Eating out should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, including both the diners and the hardworking restaurant staff. Unfortunately, some behaviours can turn a pleasant meal into a frustrating ordeal. Here’s a list of 21 rude habits people need to stop doing at restaurants.
Not Saying Please and Thank You
“Good manners are a way to show others that you care about them,” says The Washington Post, and they never go out of style, especially in a restaurant. So failing to say please and thank you when making requests or receiving your meal is not only rude but also discouraging for the staff. These small courtesies show appreciation for the service provided, after all.
Ignoring the Host or Hostess
When you walk into a restaurant, the host or hostess is usually the first person to greet you. Ignoring them or brushing past them to find your own table is incredibly disrespectful. These individuals are there to help organise seating and ensure you and other diners are accommodated properly. A simple smile and a hello can go a long way.
Snapping Fingers at Wait Staff
Have you ever snapped your fingers at a waiter? Trying to summon wait staff like they’re at your beck and call is highly disrespectful. It’s important to remember that waiters and waitresses are people, not servants. If you need their attention, try making eye contact or raising your hand politely.
Speaking on Your Phone Loudly
Taking calls or speaking loudly on your phone while at a restaurant can be incredibly disruptive to those around you, so it’s important to be mindful of your volume. Step outside if you need to take a call. Keeping conversations quiet and brief means people can eat their dinner in peace.
Leaving a Mess
If you leave an excessive mess for the restaurant staff to clean up, it’s inconsiderate. While it’s understood that there will be some mess with children or during a lively meal, making an effort to tidy up your space a bit is always appreciated. This shows respect for the hard work of the cleaning staff.
Being Impatient with the Service
Restaurants can get busy, and sometimes service might be slower than usual, however being visibly impatient or rude to the staff because of this is unfair. Understanding that they are doing their best to serve everyone will make your experience better.
Letting Kids Run Wild
Allowing children to run around the restaurant can be dangerous and disruptive. Not only does this create chaos for the staff trying to move around the space, but it can also disturb other diners. Keeping children entertained and seated ensures everyone’s safety (and enjoyment).
Sending Food Back Repeatedly
It can be very frustrating for the kitchen staff if you’re sending food back multiple times and can come across as overly picky. If there is a genuine issue with your meal, it’s perfectly acceptable to send it back once, but continuous complaints can disrupt the kitchen’s flow and lead to wasted food and resources.
Leaving Without Tipping
Tipping entirely depends on the country you’re eating in, but if you’re dining out in a country where tipping is customary, it’s very rude not to leave one. Restaurant staff often rely on tips as a significant part of their income in certain places, such as the U.S. Even if the service wasn’t exceptional, a small tip shows appreciation for their effort.
Taking Up a Table for Hours
Lingering at a table long after you’ve finished your meal, especially in a busy restaurant, can be inconsiderate. This prevents the staff from seating other customers who are waiting. If you wish to continue your conversation, consider moving to the bar or a lounge area if available.
Bringing Outside Food or Drink
Bringing your own food or drink into a restaurant is generally frowned upon unless you have dietary restrictions and have discussed them with the restaurant in advance. This can be seen as disrespectful to the establishment and its offerings. Always check the restaurant’s policy if you think you might need to bring your own items.
Disrespecting Dietary Restrictions
It can be very rude to make fun of or question someone’s dietary restrictions. Restaurants today cater to a variety of dietary needs, and it’s important to respect those choices, so if you have concerns or questions about menu items, ask the staff politely without belittling anyone’s dietary preferences.
Ignoring the Menu
Asking the waiter for recommendations is fine, but ignoring the menu entirely and making off-the-cuff requests can be frustrating for the kitchen staff. Menus are carefully crafted, and while minor adjustments are usually okay, creating your own dish can disrupt the flow of the kitchen.
Talking Down to the Staff
It’s never acceptable to speak to restaurant staff in a condescending or demeaning manner, as everyone deserves respect, regardless of their job. Remember that the staff are there to help make your dining experience enjoyable, and treating them with respect is the very least you can do.
Not Paying Attention When Ordering
Being on your phone or distracted when the waiter is taking your order can be very rude, as this often leads to mistakes and delays in service. Giving the waiter your full attention shows respect and will ensure that your order is taken correctly and efficiently.
Complaining About Prices
It’s also inappropriate to be complaining about the prices of menu items. The prices are set based on many factors, including the quality of ingredients and the restaurant’s overhead costs. So if you think a restaurant is too expensive, it’s best to choose another place rather than making a scene.
Leaving Bad Reviews for Minor Issues
Leaving scathing reviews online for minor issues can unfairly damage a restaurant’s reputation. If you encounter a problem, it’s usually best to address it with the management during your visit, so that it gives the restaurant a chance to rectify the situation before it becomes a public complaint.
Overindulging in Alcohol
Going out for dinner is a good opportunity to enjoy a drink, but drinking too much in a restaurant and becoming loud or disruptive can ruin the dining experience for others. It’s important to know your limits and drink responsibly. Overindulgence can lead to behaviour that is not only embarrassing but also disrespectful to everyone else.
Expecting Special Treatment
Expecting special treatment or demanding extras because you’re a regular or know someone in the restaurant can be very rude. Everyone in the restaurant deserves the same level of service, and making excessive demands can put unnecessary pressure on the staff.
Ignoring Social Distancing Guidelines
In times when social distancing guidelines are in place, ignoring these rules is not only rude but also potentially dangerous. Respecting the restaurant’s guidelines helps ensure the safety of everyone. This includes wearing masks when required and maintaining appropriate distances.
Not Informing About Allergies
Failing to inform the staff about food allergies can create serious problems, so this is something else we need to stop doing. It’s crucial to let the restaurant know if you have any allergies so they can take the necessary precautions. This protects your health and helps the kitchen staff prepare your meal safely.
