Restaurant Cancellation and No-Show Fees, Explained
No-show and late-cancellation fees are set by each restaurant and vary widely. They are commonly charged per person when you miss a stated cancellation window, and the details appear in your confirmation.
The short answer
No-show and late-cancellation fees are set by each restaurant and vary widely. There is no universal rate, so the figure that matters is the one on the venue's own listing or confirmation email.
Fees are commonly charged per person and triggered by missing a stated cancellation window. Cancel inside that window and you generally avoid a charge.
How the fees usually work
- The charge is often per guest, not a flat amount, so a no-show on a large party adds up.
- It is triggered by canceling late or not showing, measured against a stated cancellation window.
- Some bookings require a card to hold the table, which is what the fee is charged against.
- Deposits at ticketed or fine-dining rooms work similarly and may be non-refundable.
What changed recently and how to avoid a charge
OpenTable began adding a 2 percent service charge to some transactions in 2026, which can apply to no-show penalties and deposits. The specifics depend on the venue and the booking, so do not assume a flat rule.
To avoid a charge, cancel inside the stated window. Always confirm the exact fee and the deadline on the venue's listing or in your confirmation email before you book.
Rose books under your name and policy, so you stay in control of any card on file.
Frequently asked
How much is a restaurant no-show fee?
It varies by restaurant. Fees are commonly charged per person and triggered by missing a stated cancellation window. The exact amount appears on the venue's listing or in your confirmation, so verify it there.
How do I avoid a cancellation fee?
Cancel inside the stated cancellation window. The deadline and the fee both appear in your confirmation, so note them when you book and cancel before the cutoff.
Did OpenTable add a new fee in 2026?
OpenTable began adding a 2 percent service charge to some transactions in 2026, which can include no-show penalties and deposits. Whether it applies depends on the venue and booking, so confirm the details on the listing.