Restaurant Re-opening Etiquette
With the restaurants opening up again, this will be a good time to freshen up on our restaurant etiquette in case we have forgotten a few things.
The first person we get to meet at a restaurant is the host, so when they offer a greeting it is only polite to respond to them. It is also important to pay attention to their instructions, especially concerning the requirements necessary for re-opening.
We should avoid sitting ourselves unless we have been advised to do so. If we have not made a reservation it won’t serve us well to be impatient with the host.
With a limited dining area available at the moment, let’s not complicate the staff’s work by requiring to be seated at our preferred tables. In the event that we are celebrating a milestone, be it a birthday or anniversary, and desire a particular part of the restaurant or table, calling in advance and communicating this with the restaurant will prevent any disappointment. If we fail to do so, once taken to a table, let’s avoid asking to be moved, as this disturbs the logistical work of the restaurant according to the servers and hosts I’ve spoken with.
Treating our servers with respect, by giving them our full attention when taking our orders and addressing any questions they or we might have will make for an efficient process. It’s best not to anticipate that all items will be available from previous menus. In the event a menu item is not fully described, we should seek clarification before we order, especially with respect to our food sensitivities and preferences.
Remember, mistakes happen, especially during a re-opening. Let’s not monopolize the server’s time as they usually have other customers to attend to. When we require our server’s attention, making eye contact is the preferred way, rather than calling them over to our table. At the end of the meal, we should promptly pay our bill and not linger too long. The restaurant might be in need of our table for the next customer.
When restaurants are into the next phase of re-opening, and we are able to dine with all those outside of our households, here are some points to remember:
It’s best to decide ahead of time how to handle the bill.
If someone else is paying, we need to take their lead on the price point of the items we order.
If our host is not having an alcoholic beverage, we should follow suit unless encouraged otherwise.
If you are the one picking up the tab, it’s best the server is made aware of this in advance.
Cell phones should be kept off the table while dining - unless they are required during a business lunch, i.e. design elements between clients and contractors.
If we drop a piece of cutlery, let’s not use the 5/10-second rule. A fresh one can be provided.
Our servers rely upon tips for their living, and if the service warrants it, a generous one should be provided, especially with fewer available customers. It’s also our way of expressing our appreciation for the service given. Good etiquette helps our socializing to be positive and memorable.
