Tips on Fine Dining Etiquette

Having an exquisite dinner at a fine dining restaurant is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy a first-rate meal. When partaking in the fine dining experience, there are a number of etiquette practices that must be followed in order to make the dining experience even more special. 1. Dress for the Occasion: When you dine at a fine dining restaurant, you have to remember that your everyday clothing is not acceptable. Fine dining restaurants normally have a strict dress code. It is very formal so suits with a tie and attractive dresses, skirts, or stylish pants are appropriate. If you are not sure about the particular restaurant’s dress code, call the establishment. 2. Table Arrangement: When you dine at a fine dining establishment, the table set up is different than a regular family restaurant. For instance, you eat your meal by selecting silverware from the outside to inside, toward the plate. You will have more than one fork. The bigger fork is the dinner fork or entrée fork. You will also have a smaller salad fork. Over the dinner plate, there will be a dessert spoon and dessert fork. Knives and spoons are placed at the right side of the plate. Forks are placed to the left of the plate. Glasses are placed to the right of the dinner plate. Napkins are to be placed on the lap. 3. Table Etiquette: It is important to greet your host by shaking hands. Do not put your elbows on the table. Sit up straight. Always use utensils when eating, and not your hands. Do not start eating until everyone at the table has been served. Always pass items to the right. Eat at the same rate as your guests. Do not pick up food with your hands. Do not chew food with your mouth open or talk with a mouth full of food. Chew small morsels. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t speak so loudly that you annoy other patrons. Compliment the host on the flavor and appearance of the meal. Do not put too much food in your mouth as you will end up chewing with your mouth open. Do not dip food in other liquids such as soup or broths. When finished, keep the plate on your setting and wait for the server to take it away. Do not talk on a cell phone while dining. 4. Restaurant Host/Hostess: Treat restaurant staff with respect. Leave a tip of at least 15%. Do not treat a restaurant host harshly. Be courteous and enjoy how well you are treated. If there is a mistake with the meal, do not get angry and cause a scene. Explain the problem and the host will take care of it. The practice of using proper restaurant etiquette is essential when having dinner at a fine dining restaurant. It can seem like we should know all of the etiquette rules, but there are differences with fine dining that should be remembered. By knowing a few basic tips for fine dining, you can be assured of a completely relaxing and enjoyable meal.