Restaurant Etiquette, Pt. I: Before

Welcome to part one of an ongoing series called Restaurant Etiquette. In this series, we will walk you through all the different steps of restaurant etiquette to ensure a fulfilling experience.

In this article, we will cover steps you can take before even setting foot in a restaurant. With life returning to normal in the post-pandemic era, many people have forgotten what it is like to have a formal dining experience.

Always Look At The Reviews And Menus When Choosing A Restaurant

When choosing a restaurant, look online first. Not only will you be able to read reviews but most restaurants' websites will have their full menu and will usually have extra information like specials of the week and happy hour times. This will give you a good indication of what you can eat if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

It is a good idea to inquire what kind of food your date likes. Spare the embarrassment of taking them to a steakhouse if they're vegan or a sushi place if they're allergic to shellfish. If they request a specific restaurant, then take them there.

A Bit Of Restaurant Planning Goes A Long Way

Prices tend to be listed on online menus, and it is a good idea to plan what you will be eating ahead of time. Bring cash just in case the debit/visa machine goes down or you've unknowingly overdrawn your account—having to run to an ATM or unexpectedly making the other person pay could ruin the date. 

Plan for one appetizer, one or two drinks, and a main course. If you intend to pay for your date's meal, double the amount. Add an extra 20% of the total cost for tips (if it is customary in your country), or if the meal costs more than expected.

Who pays on a first date? A question almost as old as dating itself, but don't worry, we have an entire article dedicated to who pays on a first date that explains a few different scenarios you may find yourself in.

There Will Almost Always Be A Dress Code At Restaurants

Most restaurants will have pictures of the venue itself to give you an idea of the atmosphere. Knowing the atmosphere of the restaurant will give you clues on how to dress. If it looks like a sports bar, then wearing a suit is overdressing.

If it looks swanky, then a suit is a safe choice. Remember—it is always easier to remove layers than to add them, so if you feel unsure, overdress just a bit. 

Pubs and fast food establishments are usually quite relaxed when it comes to dress codes. If you do decide to wear a three piece suit to a pub, you may get strange looks from the other patrons and/or staff. 

Unsure on what to wear on a first date? Our article How Does A Gentleman Dress On A First Date explains the do's and don'ts of first date attire.

Should You Make Reservations At A Restaurant?

If you are attending the restaurant on a date or if the restaurant is very busy, RSVP at least a week in advance, especially if you are making other plans after the meal that have time constraints. Call the day before to confirm the time just in case.

Nothing derails an evening more than having to wait 30+ minutes for a table to open, rushing the dining experience, then leaving in a huff in hopes of still making the next event on time. 

When booking, it is best to phone the restaurant to ensure that the RSVP has been completed. Sometimes restaurants have online bookings, which are not always reliable. Take extra consideration if you are planning to visit on a big day like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or New Year's Eve, or if you are dining with more than 6 people.

Let The Restaurant Know Ahead Of Time If You Are Celebrating A Special Event

If you are planning on celebrating a birthday, retirement, or special occasion at a restaurant, it's best to let them know over the phone, especially if you are expecting a large group of people or planning on bringing your own dessert.

Give them details including how many people are attending and if you require bottle service. Some restaurants offer free desserts or discounts for birthdays or may include extra gratuity for large groups. 

Should You Call The Restaurant If You Are Running Late?

If you are running late, call the restaurant. They will usually hold your table for 15 minutes. If you do not call and don't show up, you may be blacklisted, and any future attempts to book a table may be refused. Some restaurants take bookings very seriously.

For more tips on what to do when you are running late, our article Stress Free Solutions: How To Handle Running Late can help!

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