How to Have Manners at a Restaurant

Last Updated: December 1, 2020 References

Good manners are always important, and it's embarrassing if you're with someone in a restaurant and they behave inappropriately. Below are some ways that should help you.

Steps

It's rude to talk, e-mail, or text when dining out with others. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
Don't yell across the table or across the room.If you see someone you know, walk up to their table to say hello.

Advertisement
No one wants to see your food inside your mouth. Also, if you get food around or on your mouth, don't use your tongue to lick it away. Use a napkin.
^{[2]
X
Research source}
If you rest your wrists on the table with your hands crossed, this shows to others that you want to talk and have a conversation. ^{[3]
X
Research source}
Dining out with other people is not the time and place to get drunk. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
If something goes wrong with the dish you ordered, politely tell the waiter or waitress, and ask for the dish to be fixed or order another dish. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
If you have children, remind them of their behavior and table manners before taking them out, and take them outside for a break so that they can settle down if they misbehave. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

If someone burps and says, "Excuse me," is another person supposed to say, "You're excused"?

Community Answer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 32
Question

Is it considered bad manners to help a waitress pack up dirty dishes?

Community Answer

Of course not. In fact, you're making her job easier. She'll appreciate it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 34
Question

Is it bad manners to take food with you when eating at a restaurant family style?

Community Answer

Yes, it is generally poor etiquette to take carry-out from a buffet setting, and is often against restaurant policy.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 25

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Always remember to smile and make direct eye contact. ^{[7]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Say "Please" and "Thank You" when appropriate.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
If you're going to a fine dining restaurant, wear dressier clothes.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Warnings

If you misbehave in a restaurant, apologize immediately!

Thanks
Helpful 40 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

How to Have Manners at a Restaurant

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

About this article

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories