Find the right seat
Describe the experience you have in mind: watching the cooking, having a quieter conversation, or sitting together for a celebration. Then ask which seating options suit it.
- Is grill-side seating available, and is it shared with other parties?
- Can we request a standard table instead?
- Can everyone in our party sit together?
- What should we expect in terms of sound, heat, and space around the table?
Make the booking details clear
Give the venue your date, preferred time, and party size. Include children in the count and mention any seating equipment you will need.
- Are reservations accepted for this date and seating type?
- Must the full party arrive before being seated?
- Are there deposits, cancellation terms, minimum orders, or time limits?
- How are separate checks and service charges handled for a group?
Ask for the current terms before committing to a booking. A page on this publication is not a reservation confirmation.
Ask about the whole route
Be specific about the access features you need. “Accessible” alone may not answer a question about the entrance, the route to the table, or the restroom.
- Is there a step-free route from the arrival point to our table?
- What doorway and table clearance is available for a mobility device?
- Can you describe restroom access?
- Are there seating options that suit our sensory or communication needs?
If a precise dimension or arrangement is essential, ask the venue to verify it. This guide does not certify any property’s accessibility.
Have the ingredient conversation early
State the exact allergy, dietary restriction, or preference. Explain what you need staff to check rather than assuming a dish’s name provides the answer.
- What is in the dish, including its broth, marinade, garnish, and sauce?
- Are cooking surfaces, fryers, utensils, or preparation areas shared?
- Can the kitchen accommodate the request during the service we plan to attend?
- Who should we speak with again when we arrive?
A requested substitution is not a safety guarantee. The restaurant must explain its own preparation practices and limits.
Confirm the details that change
Use the venue’s current official contact channel to confirm its operating status, address, hours, menu, pricing, and booking availability. An old listing, saved photograph, or archived menu may no longer apply.
Before leaving, check that your party knows the agreed arrival time and seating arrangement. Keep the restaurant’s actual booking confirmation, if one was provided.
Southlake Table has no verified contact details for the former Shogun restaurant and cannot answer venue-specific questions. Learn more about our independent role.