Short answer: usually not, except when it really matters.
When you can just turn up
Weekday, off-season, off-peak. Alibaug is quiet midweek outside holiday periods. Walk in.
Breakfast, most days. Mornings are rarely the crush.
Odd hours. 3pm on a Tuesday is not a problem anywhere.
When you should book
Weekend evenings in season. November to February, Friday to Sunday — book.
Saturday nights. Live music nights fill up.
Groups of six or more. Not about capacity so much as seating you together.
Anything that matters. Birthday, anniversary, in-laws. Book, and say what the occasion is.
Long weekends and holidays. Assume everywhere is full.
How to book well
Give a real number of people. Mention children, dietary needs, and the occasion. Say roughly when you will arrive and let them know if you are running late — the ferry makes that common here and nobody minds if you say so.
For groups and events
Anything that needs a dedicated space is worth planning properly. We handle private events and larger groups.