Restaurant Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts While Dining Out
Eating out is exciting, but being aware of how to behave in a restaurant is also necessary. Spanish dining etiquette or good manners improves the experience for everyone. Some simple guidelines on what to do when you go to a restaurant like El Pintxo de Petritxol:
Before You Arrive
Do
- Reserve a table if the restaurant is popular
- Be on time for your booking
- Check to see if there is a dress code if you are going to an upscale place
- Put your phone into silent mode
Don't
- Book a table and not show up
- Never call and arrive very late
- Arrive with more people than you reserved for
When You Enter
Do
- Do not seat yourself unless a sign instructs you to do so.
- Greet the staff politely
- When you ask for your table be clear.
- Follow the host to your table
Don't
- Lean over and step over other guests waiting
- Request a different table without good reason
- Talk loudly or bother fellow diners
Ordering Your Food
Do
- Look over the menu before your server arrives
- Ask questions about things you do not understand
- Inform the server of any food allergies
- If you can, order all courses at once
Don't
- So if you want to run your own taxi with phones up and bagging up,
- Change your order many times
- Cross the pages when they are in the pages
- Request multiple alterations to a dish
During Your Meal
Do
- Place your napkin on your lap
- Follow the utensils that correspond to each course
- Chew with your mouth closed
- Planning helps people to eat slowly and take small bites
Don't
- Use your phone at the table
- Make loud noises while eating
- Touch other people’s plate
- Eat before everyone is served
Interacting with Staff
Do
- Say “please” and “thank you”
- Polite asking in case of need
- When you talk, make eye contact
- Have some empathy as servers are people too
Don't
- Wear a horrible outfit and get attention.
- Touch or grab the server
- Make an obnoxious complaint about the food
- The server is the scapegoat for kitchen problems
When Problems Happen
Do
- If there is an issue, speak softly
- Explain the problem clearly
- Give the restaurant a chance to fix it
- Be patient and understanding
Don't
- Yell or make a scene
- Say you’ll leave a negative review
- Do_not pay for food you ate
- That is to vent your anger on the staff
Paying the Bill
Do
- When you are ready, request the bill
- Make sure the bill is accurate
- Tip unless it is included
- Thank the staff as you leave
Don't
- Fight over who should pick up the tab
- We had long run away when remaining waiting
- Leave without paying
- Be sure to complain about prices after the meal
Enjoying Spanish Dining Culture
In Spain, eating is an all-night affair, to be savored. Having a basic grounding in restaurant etiquette will help you blend into the local culture in Spain. At El Pintxo de Petritxol, traditional Spanish pintxos (little food bites, generally on a piece of bread and served with a toothpick) can be found. Both options are great because these small bites are easily shared and sampled.
In this country, meals start later than elsewhere in the world: lunch at about 2:00 PM, and dinner as late as after 9:00 PM. Diners linger over each succulent bite, conversations between courses. This laid-back manner of dining is part of what makes Spanish food culture so special.
El Pintxo de Petritxol’s staff goes the extra mile to ensure your visit is special. Practicing good etiquette will give you the best experience. So come and see us and experience the real thing!
