What if you came across as badly behaved at a restaurant… without even knowing it? 😳🍽️ A simple habit, an automatic gesture, and bam… the experts silently judge you! 😱 Discover these 10 mistakes that civilized people never make – number 7 might shock you! ⬇️
Etiquette rules make our daily lives more elegant and harmonious.
Not long ago, going to a restaurant was as special an event as attending a ball. Today, even though the dress code has relaxed and dining out has become a habit, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of table manners.
Adopting a refined attitude while eating is not just an outdated formality, but a sign of respect for the other guests and the staff. Here are ten rules of etiquette, sometimes unknown, that make the restaurant experience more pleasant and distinguished.
10 – Don’t sit at the first available table
It’s always best to make a reservation in advance. But if you walk into a café or restaurant spontaneously, first ask the waiter if a table is available. Sitting down without checking could put you in an awkward situation if the table is already reserved and you need to move.
9 – Don’t order significantly more food than your companions
As a courtesy, it’s better to order an amount similar to what the other guests are ordering. It would be inappropriate, and even awkward, for your friends to finish their meal and have to wait for you to finish your oversized portion.
8 – Don’t start eating before others
It is customary to start eating when everyone has been served. Eating alone while others don’t have their plates yet can be uncomfortable. However, if the service is slow and dishes arrive at different times, the other guests may invite you to begin without waiting.
7 – Don’t use the same napkin for your face and hands
A simple rule to remember: the cloth napkin goes on your lap, while the paper napkin is used to wipe your mouth and hands. If there’s no paper napkin, you can use the cloth napkin, but delicately, only to dab your lips or gently wipe your fingers. However, it should never be used to wipe your face or spit out an olive pit.
Don’t tuck it into your collar or belt. If you need to step away temporarily, place it on your chair. Once the meal is over, lay it on the table, to the left of your plate.
6 – Don’t leave without tipping
The tip is still a voluntary gesture, but it’s recommended in many countries. If you enjoyed the service, a tip of 10-15% of the bill is generally expected. You can leave it in cash or add it through a digital payment. In some countries like Brazil, it’s included directly in the bill, although paying it remains optional. Conversely, in countries like China or Japan, tipping is uncommon and even frowned upon.
5 – Don’t throw your dirty napkin in the plate
After use, the paper napkin should be folded and placed next to the plate, never inside it. This can be seen as disrespectful to the staff. Similarly, if you drop something on the floor, don’t get on all fours under the table. It’s better to inform a waiter, who will take care of picking it up for you.
4 – Don’t take items from the neighboring table
If you need salt, pepper, or another condiment that isn’t on your table, don’t take it directly from the neighboring table. Instead, signal a waiter to bring you what you need.
3 – Don’t use your personal cutlery to serve yourself from a shared dish
It’s impolite to use your own cutlery to serve yourself from a shared dish. Similarly, don’t serve yourself from someone else’s plate, even under the pretext of being courteous. The best way to handle this is to offer the dish to your neighbor and let them serve themselves.
2 – Don’t drink with a straw while leaning over the table
Etiquette recommends bringing the food to your mouth, not the other way around. The same goes for drinks: instead of leaning forward to drink through a straw, it’s more elegant to lift the glass and bring it to your lips.
1 – Don’t push your plate away at the end of the meal
Once you’ve finished your meal, don’t push your plate away to signal that you’re done. Similarly, if you finish before others, avoid pulling your chair back or fidgeting, as this could disturb those who are still eating.
What do you think of these dining etiquette rules? Are there any others you would add to this list?
Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
