Restaurant Etiquette Tips

For some, going out to eat is simply a matter of sitting down, ordering, and eating. But for others, dining out at a restaurant is an experience, and one that is not finished until they arrive home at that.

Now, take a moment to think back to the last time you and your family, or your friends, or maybe even your coworkers, spent some time together enjoying one of your main meals out and about – were you satisfied with the experience you had? All too often, people find themselves disappointed when disruptions take over and prohibit their ability to truly enjoy their time at the table. And since these disruptions are often things that can be easily combated with just a little extra effort, we put together the following list of restaurant etiquette tips to help you have a more pleasant experience the next time you head out for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the town:

Turn It Off: Living in a world where technology constantly surrounds us, it can be easy to let it get the best of us and feel so attached that we can’t put it down. However, talking on your cell phone or constantly texting during a meal can be a major distraction. No matter who you’re dining with, make it a priority to turn your cell phones and tablets off before you sit down to order.

Remember Respect: Of course it’s important to respect your waiter or waitress, but it’s also important to respect those that you’re with and those around you. Aside from taking actions such as shutting off your cell phone, always remember to use your inside voice – your neighbor is likely having a conversation of their own, and we bet you don’t want to be interrupted by theirs either! And don’t forget, “please” and “thank you” go a long way.

Behavior Counts: Whether you are with your entire family or just one friend, behavior is one of the most important restaurant etiquette tips. If you happen to have little ones with you, keep an eye on them and make sure they aren’t constantly getting out of their seat. And if, on the other hand, it’s just you and one (or a few) close friends, remember that your behavior counts too, even if it’s in more of a professional sense – putting your napkin on your lap and keeping your elbows off the table, for example.

The next time you go out to eat, we hope that you’ll keep these restaurant etiquette tips in mind – your bound to have a positive experience if you do!

As a family restaurant, it is our goal to offer a dining experience that customers of all ages can enjoy. To experience all that we have to offer, we encourage you to visit our Fairfield, Orange, Trumbull or Wethersfield location today; you’ll be glad you did!