The Complete Guide to Restaurant Etiquette and Dining Tips

In brief

Be on time, be polite and communicate clearly. Those three habits fix most problems.
Customs vary by culture, so observe and ask when you are unsure.
Tipping rules differ from country to country, so check local norms.
Treat staff as people, and raise problems early and calmly.

Before you go

Book ahead for groups and busy times, and give an honest number of guests.
Arrive on time. If you are running late, call, because tables are often held for a limited time.
If you must cancel, do it as early as possible so that the restaurant can offer the table to someone else.
Mention special occasions, high chairs, accessibility needs and allergies when you book.
Dress to suit the place. Smart casual is rarely wrong, and some venues have specific dress codes.

At the table

Greet the staff, and wait to be seated if there is a host. Put your phone on silent, and keep it away from the table as much as you can. Napkins go on your lap. Wait until everyone has been served before eating, unless the host says to begin, and pace yourself so you finish at about the same time as your companions. Chew with your mouth closed, and do not talk with food in your mouth. Keep your elbows off the table while eating, and speak at a volume that your table can hear but others cannot.

Ask for what you need politely, and wait for a natural pause rather than calling across the room. A simple 'please' and 'thank you' still matter. If you need to leave the table, place your napkin loosely on your chair, and excuse yourself.

Ordering with a group

Decide whether you are sharing dishes before you order, so you can choose a balanced set.
Do not pressure others to order more or less than they wish.
If one person has dietary restrictions, help the table choose dishes everyone can enjoy.
Be clear about the bill. Tell the server early if you want separate checks.

Eating customs around the world

Food is one of the best ways to learn about a culture, and a little knowledge goes a long way. These are broad guidelines, and customs differ by region, family and occasion, so follow the lead of your hosts.

Place or tradition	Common custom
Japan	Slurping noodles is accepted. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice, and avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick. Tipping is not customary.
China and East Asia	Meals are often shared from central dishes. Let elders begin first, and use serving utensils when provided.
India	Eating with the right hand is common. Wash your hands first, and use only the right hand for eating.
Ethiopia and Eritrea	Meals are shared from one platter on injera, eaten by hand. Feeding a companion a bite, called a gursha, is a sign of affection.
Nigeria and much of West Africa	Foods such as pounded yam and soups are traditionally eaten with the right hand. Washing hands before and after is customary.
Middle East	Hospitality is generous, so refusing food entirely can be impolite. Use your right hand when sharing from common dishes.
France and much of Europe	Keep your hands visible on the table, and keep the pace relaxed. Bread is often placed on the table, not on a bread plate.
Mexico and Latin America	Meals are social and long. Tortillas are often eaten by hand, and lunch is frequently the main meal.

Tipping and paying

Tipping customs vary widely. In some countries, such as the United States, tipping is expected and often forms a major part of staff income. In others, such as Japan, it is not customary and can confuse people. In many places, a service charge is included in the bill, and a small extra is optional. If you are not sure, check the receipt and ask the staff or a local. Whatever the local custom, pay promptly, and thank the people who served you. If you are splitting a bill, agree on the method before the check arrives, and be generous when someone has had a more expensive meal and everyone agreed to share.

When something goes wrong

Speak to the server or manager early and politely. Problems are easiest to fix while you are still at the table.
Be specific: 'The soup is cold' is more useful than 'This is terrible.'
Give the restaurant a chance to correct the issue before you decide how you feel.
Stay calm. Raising your voice or insulting staff rarely helps, and it spoils the meal for others.
If you suffer a real problem, such as an allergic reaction or food safety concern, tell the management and seek medical help as needed.

Takeaway and delivery etiquette

Order accurately, and share the correct address, phone number and delivery notes, such as the gate code.
Be available when the food arrives, and keep your phone on.
Be kind to delivery staff, and consider a tip or a thank-you.
Check your order promptly, and contact the restaurant straight away if something is wrong.
Recycle packaging where possible, and avoid leaving food sitting for hours.

Our order page explains how to order by phone and which dishes suit a trip home.

Being a good guest and a good host

If you are hosting, choose a place that suits your guests, confirm dietary needs in advance and settle the bill discreetly. If you are the guest, respond to invitations promptly, arrive on time, and express thanks. Offer to pay your part when appropriate, and follow your host's lead. Showing curiosity and respect when you encounter unfamiliar customs is the most reliable etiquette of all.

Questions readers ask

How long should I wait before ordering a second round?

Wait until the first plates are cleared or the server checks in. Ordering in rounds is acceptable and helps with shared meals.

Is it rude to send food back?

No, if there is a real problem, such as a wrong item, undercooked food or a foreign object. Be polite and specific.

What if I do not know how to eat a dish?

Ask the server or watch your hosts. Most people are happy to explain, and curiosity is welcomed.

Should I use my phone at the table?

Keep it to a minimum. Taking a quick call or checking an urgent message is fine if you excuse yourself.

Menus, ingredients and availability change, and nutrition information here is general. For allergies or medical needs, ask us directly and speak with a qualified professional.