Avoid These Common Dining Faux Pas
Dining out is an enjoyable experience, whether you’re on a date, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a good meal. However, certain etiquette mistakes can ruin the experience for you and those around you. From improper table manners to disrespecting restaurant staff, here are 24 common dining mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
1. Not Canceling a Reservation
If your plans change, it’s common courtesy to notify the restaurant as soon as possible. Many independent restaurants rely on reservations and may lose money if you don’t show up. Some establishments even charge cancellation fees to discourage no-shows.
2. Arriving Late for Your Reservation
Restaurants can only hold tables for so long, especially on busy nights. Most offer a 15-minute grace period, but this isn’t always guaranteed. If you’re running late, call ahead to let the restaurant know.
3. Snapping Your Fingers at the Wait Staff
This is one of the rudest things you can do at a restaurant. If you need assistance, make eye contact or politely raise your hand instead of snapping or shouting.
4. Leaving an Incorrect Tip
In the U.S., tipping around 20% of the bill before tax is standard. In some European countries, a service charge may already be included. Research tipping customs if you’re dining abroad to avoid offending your server.
5. Seating Yourself Without Permission
Even if you have a reservation, always check with the host or hostess before sitting down. Your table might not be ready, or they may need to confirm seating arrangements.
6. Licking Your Knife or Plate
No matter how delicious the meal is, licking your knife or plate is considered highly improper. It’s unsanitary and can even be dangerous if you cut yourself.
7. Seasoning Food Without Tasting It First
Blindly adding salt or pepper before tasting your food can be seen as disrespectful to the chef, especially in fine dining restaurants where dishes are carefully seasoned.
8. Starting to Eat Before Everyone Is Served
It’s polite to wait until everyone at the table has their meal before digging in. If you’re at a restaurant that serves food as it’s ready (such as a tapas bar), encourage others to start while waiting.
9. Not Asking About Unfamiliar Dishes
If you’re unsure about a dish’s ingredients or pronunciation, don’t hesitate to ask your server. It’s better to clarify than to end up with something you won’t eat.
10. Overstaying Your Welcome
Restaurants need to turn tables, especially during peak hours. If you’ve finished eating and the bill has been settled, be mindful of other diners waiting for a table.
11. Making Excessive Menu Requests
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s okay to request small modifications. However, completely redesigning a dish to suit your preferences is excessive and can frustrate the kitchen staff.
12. Talking with Your Mouth Full
This one’s simple: chew, swallow, then speak. Nobody wants to see or hear your half-chewed food while trying to enjoy their meal.
13. Checking Your Phone at the Table
Unless it’s an emergency, avoid scrolling, texting, or making calls at the table. Dining out is a social experience, so give your attention to your companions.
14. Using Your Napkin as a Bib
While avoiding spills is important, draping your napkin around your neck is a major faux pas. Simply place it on your lap and use it as needed.
15. Using the Wrong Cutlery
When faced with multiple utensils, remember this simple rule: start from the outside and work your way in with each course.
16. Forgetting to Position Your Cutlery Properly
Placing your used cutlery back on the table is bad manners. If you’re pausing, place your knife and fork in an inverted “V” on your plate. When finished, set them parallel to signal the server to clear your plate.
17. Touching Up Makeup or Grooming at the Table
Applying lipstick, brushing your hair, or using a toothpick should be done in the restroom, not at the table.
18. Placing Your Napkin on the Table Before You’re Done
If you leave the table temporarily, place your napkin on your chair, not the table. Only return it to the table when you’re finished dining.
19. Taking Someone Else’s Bread Plate or Water Glass
An easy trick to remember: your bread plate is on your left, and your water glass is on your right.
20. Only Dining Out on Weekends
Support your favorite restaurants by visiting during the week when they’re less busy. You’ll often get better service and a more relaxed atmosphere.
21. Eating Your Bread Roll Whole
Instead of biting into your roll like an apple, break off small pieces and butter each one just before eating.
22. Using the Wrong Cheese Knife
Different cheeses require different knives. Hard cheeses like Parmesan need a cleaver-style knife, while soft cheeses like Brie require a pointed knife for spreading.
23. Eating Soup Incorrectly
Yes, there’s a proper way! Always scoop soup away from you, avoid slurping, and tilt the bowl slightly away from you to get the last spoonfuls.
24. Being Rude to Restaurant Staff
Perhaps the most important etiquette rule of all: treat restaurant staff with respect. Saying “please” and “thank you” costs nothing and makes a world of difference. Being rude to servers not only reflects poorly on you but can also affect your dining experience.