The new Uber Eats Dine Out feature, launched in partnership with OpenTable, is set to revolutionise how users book and travel to restaurant reservations. Integrated directly into the Uber Eats app, Dine Out allows users to secure popular dining spots and arrange rides with a single tap, offering a seamless and convenient experience for food lovers and travellers alike.
Dine Out will be rolled out to the Uber Eats app in the fall of 2025 and will transcend leisure as users can make travel arrangements with the feature.
OpenTable will power reservation-making in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia. OpenTable VIPs will also be able to use their points on Uber and Uber Eats, while Uber One members will get priority for popular restaurants or time slots when they make their bookings. After making a dinner reservation, users can also get discounts on their Uber rides to the restaurant.
According to Rohan Mathew, Uber’s head of delivery engineering, “with the new Dine Out feature, you can discover new restaurants, claim exclusive in-person deals, and even book a ride to get there with the tap of a button.” Mathew stated that the Dine Out feature is part of “our commitment to supporting restaurants, helping them drive revenue and reach more diners.”
To bolster Dine Out, Uber has also announced a variety of other new features and deals, including route-share options, pre-paid ride passes for frequently travelled routes, and Uber One member days, which offer members discounts on features across the Uber and Uber Eats platforms on specific days.
Uber’s expansion into in-person dining with its new “Dine Out” feature within the Uber Eats app is poised to significantly enhance the experience for tourists and provide a welcome boost to local tourism economies. “Dine Out offers a convenient and streamlined solution for travellers navigating unfamiliar culinary landscapes by seamlessly integrating restaurant discovery, reservations, and transportation.
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The feature’s core appeal for tourists lies in its ability to simplify the often-daunting task of finding and accessing quality dining experiences in a new city. Through the familiar Uber Eats interface, travellers can now explore local restaurants, browse menus, and secure table bookings without needing to juggle multiple apps or websites. This is particularly beneficial in international destinations where language barriers or unfamiliarity with local booking systems can pose challenges.
Beyond individual convenience, “Dine Out” is anticipated to drive increased foot traffic to local eateries, stimulating tourism. The ability to discover, book, and effortlessly arrange an Uber ride to the restaurant directly within the app removes a significant friction point for tourists. Also, the feature can be a valuable discovery tool, introducing tourists to restaurants they might not have found through traditional means.
While a specific launch date for Uber Eats’ new “Dine Out” feature in Nigeria, stemming from its global partnership with OpenTable, remains unconfirmed, the eventual introduction of such a service could significantly reshape the country’s tourism landscape.
With its rich and diverse gastronomic heritage, Nigeria has largely untapped potential in culinary tourism. Tourists often rely on word-of-mouth, online searches, or traditional guidebooks to find dining options. A platform like Uber Eats with an integrated reservation system could streamline this process, offering a curated and easily navigable directory of restaurants, complete with reviews, ratings, menus, and pricing.
This increased visibility could be particularly beneficial for lesser-known or new establishments that may not have the marketing budgets of larger, more established restaurants. By being featured on a popular platform, these hidden gems could attract a wider tourist clientele, leading to a more diverse and authentic culinary exploration for visitors.
Furthermore, the convenience of an in-app reservation system, potentially integrated with Uber’s ride-hailing service, would offer tourists a seamless and secure dining experience. This is especially pertinent in unfamiliar environments where navigating transport and making bookings can be challenging.
While awaiting specific details of its rollout in Nigeria, Uber Eats’ “Dine Out” feature, or a similar platform functionality, holds considerable promise for enhancing the country’s tourism appeal. Simplifying restaurant discovery, improving accessibility, and fostering a more dynamic culinary scene could play a vital role in showcasing Nigeria’s rich food culture to the world and boosting the economic contributions of the tourism sector.
Explore the latest innovations and digital solutions shaping the travel industry in Nigeria on our Travel Tech News page.
FAQs
1. What is the new Uber feature for restaurant reservations?
Uber is launching a new feature called Dine Out in the Uber Eats app. This feature allows users to find and book restaurant reservations directly through the app, powered by OpenTable’s reservation system.
2. When and where will the Dine Out feature be available?
The feature will be available in fall 2025 in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Ireland, and Australia.
3. How does the integration of Uber and OpenTable benefit users?
Users can book a restaurant table and simultaneously arrange an Uber ride to the restaurant with discounted fares, all within one app, streamlining the entire dining experience.
4. Are there special perks for Uber One or OpenTable VIP members?
Uber One members get priority access to popular restaurant reservations and exclusive time slots. OpenTable VIPs may also receive a complimentary six-month Uber One membership and can redeem OpenTable points for Uber and Uber Eats discounts.
5. How does this partnership improve the dining and transportation experience?
Combining Uber’s ride-hailing and delivery services with OpenTable’s reservation platform, the partnership creates a seamless, one-stop solution for discovering restaurants, booking tables, arranging transportation, enhancing convenience, and supporting local restaurants.
