In our fast-paced world, restaurant etiquette has taken a backseat to convenience and efficiency. However, there’s something timeless and charming about observing proper manners when dining out.
Here are 15 restaurant manners we’ve forgotten but should make a comeback. Let’s bring back the grace and civility of the dining experiences of yore!
Arriving on Time
Promptness speaks volumes about your respect for the restaurant’s schedule and your fellow diners. Arriving on time ensures your table is ready and allows the staff to provide you with the best service possible. Plus, it sets a positive tone for the rest of your dining experience.
Dressing Appropriately
Dressing appropriately for the occasion shows respect for the restaurant and enhances your dining experience. Whether fine dining or a casual eatery, dressing neatly and in line with the restaurant’s ambiance adds to the overall atmosphere and comfort.
Making Reservations
Making reservations secures your spot and helps the restaurant plan and allocate resources efficiently. It shows consideration for the establishment and prevents disappointment when you arrive to find no available tables. Plus, the staff can tailor the dining experience to your preferences.
Greeting the Host
When you arrive, a simple greeting and a smile set a positive tone for your dining experience. It acknowledges the host’s role and creates a friendly atmosphere, making you feel more welcome.
Using Inside Voices
While getting excited during a meal is natural, maintaining a reasonable noise level ensures a pleasant environment for all diners. Using inside voices allows everyone to enjoy their conversations without being disrupted by excessive noise, contributing to a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Chewing with Mouth Closed
Basic table manners dictate chewing with your mouth closed. This prevents unpleasant sights and respects the dining space and fellow patrons. It also ensures that everyone can focus on enjoying their meal without distractions.
Thanking the Waitstaff
Expressing gratitude to the waitstaff for their service is a simple yet often overlooked gesture. A sincere thank you acknowledges their hard work and adds warmth to the dining experience, fostering a positive relationship between you and the staff.
Using “Please” and “Thank You”
Politeness goes a long way, and using “please” when making requests and “thank you” when receiving assistance or dishes demonstrates courtesy and appreciation. It shows that you value the efforts of the staff and creates a more pleasant interaction for everyone involved.
Not Interrupting Service
Interrupting a server while attending to another table or task disrupts their flow and may lead to mistakes. Waiting for an appropriate moment to get their attention shows respect for their workload and professionalism, ensuring your needs are met efficiently.
Keeping Devices Away
Engaging with your dining companions instead of your devices fosters meaningful interactions and enhances the dining experience. Keeping phones off the table allows you to fully immerse yourself in the food and conversation, promoting deeper connections and enjoyment.
Napkin Etiquette
Placing your napkin on your lap as soon as you are seated and using it to dab your mouth or fingers when necessary maintains cleanliness and demonstrates refinement. It also signals that you are ready to dine, setting a formal yet comfortable tone for the meal.
Tasting Before Seasoning
Tasting your food before reaching for the salt or pepper shaker is customary. This shows trust in the chef’s seasoning and ensures you’re enhancing the flavor to your preference rather than masking it, allowing you to fully appreciate the dish as intended.
Passing Dishes Correctly
When sharing dishes, pass them to the right or counterclockwise to ensure smooth and orderly service. This avoids confusion and keeps the meal flowing seamlessly, allowing everyone to enjoy the variety of dishes without interruption.
Saying “Excuse Me” When Passing
Whether you’re navigating through a crowded restaurant or passing someone at the table, saying “excuse me” acknowledges others’ presence and demonstrates consideration for their space. It shows respect for personal boundaries and contributes to a courteous dining atmosphere.
Leaving a Generous Tip
Tipping generously reflects appreciation for the service provided and acknowledges the efforts of the staff. It’s a way to show gratitude beyond words and helps support those working in the hospitality industry, ensuring they feel valued for their hard work and dedication.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.
