Summer is the season when restaurants hum with activity like never before. Some diners love a relaxed meal at their favourite spot, while others prefer to try somewhere new. And there are always those who seek unique experiences —like learning to mix the perfect cocktail for their friends and family. At the core of it all, guests are in search of memorable experiences, making the summer holidays the perfect opportunity for restaurants to truly stand out.
OpenTable Experiences allow you to offer customisable, bookable events that go beyond traditional dining. And with all-new Ticketed Experiences, you’re not limited by table inventory. Host mixology classes, tastings, and summer parties wherever you like, with complete control over every detail.
Here are 10 innovative experience ideas to spark inspiration for your restaurant this season.
Host a dinner with Santa
Looking for something family-friendly? Host a dinner where guests can enjoy a festive meal and take pictures with Santa. Curate a kid-friendly menu to keep little ones entertained even after they meet Santa. With OpenTable Experiences, you can set flexible prices for adults and kids, so guests can find an option that fits their budget.
Give a lesson in mixology
Invite guests to a cocktail-making class led by your expert bar team, where they’ll learn to craft summer cocktails like tropical martinis and citrus mojitos. The best part? Guests can take home your recipes to recreate the magic for their friends. Generate extra revenue by selling your restaurant’s pre-made mixers as an add-on
Bring people together with a singles event
This time of year can be a great opportunity for singles to connect and celebrate, and what better opportunity to bring them together than with a singles event. Make it festive and cheerful with playful cocktails, light bites, and icebreaker intro cards. Your restaurant could be where people make a special connection this season!
Offer a summer-inspired festive menu
Impress your guests with a festive menu that celebrates the best of the season. Think refreshing starters like tropical prawn ceviche, and mains such as glazed pork with pineapple and mango salsa. For dessert, think summer trifles with mango and coconut cream to leave guests buzzing. Make each bite unforgettable, and you’ll have guests raving about their experience.
Offer a bottomless brunch
Create a special summer-themed brunch menu with festive options like tropical fruit-topped French toast, coconut pancakes, and mango mimosas. Want to amplify the vibe even more? Decorate your space with vibrant, summer-inspired decor, and pop a lively playlist.
Serve a festive afternoon tea
Elevate your guests’ experience by offering an elegant afternoon tea with seasonal sweets, scones, and finger sandwiches. Make it extra special with tropical teas and lighter, summer-themed treats.
Curate a unique chef’s table experience
Treat your guests to an exclusive chef’s table experience where they get a front-row view of the magic. This setup lets guests chat with the chef, watch dishes come to life, and have a unique vantage point. It’s a special experience that brings a cheer to the table.
Sell a take-home summer feast
Give guests the joy of a delicious meal at home with beautifully packaged, ready-to-heat-and-eat dishes. Create a summer spread with seasonal favorites like fresh salads, grilled meats, and tropical desserts, letting guests skip the hassle of cooking while still enjoying a memorable meal.
Host a New Year’s Eve celebration
Ring in the new year with a celebratory event in your dining room. Offer a champagne toast, countdown to midnight, and accessories like party hats and party poppers. Take it up a notch with a live DJ and goodie bags for a fun night that will have your guests talking well into the new year.
Amp up the fun with a festive-inspired karaoke night
Bring on the cheer with a karaoke night where guests can sing along to their favourite tunes. Decorate your space with bright lights, set up a playlist of summer hits, and offer themed cocktails and snacks. A prize for the best performance can add an extra layer of fun.
By transforming your restaurant into a summer holiday hotspot, you’re creating memorable experiences that keep guests coming back for more. Make the most of the season with these ideas to spread cheer and keep your tables full!
