Dining out should be an enjoyable experience: a chance to savor good food, enjoy the ambiance, and relish the company of friends or family. However, to ensure everyone has a pleasant time, there are certain unspoken rules you should follow; these are the 18 things you shouldn’t do when dining out.
Let Children Run Wild
Kids can bring joy and energy to a meal, but letting them run around the restaurant can be disruptive to everyone else—not to mention unsafe. The BBC reveals there’s even “anxiety” for some childless adults to be in restaurants with children. Make sure your children are seated and behaving appropriately, and if you’re worried about them wandering, bring activities to keep them entertained.
Treat Staff Rudely
The restaurant staff works hard to make your dining experience enjoyable, so treating them rudely is not only disrespectful but can also dampen the mood of your evening. Always be polite, say please and thank you, and remember that a little kindness goes a long way.
Ignore the Dress Code
Every restaurant has its own vibe, and some may have a specific dress code; ignoring this can make you feel out of place and can be seen as disrespectful to the establishment and other diners. Whether it’s a casual café or a fine-dining restaurant, dress appropriately to match the setting.
Arrive Late Without Notice
Showing up late for your reservation can throw off the restaurant’s entire schedule. It’s not just inconvenient for the staff but also unfair to other diners waiting for a table. If you know you’re going to be late, call ahead to let the restaurant know.
Make a Mess
Accidents happen, but making a mess on purpose or being careless is a no-go; this includes things like spilling drinks, dropping food on the floor, or leaving napkins and wrappers all over the table. It’s courteous to keep your eating area as tidy as possible. If you do accidentally make a mess, let the staff know and offer to help clean up.
Talk Loudly or Yell
Restaurants are social places, but being overly loud can disturb other diners; therefore, keep your voice at a conversational level and avoid yelling across the table. This is especially important in more intimate dining settings where a quiet atmosphere is part of the charm.
Overstay Your Welcome
Lingering at your table long after you’ve finished your meal can prevent the restaurant from seating other guests, especially during busy times. If you notice the restaurant is filling up, be considerate and free up the table for other diners.
Be Overly Picky or Demanding
While it’s okay to have preferences, being excessively picky or demanding can make the dining experience stressful for everyone involved. Trust the chef’s expertise and be open to trying new things. Flexibility with your food can make your meal more enjoyable.
Use Your Phone Excessively
Constantly being on your phone is not only rude to your dining companions but can also be disruptive to other guests; it’s much better to put your phone away and be present in the moment. If you must take a call or send a message, do it discreetly and quickly.
Dine and Dash
Leaving without paying is not only unethical but illegal; you should always ensure you have settled your bill before you leave. If you’re in a group, make sure everyone has contributed their share. Dining out is a pleasure, and respecting the business by paying for your meal goes without saying.
Bring Outside Food or Drink
Bringing your own food or drinks to a restaurant is usually against the rules and can be considered disrespectful, understandably. Restaurants make their income from the food and drinks they sell, so consuming outside items can be a significant loss for them.
Complain Excessively
Constructive feedback is valuable, but constant complaining can ruin the dining experience for everyone. If there’s a legitimate issue, bring it up politely and privately with your server or manager. Excessive complaining can create a negative atmosphere and is often more about seeking attention than addressing real problems.
Ignore Allergies or Dietary Restrictions
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, don’t assume the restaurant will automatically know; you’ll need to clearly communicate your needs to the server so they can accommodate you properly. Ignoring this can lead to severe health risks you won’t want to risk.
Take Up Too Much Space
Spreading your belongings all over the table or taking up extra seats can be inconsiderate, especially in a crowded restaurant. Keep your items compact and close to you, and be mindful of the space you’re occupying so that everyone has enough room to enjoy their meal comfortably.
Be Disrespectful to Other Diners
You should furthermore respect the personal space and dining experience of other guests; it’s very important to avoid loud conversations, inappropriate behavior, and anything that might disturb others. Treat other diners as you would like to be treated, so that everyone can have a good time.
Leave a Messy Table
When you finish your meal, make an effort to leave the table in a somewhat tidy state. Piling up plates, leaving food scraps, or making the table look like a disaster zone is disrespectful to the staff who have to clean up. A little consideration goes a long way.
Neglect to Tip
Tipping is an essential part of dining out in many cultures, and it shows appreciation for the service you’ve received. Neglecting to tip, or leaving a very small tip, can be seen as a sign of dissatisfaction or disrespect. Always tip according to the local customs and the level of service provided.
Bring Pets Without Permission
Unless the restaurant explicitly allows pets, bringing your furry friend along is generally not acceptable; while service animals are, of course, the exception, it’s best to leave any other pet back at home. Or, find a pet-friendly establishment specifically instead.
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