Whether you’re meeting old friends or securing a deal with a big shot client, it will be best if you to consider the venue first and foremost before thinking of starters, both the conversational and gastronomic kind: Nothing dampens the mood faster than finding out that you’ll miss your reservation due to heavy traffic and the fact that every nearby restaurant is fully booked.

As we’re avid foodies and members of perennial bukber (breaking the fast together) committees, we’ve compiled our top five tips to consider before sending out that invitation via group chat.

1. Opt for bookings over walk-ins

We feel like this should be obvious by now, but it bears repeating. Reservations are always better than walking in off the street, as you’ll at least have a cozy seat, as opposed to endlessly scrolling through every app on your phone while waiting for a table to clear.

Since everyone and their mothers will likely be looking to secure a table, it’s best to have flexible backup plans. Failing that, you might have to consider a different venue.

While no-shows are always welcome news, don’t count on them. It’s just not worth the hassle.

2. Scout the location before sending in the troops

As much as we love our go-to hangouts, sometimes a restaurant just doesn’t work for large groups. If you’re inviting the entire class of 2014 for an impromptu reunion, a charming candlelight dinner is certainly out of the question.

Call ahead to see whether the restaurant can accommodate your group, and err on the side of a larger group, even when you’re not sure of the turnout, since finding an extra table is a lot harder at dinnertime, let alone breaking the fast during Ramadan.

In addition, pay extra attention to parking space. Unless you’re using public transportation or have a driver on call, trying to find a parking spot in heavy traffic on an empty stomach is never a pleasant experience.

3. Check for proximity to prayer facilities and mosques

In terms of logistics, this is perhaps the most obvious but easily overlooked. Access to a nearby musholla or mosque is essential for the devout, and no one appreciates having to trek across a block or two because a restaurant doesn’t have a prayer room.

Read also: Where to get the most authentic Chinese dishes in Jakarta

4. Check the map and avoid malls if you can

We love malls as much as the next person, and we certainly enjoy strolling through the myriad shopping centers in Jakarta for a bit of ngabuburit (passing the time), but one of the downsides of being a one-stop destination is that everyone in the neighborhood will be there in a concentrated crowd come 5 p.m.

Instead, find places that are not necessarily off the beaten path, but preferably located at a distance from main roads to spare yourself the headache of navigating traffic. While it may not be as convenient, you won’t have to worry about circling the basement parking lot for the millionth time, just to find out that what you thought was an empty spot is occupied by a tiny city car.

Read also: Celebrating women on screen and in print5. Make sure palates and plates go together

Lastly, after dealing with the booking and logistics, you’re now in the unenviable position of trying to cater to everyone’s tastes, all in one restaurant. And no, those people saying they’re fine with anything or anywhere doesn’t make it easier, so it’s your job to find somewhere that has something for everyone, preferably with the right discounts or promos so you won’t get robbed of your holiday bonus in one sitting.

Yet after all that trouble, perhaps the real food we crave are the friends we make along the way.

Read also: Elevate your date night

This article is part of The Weekender, which comes out on the Saturday edition of The Jakarta Post. It offers a variety of lifestyle and culture articles aimed at enriching your reading experience. Subscribe here to get access to the Saturday edition and all other premium content from The Jakarta Post.

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