10 tips for proper restaurant etiquette

When making reservations to entertain a client – it doesn’t look good to show up at a great restaurant with business associate and not have made reservations to be there. If someone’s meal comes before you, it’s polite to wait until everyone is served — or you could graciously encourage then to begin. Napkins go on laps — water and drinks on the right, napkins on left. Avoid drinking alcohol — especially at lunch — long gone are the two martini lunches. It may only be appropriate at a reception or an event of that nature, but never over indulge under any circumstances.

Dining should be a pleasant experience for everyone involved– the hostess, wait staff and the guests. As a customer you are receiving
a service, however, paying for a service does not give you the right to be rude, impatient and disrespectful toward those who are serving you.

• Decide how you will pay (one check or separate checks) before arriving if you are dining with a group. If the group is large, the gratuity may have already been calculated and included in the total. 18%-20% gratuity is appropriate.

• Keep voices low.  Don’t talk or laugh loudly.  If you are discussing other people, only mention first names.  Never discuss what you don’t mind being repeated.

• If the service does not meet your expectations; be fair about whether or not it is fault of the wait person.  When a restaurant is busy and/or crowded you may not receive the special attention you are accustomed to having, because the wait person might have several tables to attend.  Most wait staff will do their best.  If the waiter or waitress is willfully neglecting you, do not argue with them in an undignified matter. You may ask to speak with the manager and/or reduce the tip. It is inappropriate to not leave a tip, though the service did not meet your expectations.

• Look over your bill or tab before paying. You may tip you wait person by adding the dollar amount on your bill if you are using a credit or debit card. When leaving a cash tip, you can write cash and the amount on the line for the gratuity or tip. Write the amount on your copy of the receipt too.

• When the service is exceptional, give the wait person a compliment by telling him/her, the manager if possible or complete one of the customer satisfaction surveys. People enjoy receiving positive feedback and it only takes a few minutes to write a compliment and a few seconds to say them.

• Turning off the cell phone and any other electronic device that may present a challenge to you enjoying your guest or host. No texting! Dining should be a relaxing experience.  Give your “undivided attention” to your companion(s). If you were having surgery, would you want the surgeon to stop and take a call that was unrelated to your medical condition? No, you would want him/her to give you their undivided attention.Certain circumstances may warrant keeping the phone on (sick child, a person in your dinner party might not be familiar with the area). If so, put it on vibrate.  Never place it on the table or have a phone conversation at the table, excuse yourself if you must answer a call.

• Remember your wait person’s name. Think relational. You never know what you might need in the future. Ask about any specials they might have.

• Be aware of the guidelines for “all you can eat” items. Generally, you can not share food with others at your table.

• When a restaurant is busy, do not sit very long after you have completed your meal, others are waiting for the table. The more people the wait staff serves the more tips they will probably receive. Plan 1½ – 2hours for dinin

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