…And we’re back! The comforting clink of cutlery, the murmur of delighted diners, the aroma of something criminally caloric wafting from the kitchen—life is good again. Post-pandemic, restaurants are bustling, napkins are flying, and eaters have returned in force. But before you launch into your next feast, remember: the world has changed, and so have the rules. Think you can leave your manners in quarantine? Two restaurant pros are here to dish out six commandments for dining out—ignore them at your peril (or at your server’s sanity)!
Ready, Set, Dinner: But Know the New Rules
During those many long months when restaurant chairs sat empty and foodies wept quietly into their homemade sourdough, the idea of eating out became almost mythical. Now, tables are full and the old dress codes have faded away faster than you can say “athleisure.” But even if etiquette is looser, there’s no reason to behave like the king of culinary chaos just because “the customer is always right.” Your server, and your fellow diners, will thank you for remembering these six golden rules, as shared by two veteran restaurant staffers. Let’s get into it.
1. Be Polite with Your Phone (Yes, That Includes Food Pics)
- When a server approaches and all they see is a group hypnotized by their glowing screens, they can already guess there’s trouble ahead. As one expert explains, “If everyone’s on their phone doing separate things, the communication is a nightmare. They’re not listening to each other, so they aren’t going to listen to you.”
- Phones out at the table? As long as you can put it down to talk with your server, it’s fine. But endless photos of your plate? Irritating. As one former staffer bluntly puts it, “It’s meant to be a taste experience… it’s food. Eat it.”
2. Don’t Be Shy: Ask Questions (and Speak Up If You’re Not Happy)
- Gastronomic menus can read like cryptic crossword puzzles, and the worst thing diners can do is keep quiet. “It’s the worst when [guests] don’t ask questions,” says one expert. Ordering something you don’t really understand is a recipe for disappointment—and servers hate seeing you frustrated.
- If your food arrives and it’s not quite what you imagined, don’t fear polite honesty. Just say, “Sorry, this isn’t great, or this isn’t what I imagined. May I have something else?” Open communication saves everyone’s nerves—and your taste buds.
3. Don’t Go Overboard on the Booze
- Nobody loves dealing with someone who’s had one tipple too many. It’s crucial to know your limits when it comes to alcohol. No server—or manager—should have to manage inappropriate behavior from merry customers who’ve tipped over into the ridiculous.
4. Don’t Treat the Menu Like a Free-for-All, and Remember—You’re Not Actually the King
- If you’re at a brasserie, don’t try to taste everything before placing an order. “One of my greatest frustrations is when people want to try everything first,” says an expert. A restaurant is not a free-sample emporium! Each taster means just as much work for your server as a real order.
- Believing the customer is always right? Think again. There are limits—just because you’re hungry doesn’t mean you rule the floor. For example: when a drunken group tried to order fries from a downstairs-only kitchen and wouldn’t take no for an answer, they got shown the door. Decorum, folks! Don’t assume being a customer gives you carte blanche to do as you please.
Bonus Headache: These days, splitting the bill is common, but paying with a whole pile of cards can be a real ordeal for your server. One seasoned pro advises: warn your server at the start if you want to split the bill, and try to keep it simple. Don’t hand over a handful of cards at the end and ask for a detailed breakdown—servers have actual nightmares about that.
In Conclusion: Manners Make the Meal
So go ahead—savor your return to the world of restaurants, stain your shirt with pride, and order that third dessert if you wish. But keep these six golden rules in mind, for the sake of the staff (and your fellow diners). Politeness, clear communication, moderation, and a touch of humility can turn a simple meal into an experience worth remembering—for all the right reasons. Bon appétit!
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
