19 Restaurant Etiquette Rules to Avoid 'Unpleasant' Situations

Mastering the use of utensils, choosing the right seat at the dining table, and even tipping money all require principles not everyone is aware of.

19 Guidelines for Restaurants to Avoid 'Unpleasant' Situations

Commence the Feast

1. Guest Seating: In unassigned seating situations, wait for the host to designate your seat. Typically, the host sits at the head of the table, with honored guests beside. Children and younger guests are often seated towards the table's end.

2. Ladies First and Gentlemen's Courtesy: Women should be seated first, and men should assist by pulling out chairs. Stand until the woman is seated before taking your seat.

3. Arriving late? Avoid keeping others waiting for more than 20 minutes. Apologize and initiate a conversation without delving into the reasons for your tardiness.

4. You can opt not to eat dishes served on the table, whether due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or medication requirements. No need to disclose reasons to your tablemates. Just remain silent and abstain from that particular dish.

5. Flossing should be done in the restroom, not at the dining table in a restaurant. Whether you need to use dental floss, pop a small pill, fix your hair, or touch up your makeup, do so discreetly in the restroom and never during formal gatherings.

Utensil Etiquette

6. If unexpectedly dropping a plate or utensil, avoid bending over the table to retrieve it. This gesture becomes inappropriate, especially if your counterpart is wearing a short dress. Instead, request the server to bring you a replacement utensil.

7. Utensils, including knives, forks, and spoons, should not be placed directly on the dining table. After use, they should be laid on the plate.

8. When cutting meat, avoid slicing the entire piece into tiny fragments, as it quickly cools the dish, diminishing its flavor. It's best to cut and eat as you go.

9. Proper use of utensils: Place your index finger on the knife or fork handle, with the remaining fingers gripping around. Following traditional etiquette, Europeans don't rest their utensils until the end of the meal, using both knife and fork to convey the preferred bite. Americans, after cutting their food, set the knife aside, switch the fork to their right hand, and enjoy the meal.

When Dating

10. Women should be the first to choose a dish. A common mistake is when men select a dish they like first. The best approach is for the lady to ask her companion to suggest options for her to consider. Subsequently, the man will finalize the order with the server.

11. Women should avoid choosing the cheapest dish on the menu, as in many global etiquette standards, this may be considered disrespectful. Also, refrain from ordering the most expensive dish, as it can be somewhat ostentatious, leaving a negative impression.

12. When dining in a restaurant and the server presents a bottle of wine, the man should not self-open and pour, as this is the server's responsibility. However, he can pour subsequent glasses for himself. Start by pouring for the lady first, followed by oneself, and pouring half a glass is the most appropriate.

13. In many cultures, during significant gatherings, it's customary for the man to be the first to settle the bill. Women should refrain from intervening, suggesting payment, or asking about the bill in front of the server. If you want to showcase financial independence, you can request the server to split the bill beforehand or propose sharing the tip.

14. If a man and woman are just friends, things are simpler. He can glance at the bill and state the amount to the woman. Subsequently, they can agree on the payment, or the lady may cover the meal expenses later.

Tipping Etiquette

15. Tipping practices for service staff vary across cultures. For example, in the U.S., it's customary and prevalent, whereas in many Asian countries, it's less common. The average tip in Europe and the U.S. ranges from 10-15% of the bill.

16. The choice to tip or not is entirely up to you, and it doesn't signify status or anything else. Tip when you genuinely appreciate the service. In some restaurants, the tip may already be included in the bill. Be sure to read the bill for phrases like 'service charge included' or 'tip included.'

17. Even when tipping service staff, observe proper etiquette, such as offering the tip only after finishing the meal or a service. Initially, settle the bill, and the server will return your change. Then, you can present the desired tip amount. Avoid phrases like 'keep the change' as it may sound presumptuous to the recipient.

18. Tipping is not just about money; it's also the friendly smile you share with the service staff. Even after giving the tip, express your gratitude with a kind word.

19. Don't just hand over the money without saying anything to the server; this is considered impolite behavior.

By Nguyên Chi/Ngôi sao

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour