Simple Restaurant Etiquette

After working in the restaurant industry for over a decade, it has come to my attention how many guests lack simple etiquette while eating out. These simple steps applies both to domestic as well as international guests visiting any eatery, specially in NYC. So to make things a little easier here is the LIST!

As a guest, please
- Don't dissect the menu or create your own, it is disrespectful towards the head chef and his creations.  After all there is a reason why you go to certain eateries, specially the ones serving ethnic food.

- Please tell your server, manager, Maitre d of any food allergies you  might be suffering from or any diet restrictions you have. It is not your servers duty to ask you, and they don't have a sixth sense.

- DO NOT seat your self upon entering a restaurant, unless instructed otherwise. If you don't see anyone at the door, chances are that they are busy seating someone else. Please just wait your turn. You don't want to be called a "self seater".

- Please do not request larger tables for minor parties. If the house is not fully booked, you will most likely get a better table. It is all based on availability.

- Do not walk in a restaurant with any food or beverages from other locations. A manager has the right to tell you to throw it away before entering the premises. So save yourself the embarrassment, and just enter without one.

- Don't be needy of attention, Your server is aware that you are there, there is no need for hollering, snapping fingers, chasing your server around just because you need something. They will be with you as soon as they have time.

- Please update the restaurant upon added number of guests to your party, specially if you are a larger group. Restaurants always want to accommodate all their guests, and in order to better serve you don't tell them about the changes last minute. There might not be room for the added number of guests.

- It is unfortunate if you come across a bad meal and upon telling the management they will be more than happy to replace it for you. However if you order something, and after eating half of your dish, decide that you don't like  it you might still get fully charged for the food.   The menu clearly states the ingredients that are in every dish, so please pay attention.

- As we all try to accommodate our guest, certain restaurants are a bit louder than others. It might be hard for the hostess to get you a "quiet area", specially in NYC. If you feel that the environment you are dining in is loud you have the right to cancel your reservation or leave.

- It is important to tip for service received. Common gratuity appreciation is 15-20% in the USA. NOTHING LESS. Unless you have had the worse service ever, it is the courtesy to leave that amount for your server. Please pay attention to that, specially if you decide to go back to the same restaurant in the future.

- We are more than happy to provide you with a taste of our wine selection. Don't be greedy and try all available bottles. If you are a wine drinker, you most likely know what you like.