OpenTable now lets diners choose where they will be seated

OpenTable has become more open with its seating.

The website for making online restaurant reservations is rolling out a new feature called Seating Options, which allows users to choose where they sit at the venue.

Diners will be able to choose seating at the bar, counter, at a table outside or other options depending on the layout of the place. They will not be able to pick the specific seat but will get to request which section they dine in. 

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OpenTable says the feature will benefit diners and restaurants alike. Diners will have more control over their experience. Restaurants will get more availability during peak dining times by putting into play seats that would often remain empty. Restaurants can categorize their floor plan as either standard, bar, high top, outdoor, or counter.

“With Seating Options, diners have the flexibility and freedom to make each dining experience exactly what they desire, whether it’s an awesome scene by the bar or a quiet spot outdoors”, Joseph Essas, chief technology officer at OpenTable, said in a written statement. “It’s also a powerful tool for restaurants, who can now offer diners even more choice, while maximizing every seat in the house.”

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Almost one-third or restaurants on OpenTable are using the new feature worldwide.

Diners will be able to use Seating Options, located within the GuestCenter section of OpenTable, on a desktop and on their Smartphones, on both the OpenTable iOS and Android apps.

“On busy nights, we’re always getting requests to reserve bar seats,” Lien Ta, managing partner of Here’s Looking At You restaurant in Los Angeles, said in a written statement. “Seating Options make it possible for more diners to find seats at our restaurant during peak hours and allows us to bring in guests who may have sought an alternative restaurant to dine at otherwise.”