Restaurant etiquette is an important facet in our society. A restaurant is a place of business where the customer is king or queen for the night, so it’s important to be on your best behavior. If you’re not sure what it means to have good table manners, here are some tips to help you stay cool, calm, and collected.
Dress Appropriately
Your attire should be appropriate for the occasion. For example, if you’re going to a fancy restaurant, wear a nice shirt and jeans. If you’re going on a date, make sure your outfit is flattering and modest enough.
If you want to make a good impression at the restaurant, dress up! Avoid wearing a T-shirt or sweatpants when it’s not necessary. It’s not just important for the people around you but also for your own image. A great way to ensure that your outfit is appropriate is by reading reviews of the restaurant online or asking friends who’ve been there before for recommendations.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
You should avoid using your hands to eat any part of your meal unless it’s obvious that your preference is for something specific. In some cases, using a knife or fork might be helpful: “If you’re trying to cut a piece of meat with a fork, it will be easier and cleaner than using your fingers,” according to several experts.
However, if you happen to be in an Asian restaurant where the culture dictates that eating with chopsticks is acceptable, then by all means go ahead and use them without feeling self-conscious about it. It’s also important to keep in mind that etiquette varies from country to country. If you are visiting another country for the first time, ask around!
Keep the Noise Level Down
One of the most important things to remember is to keep the noise level down. It’s a restaurant, not a nightclub, so you don’t need to turn up your conversation or music. Try to keep it on the low so as not to disturb other guests. Not only will this help you be more comfortable, but it’ll make it easier for your server to hear what you’re asking for and provide better service.