When was the last time you sat in a restaurant for a meal? With the rise of fast food, drive-ins, and delivery services, we’ve lost touch with the fine art of dining. But what’s fading even more is the restaurant etiquette that comes with dining.
Back in the day, everyone knew what to do when they went to eat out, and certain things were the norm and not an exception. Certain etiquettes are worth bringing back– these small gestures can make a big difference.
Everyone, especially the serving staff, appreciates dealing with a refined diner. What are some of the gestures you’d like to see more of in restaurants today? Let’s bring back the charm and grace of dining out and make it an enjoyable experience for all.
1. Dressing Up For Dining Out
It may seem tacky when you take out your tuxedo/slacks or favorite evening dress just to eat and come back home, but dressing up for dining out was once considered a common courtesy and a show of respect for the establishment. Some places even had a dress code for their revelers, and you may even be denied entry if you don’t look the part.
While it’s not necessary to wear a tuxedo or gown to a casual restaurant, dressing neatly and appropriately shows appreciation for the dining experience. It also creates a positive impression and adds to the restaurant’s ambiance. If you have a date, they will appreciate the extra effort.
2. Splitting the Bill
There’s something undeniably satisfying about being treated to a meal by someone else. Perhaps it’s the feeling of being appreciated or the sense of luxury that comes with having someone else pick up the tab. But as tempting as it may be to let someone else foot the bill, there’s something to be said for reviving the lost art of splitting it.
Offering to split the bill doesn’t just show respect for your fellow diners; it’s also a way to make the payment process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. You may not be fully aware of the other person’s financial status, but it ensures everyone pays their fair share.
Before placing your order, discussing the payment arrangement is always wise to avoid any confusion and discomfort later.
3. Tipping
Most restaurants have a standard tip of 15-20% of the total bill, but the art of tipping support staff isn’t as glamorous as it used to be. Tipping is a crucial part of dining etiquette. It’s not just about showing appreciation for the wait staff’s services but also a way to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
A good tip can make a big difference in the lives of these workers, who often rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. For many of these workers, tips are the main source of income, which means that they depend on them to pay their bills and support their families.
Tipping is a hot topic these days for all the random places it’s now expected, but it has always been a traditional part of dining out.
4. Arriving on Time
Learning to be punctual is a valuable trait, and it is important to arrive at the restaurant on or before the scheduled time. This simple but crucial etiquette demonstrates respect for the restaurant’s and other diners’ time. Being on time ensures that the restaurant can provide you with prompt service and freshly prepared dishes. Moreover, arriving on time allows you to enjoy a calm dining experience without feeling rushed or stressed about time constraints.
Being late can disturb and inconvenience other diners. If you face any unavoidable circumstances, it is recommended to call ahead and notify the restaurant of the delay. By arriving on time, you can fully appreciate the restaurant’s ambiance and atmosphere, enhancing your overall dining experience.
5. Respecting the Wait Staff
Have you dined with someone who looks down on and outrightly disrespects the wait staff? It’s one of life’s greatest vices, and respecting the people who serve you at a restaurant is a basic etiquette that never goes out of style.
Being courteous to the wait staff creates a pleasant dining experience for everyone. It’s important to remember that the wait staff is there to serve and assist, and treating them with kindness and respect is a reflection of your character. Besides, do you really want to be mean to the person handling your food?
6. Using Cell Phones Sparingly
Does anyone remember when people used to sit at a restaurant and actually talk to each other? Today, it’s common to see people eating together while each is engrossed in whatever captivating thing is happening on their phone. People only take a few breaks to take photos of the food.
Using cell phones sparingly during a meal is a courtesy that we need to bring back. Constantly checking and using cell phones can be distracting and disrespectful to the other diners. It’s always best to keep the phone away during meals and focus on the dining experience and the company.
7. Observe Table Manners
Good old table manners don’t just show you were raised well; they also give everyone at the table a good dining experience. Basic table manners like using utensils correctly, not talking with a mouth full of food, and not reaching across the table to grab something are simple yet important manners that show respect for the dining experience and the other diners.
If you’re planning to eat at a restaurant but don’t know the basic etiquette, learn beforehand. You can ask a knowledgeable person to teach you or watch a couple of videos online to learn what to do, especially regarding cutlery.
8. Being Mindful of Noise Levels
Sitting at a restaurant next to a loud and obnoxious person or group can be very bothersome. Loud conversations and laughter can also disrupt other diners and the restaurant’s ambiance. It’s always a good idea to keep the noise level down and respect the dining experience of others.
If you’re celebrating something that will require some loud talking or singing, such as a birthday, ask for a sitting space outside or on a balcony away from others. If this is not viable, make every effort to keep the noise down and to reasonable levels.
9. Being Patient with the Wait Staff
Being patient with the wait staff is a basic etiquette that we need to bring back. Service may be delayed, or there may be more people than the restaurant planned for. It’s important to remember that the wait staff is often busy and handling multiple tables simultaneously.
There’s no need to be loud and rude and expect the wait staff to be at your beck and call. Be polite if they get your order wrong, and wait patiently for your food or your bill to be brought. If the delay is unreasonable, ask to speak quietly to the manager.
10. Keep Children in Line
Sitting with children at a restaurant can be a very trying experience. Dining with children requires a bit of extra etiquette, and maybe stricter discipline and mom’s killer eyes. While it’s good to let children enjoy themselves, you should not let them wreak havoc and make other diners miserable.
It’s important to teach children basic table manners and keep them entertained during the meal. It’s also courteous to clean up after the children and ensure they are not disruptive to other diners. Carry colored pencils, paper, or fun toys to keep them busy before their food arrives.
11. Do Not Overorder
Everything on the menu may look scrumptious, but you don’t have to order everything. You should only order what you can realistically eat and not order more food than you need or can fit on your table. Overordering is wasteful both in terms of money and food.
Not only do you spend more than you need to, but you may also be left with a lot of leftover food that could go to waste. It can be difficult to navigate a table crowded with dishes. Don’t be afraid to take home any leftovers for another meal.
12. Wait For Everyone To Be Served
You may be extremely angry, but it’s a good thing to wait for everyone to be served before you dig in (within reason, of course, you don’t want cold food either). Waiting shows respect for the other diners and allows everyone to start eating at the same time. Biting into your burger while your partner’s stomach is grumbling isn’t very thoughtful.
By waiting for everyone to be served, you ensure that no one feels left out or rushed to finish their meal. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in creating a harmonious dining experience for everyone. You’ll definitely appreciate it when it’s you on the other side of the table.
13. Don’t Make a Scene
There seems to be little patience nowadays; many people are on a short circuit and one step away from blowing up. Don’t make a scene if your dining experience doesn’t go as well as you hoped. You may be paying for the service, but the people serving you are human and may make mistakes.
Maybe your waiter brings you white wine instead of red, or the chef puts pickles in your salad. If your dining experience is below par, you don’t stand at the table and shout about how you will have everyone fired. Signal a manager and report the incident, or write them an honest review if they didn’t listen to you.
14. Steer Clear of PDA
Public displays of affection (PDA) may be an etiquette faux pas when in a restaurant, especially if it’s a family restaurant. While it’s natural to express love and affection towards your partner, other diners might not want to witness intimate moments. Holding hands or a quick peck on the cheek is acceptable, but anything more than that can be inappropriate and uncomfortable for others around you.
Show respect for the restaurant’s atmosphere and ambiance. Keep your interactions with your partner within the boundaries of respect and modesty, and save the more intimate moments for when you’re in the privacy of your own home.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
