10 Tips To Make The Most Of A Luxury Restaurant Experience

Whether it is someone’s birthday, anniversary, the holiday season, or celebrating a special occasion, going out to a fancy restaurant is the common thing to do. While it is fun to go out we have to keep in mind that when going to a luxurious restaurant we have to be mindful of certain things.

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Just like when you are going over to someone’s house you have to be respectful and keep certain things in mind the same applies to fine dining. In order to make the best experience for yourself, there are some tips that are good to know. So, let’s take a look at 10 tips to make the most of a luxury restaurant experience.

10 Tip Generously

Now although tipping at restaurants is not mandatory it is still the right thing to do. Servers are doing everything they can to provide you with a top-notch dining experience. In addition, they are following any of your unique needs and expectations and of course they are serving you food and drinks. It is always generous to leave a nice tip.

They are working hard so it looks good on you to leave a generous tip. If the dining experience was to your liking you should always leave a nice tip, especially if you plan on returning. As well, if you tip generously it looks good on you and you and the server will remember this. If you are unsure how much to tip, remember that 15 % is appropriate.

9 Ask Questions For Clarification On Menu Items

When going out to a restaurant it is always important to ask your server questions if you are unsure about anything on the menu. Servers are there to help you as they are knowledgeable about the menu. It is up to you to ask questions. For example, if you are unsure what something is on the menu, if the particular item on the menu is good, what side dish it comes with or if an item is spicy.

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A server will give you their honest opinion if an item is not the best (that is what they are there for). If you don’t clarify things on the menu then expect to be unsatisfied with your dish. No questions are stupid questions at the end of the day. If you want to have the best dining experience don’t be afraid to ask questions.

8 Treat The Restaurant Staff Politely

When going out to a restaurant you want to treat others the way you would want to be treated. This means being polite and respectful to your servers. They work hard to provide a pleasurable dining experience for you.

If you do have any issues or concerns, make sure to not let your emotions or anger get the best of you. You can still address your concerns but do it in a respectful manner. You want to be your best self when you are out at a nice restaurant.

7 Dress For Success

When going out to a luxurious restaurant, the last thing you want is to be underdressed. Dressing for success is important and makes a good impression. For men, if you are unsure what to wear your safest bet is to wear a nice blazer with a nice pair of jeans and either dress shoes or a nice pair of boots depending on the weather. For women, either a blazer with dress pants or a semi-casual dress.

It all depends on how fancy the occasion is. As well, if you are going out to a fancy restaurant it is always a good idea to dress up to fit in with the style and crowd of the restaurant.

6 Avoid Being On Your Phone

According to Time, 88 percent of people think it is okay to be on their phones when they are out at a restaurant. Well, folks hate to break it to you but you’re wrong. Being on your phone at restaurants is not advised for a few reasons. First off, it shows that you are disengaged from the group of people you are with, shows you are anti-social, and when people are talking it is disrespectful.

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If you have to take a phone call or answer an email for a work-related purpose you can respectfully excuse yourself. Aside from this, you want people to have your full attention. There is a whole world out there outside from your phone. For a few hours make it a habit of putting your phone away and having fun with your friends or family.

5 If You’re Unsatisfied With Your Food Send It Back

Many people are actually afraid to complain about their food to their server because they don’t want to be rude. In fact, 96 percent won’t complain. Remember that you are not being rude if your server brought you the wrong order or if your steak isn’t cooked the way you asked.

If you don’t tell your server that there is an issue how are they supposed to know that they did something wrong or that you’re unhappy about something? Servers will actually be glad if you speak the truth so they can avoid making the same mistake again.

4 Be Respectful Of The People Around You

Going out to a fancy restaurant to celebrate a special occasion is always fun. But we have to be mindful of how loud we are being. Yes, you want to be fun but with fine dining, we have to show respect and etiquette. Be mindful of how loud you are being. The last thing you want is to get complaints from other people in the restaurant or from the manager.

Yes, some restaurants and cars are naturally noisy but not all are. If you know ahead of time that the restaurant setting you are going to be in is not loud, make sure to be respectful and keep the noise level to a minimum.

3 Make Sure You’re Well Groomed

Another way to show etiquette and make for a great dining experience is by making sure you are well-groomed. Coming to a nice restaurant with a scruffy beard and messy hair is a recipe for disaster. You could feel out of place in a more formal setting and if you don’t feel like you belong, you aren’t going to make the most of your night.

You want to come looking clean and professional. Make sure to groom your beard and have your hair done nicely. So make the wise decision and clean up yourself to make for a great night out.

2 Have Table Manners

Going out a fancy restaurant means you aren’t in the comfort of your own home. You want to have table manners and proper etiquette. There are so many table manners to follow but let’s just look at a few. You already know being on your phone is not proper table manners. If you have a napkin make sure to place it on your lap.

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Look up the style of restaurant that you will be attending and familiarize yourself with its etiquette. If you feel out of your depth, then you are not going to have a good time. And lastly, not talking while you have food in your mouth. Follow these simple table manners and you will keep yourself out of trouble and have a great dining experience.

1 Mention To Your Server If You Have Food Allergies

It is so important to let your server know ahead of time if you have any food allergies. In addition, to ask your server if any dishes have foods that you are allergic to. This can be the key difference in having a great dining experience to the worst dining experience ever. It takes just a few minutes to ask your server or tell your server about any food allergies.

In fact, servers may ask you before you tell them. They are trained to ask customers if people have any food allergies. The last thing they want is to send someone to the hospital. So always remember to tell your server ahead of time.

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