This was published 6 years ago
Would you pay extra for the window seats in a restaurant?
By Callan Boys
When is a restaurant like an airline? When it starts charging customers to reserve the nice seats.
Mosman restaurant Ormeggio at The Spit is guaranteeing diners a window table with water views for an additional $20 per person, to be paid at the time of booking.
"We receive a lot of requests for window tables and the restaurant manager prioritises these based on a first-in-first-served basis," said Anna Pavoni, who co-owns the two-hatted Italian restaurant with her husband, chef Alessandro Pavoni.
"A lot of customers were saying 'we will only confirm if you can guarantee the window'. Now we are able to do it."
Luxury hotel restaurants will occasionally charge a fee to guarantee a window table on Valentine's Day, however, it is believed this is the first time there has been an optional window-seat surcharge for regular service in a Sydney restaurant.
The industry is watching the venture with interest, but some leading lights are dismissive.
"We see tables as a gift and a right, not a privilege," said Jeremy Courmadias, general manager of The Fink Group, which counts Sydney Harbour-facing restaurants Bennelong and Quay in its portfolio. "We allocate our tables on a first-come-first-serve basis, while also rewarding our regular customers' loyalty with the best possible table we can provide."
More than 400 diners have paid to guarantee a window table at Ormeggio since the optional surcharge was introduced in July. Ms Pavoni said "a lot" of her friends in the restaurant industry are watching the surcharge implementation with interest.
"I think more [restaurants] should do it," she said. "Look at things that are now considered normal practice in the restaurant industry such as taking credit card details to confirm a reservation, or group-booking service charges. Things that used to cause a reaction and are now considered normal."
Jonah's is famous for its soaring views over Whale Beach and the restaurant's manager, Andrew Archibald, said he understands why a venue may charge to guarantee premium seating.
"It allows restaurants to manage the guests expectations of views and seating arrangements prior to their arrival. Will we ever change our mind on charging for a particular seat? Never say never."
Ms Pavoni said most people were pleased that they could guarantee a window table for a special occasion at Ormeggio, where an 11-course tasting menu costs $196 before drinks. "The odd person here and there is confused by it, but we liken it to booking an ocean view hotel room or front row seats at a concert."
Mr Courmadias said charging to guarantee a window table was "absolutely not" an initiative Fink Group will introduce at Quay or any of its other restaurants.
"I know if you go to a concert and you want better seats you pay more for them, and airlines are doing it too, but I don't believe it aligns with our core philosophies of hospitality," he said.
"You shouldn't have to pay for a better experience."