While providing exceptional hospitality is obviously the norm, some restaurants go above and beyond to craft truly unforgettable dining experiences for their guests. From multi-sensory tasting menus to intimate celebrations, these one-of-a-kind offerings transport diners into new worlds of flavor.
We explore real-life examples of how restaurants use OpenTable Experiences to host events that deliver hospitality at the highest level. Get inspired to elevate your guest experience.
Set menus
Alchemy Restaurant and Bar is an Ashland standout that transforms its celebrated wine program into a popular bookable Experience. Partnering with Abacela’s winemaker, Alchemy crafts a five-course set menu through regional flavors—from tuna carpaccio to duck breast with confit pot pie. In a smart move, Alchemy has bundled tax and gratuity into the ticket price to make it seamless for both guests and staff.
Brunch
See how New Orleans’ oldest family-run restaurant turns Sunday service into an event worth booking ahead. Antoine’s pairs legendary French-Creole cuisine with live jazz in its historic dining rooms. And a three-course pre-paid Experience includes signature dishes like Eggs Sardou and a welcome cocktail, helping drive consistent Sunday covers while celebrating the restaurant’s unique heritage.
Afternoon teas
Celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s Dallas hotspot puts its own spin on traditional afternoon tea service. Housed in The Ritz-Carlton’s stunning dining rooms, this Experience combines classic elements—finger sandwiches and pastries—with the bold Southwestern flair that’s seen the restaurant receive widespread acclaim. Fearing’s Experiences help minimize no-shows while maximizing kitchen prep efficiency.
Chef’s table
River North’s acclaimed Basque restaurant, Asador Bastian, uses its historic townhouse setting to create a standout private dining Experience. The Chef’s Table Experience positions six to ten guests directly across from the open kitchen, offering an intimate view of world-class chefs preparing signature dishes like Txuleton steaks and Barcelona-sourced seafood.
“It’s been a fantastic revenue generator,” notes co-founder Hsing Cheng, who’s seen the Experience draw both first-time guests and regulars looking for something special.
Inclusive of local attractions
Midtown Manhattan’s Kellari Taverna maximizes its prime spot near Broadway by turning the traditional pre-theatre rush into a bookable Experience. The restaurant’s daily three-course menu, available from 4:00-6:30 pm, captures theater crowds just before a show starts. With upfront payment, it serves Greek specialties efficiently—guests make curtain time, staff manage flow better, and the restaurant sees predictable early covers.
Tasting menus
Los Angeles’ Michelin-starred sensation, Meteora, crafts two distinct Experience approaches to maximize its live-fire kitchen’s potential. Weekdays offer both four-course and seven-course options, capturing different price points and dining styles, while weekends switch to seven courses only.
“Experiences help us engage guests before they ever visit,” notes Operations Director Allison Wiseman. “They’ve been especially impactful for special events and large parties.” The pre-paid, full-party format lets the team focus on what matters: delivering innovative live-fire cooking without compromise.
Highlight your cuisine
Plumeria Beach House at The Kahala Hotel offers a celebration of Oahu’s farming community with its Community Harvest Dinner Experience. The Experience connects diners directly with local producers like Mountain View Farms’ David Wong, pairing a family-style feast with farmer storytelling.
“OpenTable Experiences lets us be more innovative with events,” says Food & Beverage Office Manager Emily Cho. “We’re reaching both locals and hotel guests in new ways.”
Go beyond the food
While food and drink are central to any dining experience, incorporating other elements your restaurant may offer can create multi-dimensional Experiences. For instance, CasaBlanca in Las Vegas combines dining with luxury amenities to create an upscale poolside Experience worth booking ahead. Its pre-paid cabana service includes a dedicated VIP host, welcome treats, and comfortable seating for six guests. Moving cabana bookings to OpenTable streamlines what was once a complex reservation process, while securing deposits helps eliminate costly no-shows during peak pool hours.
Summary: It’s all in the Experience
From tasting menus that showcase artistry to unique packages that blend dining with distinctive amenities, the options for creating an unforgettable Experience are endless. By using OpenTable, you can easily promote these special events, generating revenue while providing the extraordinary hospitality modern diners crave. Get creative and use Experiences to elevate your dining program and deliver the “something different” that keeps guests returning.
*The restaurant Experiences described in this article were accurate as of November 2024 but are subject to change.
