Have you ever thought about reserving a table during less busy times and even getting discounts? Primeira Mesa is a restaurant reservation app for partner restaurants created in 2017 by the couple Léo Cuofano and Talyta Vecina, from Sorocaba.
Officially known as “O Primeira,” the app connects consumers with restaurants willing to offer tables at special rates during off-peak hours.
After all, restaurants still have expenses related to staff, rent, lighting, and facilities even when they’re empty. Filling restaurants during these slow periods helps generate revenue and introduce new venues to the public.
This consumption model is called “early bird,” and the creators were inspired by places such as the United States, Australia, and South Africa during a trip.
Although it has nationwide coverage, São Paulo is one of the cities most served by the app, mainly due to the large number of restaurants and dining options.
Primeira Mesa Features
In addition to booking discounted restaurant tables, the app allows users to find nearby restaurants, check dates, times, and the number of available seats, and edit or cancel reservations.
There’s also a coupons section, a friend-referral program, and Clube Primeira, which offers advance calendars and cashback balances. Within the app, customers can also rate their experiences and the service.
According to the platform’s rules, the process works as follows:
- Access the app or website and choose a restaurant.
- Check the available dates, times, and conditions.
- Please enter the number of people.
- Pay the reservation fee (R$ 18, payable via Pix or credit card).
- Get your digital voucher.
- Show up at your reserved time and present your confirmation at the restaurant.
- Dine in and pay the bill with a discount on eligible items.
It’s important to note that the reservation fee is not a charge of R$ 18 per person.
The maximum number of people depends on the participating restaurant and is listed on the offer’s page. On the platform, for example, there are listings in São Paulo for four, six, and even eight people.
How do you download and use the app?
Available for both Android and iOS devices, the app is free to download and offers a subscription-free option. However, it’s worth noting that a reservation fee still applies.
Clube Primeira, the app’s optional subscription, costs R$ 5.90 per month and offers the following benefits:
- Early access to the seventh day of the reservation calendar.
- Four monthly discounts of R$ 1.80 on the reservation fee.
- 20% cashback on the amount paid for the fee.
- Additional offers and benefits.
