You don’t need to be a VIP or a food critic to earn a chef’s respect. You just need to know the unspoken rules of good dining. These eights habits make life easier for the kitchen and make you look like you get it. Let’s dig in!
8. Be On Time
Showing up late for a reservation can throw off the kitchen flow. According to etiquette pros, punctuality respects everyone’s timing, especially in fine-dining where pacing is precise. Outside of that, no one still likes delays. So whether you’re grabbing brunch in sneakers or attending a nicer dinner, showing up on time helps things run smoothly.
7. Give the Signal
When you’re done eating, place your fork and knife together on your plate in the “4 o’clock” position and napkin to the left. This silent cue lets the staff know you’re finished and they can clear. Doing this prevents table confusion or accident removal. Plus, chefs would appreciate smooth turnovers.
6. Use Names
Etiquette experts suggest referring to a staffer by name and being polite. This opens camaraderie and smoother handling of your table. This doesn’t mean being overly formal, though. Whether in a busy pub or black-tie venue, respect and small kindness can go a long way. Chefs may not see this directly, but they notice when front-of-house runs smoothly.
5. Be Up-Front
Tasting menus can be intense and chefs design courses carefully. If you’re worried these might be too much for you, or you have dietary concerns, tell your server up-front. They appreciate honesty as this would help avoid service disruption, waste, and even disappointed bellies. This also shows you’re mindful of the craft and their planning.
4. Dress the Part
Dressing up is more than just vanity. It can signal that you value the effort behind each plate and the team creating it. While showing up casually is often fine, stepping into something a bit nicer sends a message of appreciation, especially in elevated spaces. Bonus: you’ll feel sharper, too.
3. Keep Phones Away
Using phones during a meal, whether snapping photos, texting, or scrolling, can irritate the kitchen crew. A lot of them would prefer diners focusing on the food and the moment. Michelin-starred Chef Giorgio Locatelli recently lamented diners glued to their phones over the experience. Keeping your phone tucked away (unless urgent) shows attention to the meal.
2. Let Staff Clear
Stacking plates when you’re finished might feel helpful, but it can disrupt the service flow in most sit-downs. The pros are trained to clear properly, so when you relax and let them do their job, they shine. Self-clear may be expected in fast-casual spots, and gently stacking minimal plates is fine.
1. Taste First
Once your dish arrives, take a moment to taste it first before seasoning. Chefs craft flavors carefully, and salting first may suggest that you don’t trust their work. Tasting also lets you appreciate the craft, whether in fine-dining or fast-casual spots. So just take that first bite, and adjust accordingly if needed.