More than 60% of diners want technology to play a bigger role

By Emily Sutherland

- Last updated on GMT

Two thirds of diners think technology could play a bigger role when eating out
Two thirds of diners think technology could play a bigger role when eating out

Related tags Mobile phone Eating

Almost two thirds of diners (61%) think technology could play a bigger role in eating out, according to research by online restaurants, according to research by online restaurant booking service OpenTable.

The research found that British diners are now more than ever relying on the internet to find a restaurant, 83% to make a reservation, 82% to look at a menu and 63% to look at restaurant’s images.

Unsurprisingly, mobile phones have become and influential force in the dining experience, with 1 in 5 people interacting with their phone more than three times during a meal. Additionally more than one in four of Brits use their phone to take a photo during a meal in order to remember the experience.

In addition to the 11% who have already tried paying by phone, a further 43% of diners said they like and are open to the idea.

The research delved deeper into the power of the internet to determine a consumer’s choice of where to eat. According to the report, Brits are 14% more likely to consult reviews from other diners (as 58% typically do) than professional critics. Social media also has a huge impact, with 1 in 5 Brits sharing their experience on social media after the meal.

With this appetite for greater integration, two thirds (66%) of diners wish they could use technology to choose the location of their table at a restaurant and 61% wish they could discover menu specials before dining out.  An additional three quarters (74%) would love to be able to contact their chosen restaurant via text message to say if they’re running  late or to remind the restaurant of any special arrangements they’ve made. 

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