It's okay even if it's your first time! Tips for choosing a restaurant for a successful business dinner
2025.02.11
When you become a working professional, you may be asked to be the organizer of a dinner party with your boss or a business partner. However, many people may be worried about what kind of restaurant they should choose. Here are some tips to help newcomers who are organizing a dinner party for the first time decide on a restaurant smoothly!
Contents
① First, confirm the purpose of the meal
The atmosphere of the restaurant and the way you choose it will change depending on the purpose of the meal.
● Entertainment and formal dining → A quiet and relaxing restaurant with private rooms
● Company drinking parties and team get-togethers → Homey izakaya and dining bar
● Anniversary or special celebration → Dining in restaurants and hotels with great views
If you check in advance "what the purpose of the dinner party is," choosing a restaurant will go more smoothly.
② Good accessibility is extremely important!
If the restaurant is far away or in a difficult-to-find location, it will give a bad impression to the dining experience.
Be sure to go and check the location once and see how things flow.
● Key points to consider when choosing a location
・ Close to work or station
・ If you need to take a taxi, follow the signs
Ideally, within a 5-minute walk from the station
Another tip is to choose a restaurant that is directly connected to the station or can be reached via an underground passage so you won't be inconvenienced if the weather is bad.
③ Check your budget and course carefully!
Going over budget is a no-no when it comes to dining out. Be sure to check the budget with your boss or senior colleagues in advance.
● Estimated budget
・ Company drinking party → 5,000 to 8,000 yen (all-you-can-drink is popular)
・Entertainment and formal meals → 10,000 to 15,000 yen (course meals are the norm)
・ Celebration party → 8,000 to 12,000 yen (special dishes)
Be a smart organizer by checking the course content and whether there is an all-you-can-drink option in advance, and asking about any allergies or food preferences!
4. What type of seating do you want: private room or open seating?
When making a reservation, you should check the "seat type".
● Cases where a private room is recommended
・Dinner with your boss or business partner
・When you want to talk quietly
・ When you want to create a formal atmosphere
● Cases where open seating is suitable
- Company social gatherings or with business partners who prefer a more casual atmosphere
・ When you want to have fun in a casual atmosphere
To avoid situations like, "I made a reservation, but it was so noisy I couldn't have a conversation..."
Be sure to check the seat type!
⑤ Don’t overlook the services and facilities!
It's important for a meal to proceed smoothly, so be sure to check the restaurant's services and facilities in advance.
Can I use credit cards and electronic payments?
- Rental of projectors and microphones (if there are speeches or presentations)
・ Food serving time (a speedy restaurant is best for busy dinner parties)
・ Surprises (such as a dessert plate for anniversaries)
If you pay attention to the details to avoid situations like, "I made a reservation, but payment was only by cash!", your boss will give you a higher evaluation!
summary
Focus on the key points and become a smart organizer!
● Choose a restaurant with the right atmosphere
● Easy to access and easy to get to
● Check your budget and course details
● Choose the type of seating (private or open)
● Check the services and payment methods in advance
Even if you are a first-time organizer, you will be fine as long as you keep these points in mind!
Prepare well and become a reliable member of society.
At Akasaka Prince Classic House, our dedicated planners will respond to all of your requests.
We will support you from planning the party to carrying it out on the day.
For more information about Akasaka Prince Classic House, click here
Akasaka Prince Classic House banquet and party plans available here
