Living
Guidelines to Follow When Dining in a Fine Restaurant
7 useful habits and guidelines you must follow when dining out. Preferably in fine restaurants alongside more people....
From a young age, we are all taught common dining manners such as not to talk with food in our mouths and to chew quietly. However, there are many more etiquette to be aware of when Fine Dining. With rules about where to place your napkin, how to position your fork, where look while taking a sip of wine, and how the meal should be paid for - formal dining is just that - formal. To save you from any future embarrassing encounters at upscale restaurants, we've compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts for Fine Dining!
Do ensure you're wearing your best clothes
Formal business meetings and first dates nights often take place in finer establishments. In both scenarios, you want to make a good impression on your companion. What you wear is one of the most important factors in accomplishing this goal.
While you don't need to go all out with a bow-tie and cuffs, men should at the very least wear a jacket. For women, either a dress or suit would be appropriate. As for shoes, make sure they're polished and presentable. Additionally, it wouldn't hurt to throw on an elegant watch or some jewelry before heading out. And finally, remember not to show up in shorts, sandals, open shirts or gym clothes!
Keep The Table Clean
If you're planning on going to a more upscale restaurant, beware of placing your keys, cards, wallet or phone on the table. Not only will it make the area around you look messy, but it's also considered impolite to be texting or checking social media while you're supposed to be fully focused on the people you're dining with. In these types of situations where manners matter more, remember to keep up good eye contact and carry conversations without looking at your screens.
The art of using a napkin
Most high-end restaurants will have the waiter place your napkin on your lap before the meal. Remember to utilize it throughout the duration of the meal by wiping your mouth and fingers with the inner folds; this way, any potential stains will be less visible.
If you need to step away from the table during the meal, leave your napkin next to your plate. If you drop or dirty your napkin, kindly ask the waiter for a new one. Never spit food into your napkin- this is seen as an unforgivable gaffe in fine dining circles.
Allow your guests to order before you do
One of the most essential etiquette when dining out is that if you're the host, let your guest order their food before you do. Another way to ensure both yourself and your guests have a pleasant experience is by ordering meals that are around the same number of courses. This way, everyone will be finishing their meal at about the same time. When speaking with the waiter, use phrases such as 'My guest would like to order first' in order to avoid any potential confusion on their part.
Always pay in advance
By handing over your credit card before you sit at the table, or even setting up a payment ahead of time, you can avoid any potential embarrassing moments fumbling with your card. This also leaves a good impression on your guest.
Be Polite To The Wait Staff
Though this is generally good practice for any restaurant, it is imperative in a fine dining establishment. Avoid yelling or acting out if you are served something you didn't order. If you need to get the waiter's attention, make eye contact and raise your hand with one finger extended if they don't notice you. The waitstaff at these types of restaurants know specific gestures like this and will come to assist accordingly.
The Right Way to Handle Your Utensils
A quick rule of thumb for proper place setting at a formal dinner is to put your fork on the left and knife on the right. If there are several sets of silverware, start from the utensils farthest from your plate and work in. When you're done with your meal, don't just leave them haphazardly beside your dish; rather, orderly lay them across your plate in a 10:20 position. This sends a clear message to waitstaff that concludes their service to you for this course.
There you go! Some of the basic do's and don'ts for fine dining. If you remember these tips and are always polite, you're good to have an amazing time at any formal restaurant.
