Jump To:
Our Editorial Review
Customer Reviews

It's Just Lunch

  This company has claimed this profile, is getting alerted on any new customer reviews entering this page, and may engage in dialogue with its customers to address their matters.

Companies cannot pay money or provide goods in order to remove or alter customer reviews.
It's Just Lunch

Overall Rating

3.5

122 Customer Reviews

Write a Review

Summary

It’s Just Lunch is a personalized matchmaking service designed to help business professionals go on dates with others. However, customer reviews indicate many members think the service overcharges for the quality of their matches.

Pros

  • Great way to meet local people without online dating
  • Many people found love
  • You can pause your membership if you click with someone

Cons

  • No refunds
  • Many people shared their matches were nothing like their specifications
  • A small pool of potential dates unless you are willing to go to a major city

It's Just Lunch Review: Is It Worth It?

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Aug 6, 2020

For busy professionals struggling to squeeze dating into their already packed agendas, It’s Just Lunch claims to offer a personalized matchmaking service that works behind the scenes to set them up on personal, private, and convenient dates.

Founded in 1991, the company now has over 150 locations around the world where professional matchmakers seek out suitable dates for their clients.

It’s Just Lunch members are interviewed about their lifestyle, relationship goals, and dating preferences by the matchmakers.

These matchmakers then seek out appropriate matches from their pool of members, coordinate the first date, and debrief with them afterward to learn what worked and what needs to change for the future.

Instead of seeing each person as a profile on a website, IJL matchmakers conduct confidential phone interviews to answer any questions about the service as well as discover the personal attributes, previous dating experiences, and life goals of their potential clients.

In this analysis, we take a detailed look at what It’s Just Lunch offers, to help you decide if this service is right for you.

Benefits

As an industry, professional matchmaking services seek to guide the process of finding love for people who are too busy or too disillusioned to set up dates for themselves.

It’s Just Lunch lets you outsource the partner search process, similar to how you might trust your investment decisions to a financial planner.

In this way, the company claims to streamline the modern dating process, so you don’t spend hours endlessly scrolling through online profiles.

Once you sign up, you’re guaranteed to go on dates with hand-selected partners. The company handles every detail of these dates, from the destination to the dinner reservations.

It’s Just Lunch has a customer support team that is available by phone to offer coaching, dating advice, and general service information for their clients.

But this begs a bigger question—is signing up for a matchmaking service a good idea in the first place?

Amber Artis has worked as a professional matchmaker since 1998, and she is the founder and CEO of the boutique matchmaking firm Select Date Society. In her view, working with a matchmaker offers advantages for falling in love you won’t get otherwise.

“Working with a matchmaker is a better strategy for meeting the right partner than using online dating for a number of reasons,” she told us.

“A matchmaker makes it her full-time job to find her clients the one! In my 22 years as a matchmaker, clients often share with me that they make great decisions in every area of their life except when it comes to love.

“A matchmaker is an expert when it comes to dating and can introduce you to the right potentials without wasting your time.”

In other words, working with a matchmaker can be a great way to get some expert insight into your dating life, especially if you don’t have the time or inclination to sort through potential options yourself.

How It’s Just Lunch Works

If you’re intrigued by IJL, the first step is letting the company schedule a free phone-based private interview. This gives them a chance to answer your questions, gather your personal information, and clarify what you are looking for in a match.

The purpose of this interview is for the matchmakers to learn what did and didn’t work in your past relationships, as well as learn about your hobbies, passions, and long-term relationship goals.

Once you complete the interview, you have the option to sign up for your preferred level of membership. After you commit, It’s Just Lunch matchmakers will comb their collection of clients to search for potential matches.

When IJL finds a good fit, a matchmaker will call both parties separately and gauge their interest in each other.

You will only receive each other’s first names, and email addresses; phone numbers, and additional personal information is never disclosed before a first date.

Assuming both parties are interested, a low-pressure date is scheduled for meeting face to face. If sparks fly and you choose to continue seeing each other, you can suspend your It’s Just Lunch membership to see where things lead.

No matter the result of the date, the matchmaking team will debrief with you to get your opinion and start seeking out a different match if necessary.

IJL states that honest feedback is an essential part of the matchmaking process, as it provides the information the matchmakers need to fine-tune future matches and improve your dating experience.

While the company can’t guarantee that you’ll find your soulmate, they do promise that you will go on dates that can open you up to new possibilities for your personal life and renew your enthusiasm for falling in love.

It’s Just Lunch doesn’t perform background checks because it believes that they would provide clients with a false sense of security.

Instead, the company strives to empower clients to use good judgment and take responsibility for their own safety.

Pricing

Signing up for It’s Just Lunch guarantees you’ll go on dates with a variety of matches, personalized attention from your matchmaking team, and further aid and guidance along the way.

The cost of an IJL membership will vary, depending primarily on your location and the number of dates you want to go on. If you’re willing to travel, you can sign up for multi-city packages for a larger pool of prospects.

From our assessment, you can expect to pay around $2,000–$5,000 for a basic membership. You’ll get further information about your personal costs during the interview process.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

Below are our key takeaways from IJL customer reviews on our website as well as other platforms:

Common Compliments:

  • Some users had great experiences with quality matches and professional matchmakers
  • Valuable service for making connections if you don’t want to date online
  • Many members connect with their matchmakers and felt they received great personalized service

Common Complaints:

  • Members pay lots of money for the service, often without ever going on dates
  • Many are matched with people who don’t fit their criteria
  • Many had dates suspiciously cancel at the last minute
  • Difficult to get refunds
  • Low-quality date options
  • Members were often shuffled between different matchmakers
  • Expensive, tedious signup process

Alternatives to It’s Just Lunch

It’s Just Lunch Elite Matchmaking
Premise Work with a matchmaking service to go on dates with quality singles. You’re guaranteed to go on dates. Work with professional matchmakers to be matched with singles in your area for dates. You can pre-approve every match and will receive feedback after every date to improve continuously.
Estimated Cost $2,00–$5,000 (price will depend on your location and term length) $3,000+ (depending on service length)
Locations Cities across Europe, North America, and Oceana, including 40+ US states Locations across California, Florida, Texas, Washington D.C., Boston, and New York.
Money-Back Guarantee No No

These two matchmaking services promise similar things. Both claim to let you outsource your love life to experts so that all you need to do is show up on dates.

They also each promise to improve in value over time, as your matchmaker will use your feedback from every date to guide the search for the next one.

However, each of these services suffers from the same downsides. First, you’ll need to put a lot of money down to start going on dates, with a minimal guarantee that you’ll like who you meet in the process.

Likewise, the pool of potential dates might be limited, depending on where you live. Unless you live in a big city or are willing to travel to one, there’s a decent chance that either matchmaking site is working with just a few hundred potential suitors.

If a large applicant pool is a significant concern for you, we suggest going the direction of It’s Just Lunch. This more-established matchmaking business is available in more US cities, which means you’ll likely have more prospects to consider.

The Bottom Line

It’s Just Lunch claims to offer a dating solution for busy urban professionals who want to find someone to spend their life with. Our research shows that this site seems to be a viable option for anyone looking to go in a different direction with their dating life—so long as you’re willing to pay for it.

While the service is more expensive than online dating, our research looking into the reviews left by hundreds of It’s Just Lunch members shows that customers who are seeking a personalized approach to their dating life often appreciate it.

Besides the initial phone interview, It’s Just Lunch clients report that they liked that they didn’t need to put any effort into finding matches or arranging their dates.

However, customer feedback also shows this service can be limiting. If you want to have some autonomy over the search and planning process of your dating life, you could experience frustration with It’s Just Lunches’ top-level management style.

If you live in a city and struggle to find the time to make meaningful connections with potential dates, then we think It’s Just Lunch might offer you an option for making connections with datable partners, without the initial effort of online dating.

Customer Reviews

3.5 Stars out of 122 Reviews
5 Star:47% 4 Star:18% 3 Star:4% 2 Star:0% 1 Star:29%
67% Recommend This Service
Start your review of It's Just Lunch:
Sort Reviews By

Posted on Sep 11, 2023

A safer way to date

By Anna S., Columbus, OH, Verified Reviewer

IJL does the hard work for you! They find you a match and set up the when/where you meet. The rest is up to you! It's basically a blind date, except you've seen a picture and know a little about each other. If you want to see them again, you exchange contact info. If not, you part ways. It feels so much safer this way! IJL verifies everyone so you know you aren't getting cat-phished. My matchmaker, Anita W really takes the time to speak with her clients to learn as much about them so as to better match them. I've enjoyed the dates she's set up for me.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

You know you're meeting an actual person

They don't share last names or any contact info with your match

You have the option of passing on a match

Waiting multiple months between getting a match/date

Rarely having the same matchmaker for very long

Not having an IJL rep/office to contact on weekends if necessary

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

We love this feedback, thank you!! We are here with you every step of your dating journey and are hard at work on your next date. Talk soon!

Posted on Sep 9, 2023

It's what you expect

By James L., Palm Bay, FL, Verified Reviewer

It's what you expect from a matchmaking service. They match on personality, looks, and interests. They provide an anxiety-free experience in a safe context for both people involved and help coordinate very busy schedules. Mind you, this is in the context of a single date, but it's a good start.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

Thanks James! We look forward to setting up more fun and stress free dates. Your matchmaker is hard at work on your next match. Talk soon!

Posted on Sep 9, 2023

Genie is the best matchmaker!

By Tai A., Brooklyn, NY, Verified Reviewer

Genie took the time to truly understand what I am looking for in a life partner and matched me up with someone who was a very good fit. We decided not to move forward for other reasons but I definitely am so grateful I went through this process and had Genie as my matchmaker. Any fears or concerns I had about this process are now gone, and I'm actually super excited about my next date! YAY!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Thoughtful about my desires

Understanding about my reflection about the date

Patient with me

I wish they could assess for compatibility in advance but that is impossible, lol

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

We are happy to hear your date went well, and we are on the right track! Your feedback is essential in the fine-tuning process of matchmaking and is so appreciated!

Posted on Sep 8, 2023

IJL review

By Brian I., Las Vegas, NV, Verified Reviewer

This is my second time. My first person (Amy) was great and my current (Tricia) is great too. I marked 4 stars because I had one person in between that I was not satisfied with. Overall, I am very satisfied. Tricia is excellent at her job and has the excellent personality required for this type of service.

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Quality candidates. All the ladies I have met have been very nice.

IJL does nice job setting up the dates with reminders at nice restaurants.

Overall happy, especially now that Tricia has been assigned to me.

IJL typically only sends head shots. This is a problem if body type is important. Which for me it is.

IJL will not consider geographic areas when matching. I have been matched with people that live to far out of my geographic range, very inconvenient when dating.

This is my 2nd time with IJL. I only had 4 dates the first time. IJL should given me my remaining dates without charging me again. This was disappointing me again

The reason I paused the first time is I met someone outside of IJL. Then it expired. I should have been given my remaining dates without have to pay again.

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

Appreciate the feedback on the matchmakers you are working with and your experience thus far. Thank you for being an IJL client!

Posted on Sep 8, 2023

Super customer service

By Peter V., Atlanta, GA, Verified Reviewer

Anita has been helpful with the entire process from helping me with picking out the right photos to improving my profile.

In addition, she listened to my needs and worked with me to find the right person and to help with the location of the first meeting to make sure that the location was truly a good mutual meeting place. So far, the picks have been spot on.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Flexible

Helpful

Responsive

Price

Some of the restrictions

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

Thank you Peter for your feedback and kind words about your matchmaker. We are here to be with you every step of the way on your dating journey and love to hear you are enjoying the process. Happy Dating!

Posted on Sep 7, 2023

It’s Just Lunch matchmaking

By Susan S., Virginia, Verified Reviewer

I love working with Tanya. We are on the same page. She gets me and has my back at each dating opportunity.

She is a great listener and knows what I want. Plus, she works hard to make sure she finds the best gentleman for me. I have not been in It's Just Lunch long, but have already had two other matchmakers. There's a saying about the third time is the charm — well, Tanya has been the charm for me. I look forward to continuing to work with her.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Tanya

Restaurant choice

Overall good dates

How to say no about a few dates

Wish the restaurant was a bit closer to my home, but I don’t live in a big city so it’s harder for the company to find places for me to meet

Wish the gentleman would submit more than one or two pictures on their profile

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Sep 11, 2023

We greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to share your experience regarding your matchmaker and the process. We are looking forward to your next date and thank you for being an IJL client.

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Aug 23, 2023

Good learning experience; worth the expense

By Luesa H., Seattle, WA, Verified Reviewer

I've only had the first two dates of 12 with IJL, and this process has been so useful to me already! I've learned a lot about what I'm looking for, about what's important to me. I've learned about how I want to interact with dates. These learnings require practice and exploration, on dates with the right kinds of people. That's where IJL comes in.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

I got in-person dates with people who more closely match what I'm looking for than I had with dating apps.

A person chooses my matches, based on what I express is important to me.

I've gotten real-time learning experiences.

It's expensive (but it has been worth it for me).

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Aug 29, 2023

We love to hear this kind of feedback! Matchmaking is an art and dating is a process and we are so happy to be along this journey with you. Thank you for your feedback and being an IJL Client!

Posted on Aug 22, 2023

Average at best

By Dave C., Phoenix, AZ, Verified Reviewer

A 6 pm dinner is planned at a local venue used by IJL. Both parties arrive with no idea what might happen. There is no avenue to make the woman comfortable. The guy has no chance to let the woman know ahead of time that he has plans with some friends at 8:30 pm that night. (A little white lie that has a huge purpose.) This will make the lady feel more comfortable on the date and that the man has no intent of a hookup. If the date is going well and both parties agree, the man can say he just got a text that his plans with friends have been canceled. It gives both parties an out.

For some reason, it is highly likely that my date did not feel comfortable on our date. There is a good possibility that things would have been different if she had known I was not planning to spend the night with her.

I would love to hear your response on how you make the lady feel comfortable on these dates.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Supposedly match making expertise

We can dictate dates and times for dates

Follow up with each dater

Venue

How the dates are set up and that I cannot receive input that my date provided when there is no second date!

No prompt attention to additional follow up calls from my matchmaker

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Aug 29, 2023

Dave, we always recommend that you be open and honest up front. The dates we arrange for you and your dates are meant to be light, casual and fun with no obligation. All of our Clients know our process, that we work with partner locations and that the dates feel safe and comfortable. We always recommend honesty and good communication on your dates and if you are interested in seeing your date again, let them know.

Helpful Review? 1 Person Has Voted

Posted on Aug 21, 2023

The BEST IJL Executive Matchmaker!

By Rob S., Orange County, CA, Verified Reviewer

Tricia is the best! Great communicator, friendly, and warm. I really enjoy working with her. Very bubbly and really enjoys her job.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Efficient

Friendly

Happy

Didn’t take Amex

More pricing options needed

Reimbursement for unused dates

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Aug 29, 2023

We so appreciate your glowing review of your matchmaker and are elated you are enjoying the dating process. Looking forward to your next date!

Posted on Aug 10, 2023

First impressions

By Trent B., Naples, FL, Verified Reviewer

I have been using It's Just Lunch for just about 6 weeks now. I have been very happy with Anita as my matchmaker. She has taken time to get to understand what is important to me and the activity since I joined has been better than I anticipated. As of now, I am glad that I decided to utilize the service.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Very easy to get started

Anita has been great to work with

The matches have been accurately portrayed

It’s not inexpensive

Several dates have canceled

Not many negatives so far

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Aug 15, 2023

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with It's Just Lunch and your matchmaker, Anita. It's heartening to hear that your journey with the service has been exceeding your expectations. Anita's commitment to understanding your preferences and priorities demonstrates the value of personalized attention in the matchmaking process. It's clear that her efforts have contributed to the positive outcomes you've been experiencing. Keep enjoying your journey with It's Just Lunch, and we wish you continued success in finding meaningful connections.

Posted on Aug 10, 2023

IJL

By Gary D., Indianapolis, IN, Verified Reviewer

I am very pleased with IJL. It takes time and patience. If you have that, then IJL is for you. 100% better than those dating apps. You can meet people that have the same interests and outlook as you do. I would recommend it’s just lunch to a friend. Keep up the good work IJL.

Thank you.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

They do the work for you

Much better than dating apps

Very professional

Sometimes they wouldn’t return calls

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Aug 15, 2023

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with IJL. It's great to hear that you've found the service to be a worthwhile investment of your time and patience. Your endorsement of IJL as a better alternative to dating apps underscores the value of a personalized and curated approach to matchmaking. Your encouraging words are sure to motivate the IJL team to continue their good work in facilitating meaningful connections.

Showing 1-11 of 122

Our Promise to You

In order to safeguard you and ensure helpfulness and relevance, our compliance team manually assess every customer review before it goes live.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for fake reviews, and companies cannot control or alter any reviews at any time.