I just called for a reservation in Kuleto's on Powell for dinner, and they asked for a credit card to hold this reservation. It's the first time somebody in a restaurant had asked me for a CC number.

Few days ago I made reservations in an expensive restaurant for a birthday dinner, and no CC was mentioned.

Was it just Kuleto's invention? And what if people don't show up, do they charge an average dinner cost? Do they add tips to this charge What if one person out of a party can't make it, do they charge the credit card adding one more?

Do you have to give you CC number in other cities?

Did you go ahead and confirm the rez, and if so did you think to ask them about this policy?

I've had to do this in San Diego. They are generally very upscale, very popular places where you just wouldn't get in without a reservation. It's very unfair, both to the restaurant which will then lose money and to other diners who couldn't get in, to make a reservation then just not show up. If you change your mind or can't go, then call and cancel. I don't know what exactly they would charge if you don't apopear, but I'm sure they will have a clear policy, so just ask.

The French Laundry does this in Napa. After you jump through hoops to get them on the line. It really turns me off. We don't bother anymore. I'm surprised at Kuleto's though.

Did they mention what they plan to do with your credit card number if you don't show up? This "policy" is not unheard of. I've encountered it at places that are difficult to reserve even way ahead. I don't mind a bit, so long as I understand the "cancellation policy". To me, it's more convenient than not being able to book more than 14 or 30 days ahead (and having to remember to call precisely the correct day and endure hours of busy signals), or having to phone and confirm the day of or day before your reservation (when you're out and about or on the road and may not have your cell phone with you). I would imagine that restauranteurs are more than frustrated with "no shows" and those who neglect to call and cancel. Especially the nicer places that hold a table for your party for the entire evening (as opposed to those who rush you along and nearly toss you out to "turn the table"). Of course, it's incumbent upon the patron to remember that they left a credit card number and phone if their plans change. I know when we're traveling, planning meals is challenging. Sometimes, we just don't get around to lunch until nearly mid-afternoon (or we've had breakfast), then have too large a meal because we're so famished, whereupon we are not nearly hungry enough for dinner at 7 or 8 PM. There was a lot of public astonishment when Alain Ducasse opened his restaurant in NYC. Not only was a credit card required, so was a several hundred dollar per person DEPOSIT!

Yes, this is becoming more common in SF and other parts of Calif. As stated, only in more popular upscale restaurants. No, they won't have a problem if one of your party is a no show. As long as you are threr to take the table. They should have told you thier policy though. It is usually around 50 dollars (but could be more if you dont show up).

Thank you everybody, I don't think they would be responsible for anything they say on the phone, and as long as their reservation policy is not on the web (meaning not in writing) I'm not going to give them my CC number. It's not the only and not the best restaurant in SF, my family and I are going to another place. If somebody doesn't want my business I'm taking my money elsewhere as it's easy to have a choice here.

Faina, Much as we used to enjoy Kuleto's I've never heard of this policy. And, I'm very surprised since tourism and restaurant attendance is down in SF. Many restaurants are doing fixed price (and reasonably priced) dinners. Check to see if Kuleto's is on the Rant and Rave and post your comments there. I agree with you---it's not the best Italian in SF. I would much rather go to Trattoria Antica or Venticello.

To follow up on this reservation - got a surprise call from Kuleto on sunday morning - I tried to reserve for August 18 dinner - asking me if I still need a table. I said, of course not if you did not want to hold it without a credit card.

We had a very good dinner at Fino, and their Tiramisu must be the best in the city!

I week before that I was in the Garden Court, and it was wonderful! Once again no credit card was needed for advance reservation.