wagamama has announced a major change to its dining experience, opening same-day restaurant bookings, any party size for the first time since the brand launched in 1992.
For more than three decades, the much-loved pan-Asian restaurant has been famous for its walk-in-only approach, with guests turning up and joining the queue for a place at its iconic communal benches.
Now, in one of the biggest changes to the wagamama experience in its history, guests can secure a table in advance or on the day at any wagamama restaurant, for groups of any size.
The move marks a significant moment for the brand, which first opened its doors in London’s Bloomsbury in 1992 and has since become one of the UK’s best-loved restaurant names.
Following a trial period, feedback and requests, guests can now plan their wagamama visits with the certainty of a booking, whether it’s a spontaneous same-day lunch, a catch-up with friends, a family celebration or a larger group gathering.
Bookings are available for both everyday dining and special occasions, with guests able to reserve a table on the same day or well in advance. Groups of 20 or more can also be booked by contacting their chosen restaurant directly.
The historic change comes as wagamama prepares for the festive season, with bookings now open for its festive set menu, giving guests even more reasons to come together around its benches.
This year’s festive offering will see the much-loved cranberry katsu make its return, alongside brand-new dishes created exclusively for the season and a selection of wagamama favourites. The festive set menu is now available to book with two courses for £23, or three for £28. The main menu will still be there with all the classics, so everyone can get exactly what they want.
To celebrate the launch of bookings, wagamama is also offering guests a complimentary glass of prosecco when they book by 15 October for a visit between 18 November and 5 January, subject to terms and conditions. The offer is available at participating restaurants in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The introduction of bookings represents a major evolution for wagamama, which has built its reputation on fresh food cooked to order, its iconic communal benches and an informal, energetic dining experience.
While the brand’s distinctive approach to food and hospitality remains unchanged, the new booking system gives guests greater flexibility and convenience, allowing them to enjoy their wagamama favourites at a time that works for them.
From katsu curry and yaki soba to warming bowls of ramen, firecracker and its range of iconic sides, guests will continue to enjoy the dishes that have made wagamama a household name, now with the added option of securing their spot ahead of time.
wagamama chief marketing officer, Claire Farrant, said:
“For 34 years, wagamama has been known for welcoming guests who simply turn up, take a seat and enjoy our food. It’s been part of who we are since we first opened in 1992, so introducing same day any party size bookings is a really significant moment for us.
“We know how much our guests love coming together over wagamama, whether that’s a quick lunch, a catch-up with friends or a big family celebration. By introducing bookings, we’re making it easier than ever for people to plan those moments and enjoy the wagamama experience in a way that works for them.
“With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect time to make this change. We’re excited to welcome guests to our benches for our festive menu, including the return of our cranberry katsu, and to give them the opportunity to secure their table in advance.
“At wagamama, we’ve always believed in kaizen, the philosophy of good change. This is a big change for us, but it’s one that reflects how our guests want to dine today, while staying true to everything that makes wagamama special.”
The introduction of bookings reflects wagamama’s continued commitment to evolving its guest experience, making its restaurants more accessible and responding to the changing ways people choose to eat out.
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of kaizen, meaning ‘good change’, wagamama has continued to innovate since opening its first restaurant more than three decades ago, introducing new dishes, flavours and dining experiences while remaining true to its distinctive approach.
Bookings are now open across wagamama restaurants, with guests able to select their preferred location, date, time and party size to view availability and secure a table. Guests can book via Open Table, wagamama website, the Soul Club app, or by phone for groups of 20+.
