A Singaporean woman faced a stiff cancellation fee after having to call off a Valentine’s Day dinner for two at a Michelin-starred restaurant following an unexpected family bereavement.
The woman, identified only as L, told Mothership that she contacted the restaurant the day before her reservation, explaining her need to cancel and appealing for a waiver on compassionate grounds. Instead, she was informed that the restaurant’s 72-hour cancellation policy would be strictly enforced, resulting in a S$400 (approx. RM1,300) charge.
According to the restaurant, each booking requires a S$200 credit card authorisation per diner to secure the reservation, with cancellations allowed only if made at least 72 hours in advance. The fine reflects the cost of ingredients already procured and prepared for the night’s special menu, some of which require up to a week of preparation and cannot be reused.
L offered to reschedule her booking, but the restaurant said the menu was custom-prepared for Valentine’s Day and could not accommodate a move to another date. Staff reportedly reached out to explain, but L became upset, leaving a one-star Google review claiming the restaurant could have filled her table from a waitlist.
The restaurant defended its stance, noting that last-minute cancellations are increasingly challenging, especially on peak nights like Valentine’s Day. They emphasised that staff members also have families and face losses from unused perishable ingredients when reservations are cancelled late.
“The cancellation fee reflects only a small portion of the actual costs incurred, and we hope for your kind understanding,” the restaurant stated, adding that compassion is a two-way street between guests and staff.
This incident highlights the balancing act fine-dining restaurants face between accommodating unforeseen circumstances and protecting their operational and financial commitments.
