First Table Review - How to Save 50% on Food at New Zealand's Top Restaurants

First Table charges $10 to enjoy 50% off all food orders at hundreds of leading restaurants all over New Zealand. We outline everything you need to know, including pros, cons and must-know tips

Updated 23 November 2020

Launched in Queenstown in 2014, First Table offers diners a 50% discount for a $10-per-sitting fee at hundreds of restaurants all over New Zealand. You can dine with one, two or three other people, but you must show up at the reserved time (usually 5pm or 5:30pm, or 12pm for lunch). To help navigate the First Table, our guide explains everything you need to know about securing a booking. We've also listed some top-rated restaurants that our research team has eaten at. 

Our guide covers:

• First Table in a Nutshell
• Six Must-Know First Table Rules and Facts
• First Table - Frequently Asked Questions​
• MoneyHub's Favourite First Table Restaurants

Important: MoneyHub has no relationship with First Table; this guide has been prepared to inform New Zealanders about an innovative way to save 50% on food orders at restaurants. 

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First Table in a Nutshell

First Table is effortless to use, but to secure the restaurants you want, some skill is needed. Our must-know tips are below:

1. Sign up to First Table for free. You'll enter in your personal details; make sure your phone is correct as some restaurants will use it to re-confirm your time when you have an upcoming booking. 
2. Browse the list of restaurants - for example, Queenstown has 50+ options, and Auckland has 90+. 
3. If you find a restaurant you want to eat at, take a note of the time. Most will say 5pm, 5:30pm or, in some cases, times after 8pm (when the restaurant is close to closing). 
4. To book, there is a $10 cost (some bookings are $5, but this is rare) which you pay by debit or credit card online. This is First Table's fee to secure the booking.
5. You'll need to select the number of people attending and confirm the date. 
6. The next part is easy - you show up on the specified day at the allocated time with the correct number of people. Some restaurants suggest a maximum dining time (usually 90 minutes or two hours), while others don't. Make sure to mention that you're 'on First Table' and provide the name of the person booked.
7. You pay at the end just as with any restaurant, although food will be discounted 50% on the bill.

Know This: First Table's Cancellation Policy
First Table offers some flexibility - here's what you need to know:

1. You can cancel within 60 minutes of making your reservation and get 100% of the fee credited to your account for a future booking. 
2. You can cancel any day before the date of your reservation and get 50% of the fee credited to your account. If someone re-books the table later on, you'll get the remaining 50% credited to your account.
3. If you cancel on the day, you'll lose 100% of the First Table fee.
4. If you no-show for the restaurant, there is no penalty, but doing so would be in contrast to the spirit of First Table. You'll be sent a reminder before your reservation, so you'll know the booking is coming up.

MoneyHub Chief of Research Christopher Walsh shares his experience with First Table:
"We spent winter in Queenstown and discovered First Table. There are over 50 restaurants, with more added monthly. We couldn't believe our luck to be able to dine at places like Rata, Tatsumi, Jervois Steak House, The Taj, Blue Kanu, The Bunker Room, Eichardt's and a dozen other great places. Some of them, like Tatsumi, Ivy and Lola's and Blue Kanu we went to twice. Our approach was simple - get there on time, be friendly and order a drink or two (as drinks are not covered). I also left a tip because I felt guilty about the (low) bill total, but this is certainly not expected.

​Unlike 'daily deal' restaurant bookings, you're not treated any differently - you just have to get there on time. Many of the restaurant's staff encourages us to try lots of things as it was 'first table', but you have to be careful not to order too much. First Table made Queenstown even better, and now the plan is to use it in Auckland and when travelling". 

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Six Must-Know First Table Rules and Facts

Be on time and all together

First Table only works if diners follow the rules. If you book for four people, you can't show up with five people etc. If you book for two, you both have to come at the same time - there's little room for table 'holding'. 

Be aware of excluded items and/or beverage requirements

Most restaurants don't exclude items, but some do. Traditionally such items tend to be Wagyu beef, oysters or similar high-end items. Some restaurants also require diners to order a drink - it doesn't need to be alcoholic, and there will always be affordable choices on the menu. The restaurant's serving staff will explain the options, but the exclusions and requirements can also be found on the booking confirmation.

Don't over-order (doggy bags aren't allowed)

First Table is clear about this - you can't over-order and take food home. Some restaurants may use discretion and allow doggy bags, but generally, this is not customary. For that reason, it's best not to over-order at the start and order additional items as you go. 

Ordering drinks and tipping is nice but not expected

First Table doesn't require you to tip. And, unless otherwise stated, there's no requirement to order a drink, but both are welcome and are always are the discretion of the diner.

The range of restaurants is huge - don't be afraid to expand your horizons

Queenstown, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch together have over 250 restaurants to choose from. The cuisines are varied, and you'll find well-known names such as 

Know when the restaurants go live so you have the best chance of getting a booking

First Table refreshes just after 9pm every night for the following week. For example, if it's Thursday 9pm, the options for Wednesday will display. However, many restaurants don't book out a week in advance, so the selection in many cities is extensive.

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First Table - Frequently Asked Questions

To restaurant is like another - our FAQs below let you know what's important.

Can you show up late to a First Table reservation?

Ideally, no. If you are running late due to public transport or traffic in general, it's best to call in advance and let the restaurant know. They can then advise you on what to do and whether they will accommodate you.

Can you split the bill, or does it the bill need be paid as one?

This depends on the restaurant's policy - First Table does not stipulate how you pay your bill.

How does First Table make its money?

First Table usually charges $10 per booking, which is its primary source of revenue. Restaurants do not pay First Table to appear on its list. 

Can you repeat a visit to a First Table restaurant?

Yes - some restaurants have 'one booking per month' limits, but other than that, there are no restrictions. This means you could go to the same restaurant every week (or day) if you can secure a reservation.

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MoneyHub's Favourite First Table Restaurants

The list below is illustrative only and, as it relates to dining, is 100% subjective. The exclusion of any restaurant does not mean that it's not suitable - this list has been put together to help MoneyHub users learn about the options available. We cover Auckland and Queenstown, with Christchurch and Wellington going live shortly. The ordering is not published on rank or preference.

Top 10 First Table Restaurants in Auckland

1. The Yakitori House
   
2. Mexico (various locations)
   
3. Obella Long Bay
4. Wildfire
   
5. Brew on Quay
6. Wu & You
   
7. Wynyard Grill
   
8. Madam Woo
9. The Good Luck Coconut
   
10. Tasca (various locations)

Top 10 First Table Restaurants in Queenstown

1. Blue Kanu
2. The Bunker Room
3. Ivy and Lola's
4. Thai Cuisine
5. Rata
6. Searchlight Brewery
7. Tatsumi
8. The Taj
9. Paddy Gaddy
10. Madam Woo

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