More and more guests want to book online: on the sofa in the evening, between meetings, or via a link on Instagram.
As a restaurant you want those bookings on your own website, not via a platform that charges commission per reservation. In this step-by-step guide we explain why that pays off, what you need and how to go live with a professional reservation widget in a few steps.
Why booking via your own site pays off
When guests book on your website, you stay owner of the relationship. Guest data sits in your system, not with a middleman. You control the look and feel of the booking flow and pay no percentage per reservation. A seamless experience also strengthens your brand: from menu to confirmation, everything feels like your restaurant.
What you need
At minimum you need three things: a website (your own domain or a site builder), reservation software with an embeddable widget, and a filled table plan with opening hours and capacity. The technical side is simpler than you think: one line of code on your page and the widget is live.
Step 1: Set your availability
Start with your shifts: lunch, dinner, brunch. Per shift, set how many covers you accept and which areas are open: dining room, terrace, private room. In Restotailor you manage that per area via your table plan. Terrace closed? Turn that area off with one click.
Step 2: Choose your tables and rules
Not every table needs to be bookable online. Keep a few tables free for walk-ins or large groups you prefer to book by phone. Set the maximum party size per table and decide whether to ask for deposits during busy periods.
Step 3: Place the widget on your site
Embed the Restotailor widget on every page where guests should book, typically your homepage, contact page or a dedicated "Book" page. The widget adapts to your branding and works on desktop and mobile. No separate app needed for your guests.
Step 4: Test the full flow
Make a test reservation as if you were a guest. Check that the confirmation email arrives, time slots are correct and your dashboard shows the booking. Try on your phone too, most online reservations happen on mobile.
Step 5: Promote your booking link
Add a clear "Book" button in your navigation, link to it from Instagram and Google Business, and mention the URL in your email signature. The easier the path to your widget, the more direct bookings you get, without commission.
No website yet? That works too
No site yet? Restotailor includes a website builder with menu and widget built in, included in the €65 per month price. Connect your own domain and you are live, without WordPress or extra hosting.
Conclusion
Online booking on your own website is no longer a luxury but a basic guest expectation. With the right software you can have a working widget, filled table plan and automatic confirmations in an afternoon. You keep control of guest data, pay no commission and offer a booking experience that fits your restaurant. Start with availability and tables, place the widget, test thoroughly and promote your link, the rest follows.