It is vital to practice proper restaurant etiquette while you are dining out, including picking the suitable restaurant and properly calculating the tip. We are going to go through some etiquette to ease you out.
It is vital to practice proper restaurant etiquette while you are dining out, including picking the suitable restaurant and properly calculating the tip. We are going to go through some etiquette to ease you out. Dining etiquette is more than just table manners!
Make a proper planning
Book your table in advance in a restaurant after having consulted everyone about their choices. It is important to choose a restaurant where everyone will get something according to their tastes. You can as well give your guests a list of 2 or 3 restaurants to make the choice easier. While reserving a table beforehand, you will be giving a chance to choose a proper setting such as a table in the garden or by the poolside. Make sure to reconfirm your reservation one day before the meeting date.
Choose the proper attire
While making a reservation, ask them if there is any dress code. It is very important to dress accordingly while you are visiting a restaurant. You can opt for jeans and tennis shoes if you are going to a casual restaurant and pull on that suit when you are visiting a fancier one.
Being Seated
In many restaurants, there is always going to be someone who will be walking you to your table and get you seated. However, even if the staff insists, it is always polite to wait for all your guests to arrive before being seated.
Keep your phones off the table
Dining together at a restaurant is always a good occasion to strengthen the bond between friends or family. Take some time to bring back the nostalgia. Always make it a habit to keep your keys, phones and other belongings off the table. Never take out your phone to text when you are at the table. It is a sign of disrespect for your guests. Your messages and emails can wait until the dinner is over. If it is urgent, make sure that you excuse yourself before taking your phone out.
Put your napkin on your lap
Make sure to put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down. However, if you are the guest, wait for the host to put his or hers first. If you have to use the bathroom, just keep your napkin on your chair. When the dinner is over, you can put the napkin on the table.
Wait for everyone before you start eating
It is always polite to wait for all your guests to be served before you start eating. If your food is not well cooked and you have to send it back, make sure that you assure your guests that they can continue eating without you.
Don’t call out to your waiter
If you need something, try to make eye contact with your waiter or silently signal him or her. You can as well raise your hand in their direction if you cannot get their attention.
Always treat your waiter with respect
If the food is not according to your liking, do not lash out on your waiter as it is not her or his fault. You can always return the food. Don’t treat the waiter like a servant.
Make sure that everyone orders the same number of courses
Discuss with your guests whether they want appetizers or desserts. That way, you will start and finish your courses at the same time.
Hold your wine glasses properly
Always hold your wine glasses by the stem. If you don’t want wine, put your hand on your glass to signal the waiter. Don’t turn your glass upside down.
Leave within 15 mins after completing dinner/ lunch
Don’t monopolize a table after completing your meals, especially if it is a popular restaurant. Since a restaurant is a food business, by staying too much at a table prevent other customers from being seated. You can move to another bar if you want some more fun times with your buddies.
Decide on how you are going to pay the bill
If you are the host and would like to pay for everyone, let the waiter know in advance. Always check for the bill discreetly. You can also give the waiter your credit card ahead of time. If you are planning to have separate checks, ask the waiter to keep a track of everyone’s order. However, if you are a large group of people, it is wiser to order things of the same price range and just split the bill accordingly.
Tip well
Don’t skimp on the tip. Understand that some waiters depend on your tip for their livelihood ,as depending on the restaurant, your waiter may not be working for an hourly wage. For satisfactory service, you can tip 15 to 20 percent as for exemplary service, 25 percent is perfect.