Popular Sydney restaurant starts charging for the privilege of sitting at a window seat

  • Ormeggio at The Spit in Mosman is charging customers $20 for window seats
  • Owners were asked by customers whether they could reserve the prized area
  • The manager at Jonah’s on Whale Beach said he understands why they did it
  • But other restaurateurs were opposed to the idea, saying it didn’t align to values  

A popular Sydney restaurant has started charging customers $20 to guarantee a window seat overlooking its spectacular water views.

The amount, which is to be paid at the time of booking, was introduced at Omeggio at The Spit in Mosman in July last year and has seen 400 diners opt for the surcharge since.

‘We receive a lot of requests for window tables and the restaurant manager prioritises these based on a first-in first-served basis,’ Co-owner Anna Pavoni told The Sydney Morning Herald.

The amount, which is to be paid at the time of booking, was introduced at Omeggio at The Spit in Mosman (pictured) in July last year and has seen 400 diners opt for the surcharge since

‘A lot of customers were saying “we will only confirm if you can guarantee the window”. Now we are able to do it.’

In the past some restaurants have charged extra for better seats on Valentine’s Day but this is the first time an establishment has made it a regular part of their service. 

And Mrs Pavloni is adamant other hospitality-related businesses should be following their lead. 

In the past some restaurants have charged extra for better seats on Valentine's Day but this is the first time an establishment has made it a regular part of their service

In the past some restaurants have charged extra for better seats on Valentine’s Day but this is the first time an establishment has made it a regular part of their service

And Mrs Pavloni is adamant other hospitality-related businesses should be following their lead

And Mrs Pavloni is adamant other hospitality-related businesses should be following their lead

‘Look at things that are now considered normal practice in the restaurant industry, such as taking credit card details to confirm a reservation, or group-booking service charges; things that used to cause a reaction and are now considered normal,’ she said.

Other restaurateurs are split over whether they would go down the same route.

The general manager at Jonah’s said he could understand Mrs Pavoni’s decision and would possibly consider the same thing at his Whale Beach based restaurant.

But general manager of The Fink Group Jeremy Courmadias, who has a portfolio which includes restaurants Bennelong and Quay, said it would be a betrayal of hospitality’s core values.

The general manager at Jonah's said he could understand Mrs Pavoni's decision - and would possibly consider the same thing at his Whale Beach based restaurant

The general manager at Jonah’s said he could understand Mrs Pavoni’s decision – and would possibly consider the same thing at his Whale Beach based restaurant

 

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