Guests message restaurants on WhatsApp to book a table, ask for the menu or order for home. A few clear templates make every one of those chats faster — and turn more of them into direct orders without a delivery app's commission. Here are simple WhatsApp messages for restaurants.
Table bookings
1. Confirmation: "Hi Rohan, your table for 4 at Rasoi is booked for Saturday, 8 pm. See you then! Reply here if your plans change."
2. Reminder (a few hours before): "Looking forward to hosting you tonight at 8 pm. We'll hold your table for 15 minutes. Location: [pin]"
3. Waiting list: "Hi Rohan, a table for 4 just opened up at 9 pm tonight. Reply YES to confirm."
Direct orders
4. Menu reply: "Hi! Here is today's menu: [link]. Send your order and address, and we'll confirm the total."
5. Order confirmation: "Order #214 confirmed: 2 paneer tikka, 4 butter naan, 1 dal makhani. Total ₹780. Pay here: [UPI link]. Ready in 35 minutes."
6. Out for delivery: "Your order is on the way with Sunil (98xxxxxx21). It should reach you in about 15 minutes."
Feedback and reviews
7. "Hi Rohan, thanks for dining with us! How was your meal? Reply with a number from 1 to 5."
8. If happy: "So glad you enjoyed it! Would you mind leaving a quick Google review? [link]"
9. If unhappy: "We're sorry it wasn't great. Our manager will call you today to make it right."
Festive menus and events
10. "Navratri thali (no onion, no garlic) is available from 11 to 19 October. Pre-order by 6 pm for dinner."
11. "Diwali sweet boxes and party platters are ready for pre-order. Order by 5 November for delivery before Diwali."
12. "Live music this Friday from 8 pm. Reply BOOK to reserve a table."
Tips for more direct orders
- Put a QR code on every table and takeaway bag that opens a chat with your number.
- Reply to orders within a minute or two — hungry customers do not wait.
- Keep festive and offer messages to once or twice a month.
- Ask for feedback a couple of hours after the meal, not the next day.
Running it with a team
On a busy evening, one phone at the counter cannot keep up with bookings and orders. On the official WhatsApp Business API, the host, the kitchen and the manager can all reply from one number in a shared inbox. On our Growth and Pro plans, keyword replies can send the menu instantly when someone types "menu", and an away message answers after closing time. Payments happen through a UPI or payment link in the chat.
See WhatsApp for restaurants or our plans from ₹790 a month.
Sources: 2026 guides on WhatsApp templates for Indian restaurants and food businesses.
FAQs
What should a table booking confirmation message include?
The guest's name, number of people, date and time, and a way to change the booking, plus a location pin for new guests.
Can restaurants take direct orders on WhatsApp?
Yes. Share the menu, confirm the order and total in writing, send a UPI payment link and update the customer when the order is on the way.
When should a restaurant ask for feedback?
A couple of hours after the meal, while the experience is fresh.
Can the menu be sent automatically?
Yes. On Growth and Pro, a keyword reply can send the menu when a customer types a word like "menu".
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