floor plan, so the host can see when each table is next needed and seat walk-ins in the gaps. See managing walk-ins and reservations together and features.
Questions owners ask
Should table times be the same every day?
Not necessarily. Many venues allow longer tables on weekend evenings and shorter ones at lunch.
What if guests stay longer than their booking?
Plan a buffer of 15 minutes or so between bookings on the same table, and keep a seat at the bar for anyone who arrives early.