Restaurant etiquette for dining out
When dining in a restaurant, there are certain courtesies and etiquette guidelines to observe in addition to basic table manners. Here are few to keep in mind: Honour your reservation: A no-show or late arrival costs the restaurant and its employee’s money in terms of missed income and tips. Make careful to keep your dinner reservations if you make them. Please notify the restaurant as soon as possible if you are unable to come for whatever reason so that they can fill the table.
Wait for your server to come to you: It is simply inappropriate to yell, wave, or snap at your server. Watch for them to approach you. If you really must have their attention, make an effort to meet their gaze but stop there.
Keep the table clear of personal items: You shouldn’t put items like sunglasses, purses, wallets, or cell phones on the table. Particularly distracting and an indication that you are not totally present with your eating companions is leaving your phone on the table. Throughout the dinner, refrain from using your phone. Pro Tip: When waiting for a crucial call, place your phone on your seat, tucked under your leg.
Treat your server with the utmost respect: While your server speaks, look at them, and remember to say “please” and “thank you” when placing your order. Inform the wait staff discreetly and respectfully if there is a problem with your meal.
Wait for everyone to be served before you begin eating; inform your companions they may begin without you if the food is hot and everyone else has been served.
There is no need to explain when leaving the table temporarily: There is no need to explain where you are going if you need to use the restroom. Just excuse yourself and walk away from the table.
When a woman approaches the table, a man should stand up: This also applies when she stands up to leave the table. This is a customary etiquette guideline, and I think we should uphold it. This custom only applies in social settings; it is not followed in professional ones.
If you require separate checks, tell your server in advance: If the server is informed in advance, it is much simpler for them to split the check. They can maintain separate checks for each person and keep track of what they order. It’s crucial to remember that this is a courtesy rather than a right. Many restaurants have restrictions on how many separate checks or cards can be used to split a tab. Large gatherings should make advance arrangements for how they will pay.
Push your chair in when leaving the table: It’s only polite to push your chair back into its original position. It makes aisles clearer in confined places and appears cleaner.