Q&A for How to Have Manners at a Restaurant

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

Community Answer

Yes.

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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.

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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.

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Question

What do I do with my breadcrumbs on the table?

Community Answer

Clean it up with a napkin. Or just gather all the crumbs, put your hand under the table edge, and push the breadcrumbs with the napkin onto your hand. After that, put the crumbs on your plate.

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Question

How do I behave in a buffet?

Community Answer

Say “Thank you” and “Please” to the person serving your food. At buffets when you want to get up and leave the table to get food, say “please excuse me”. This shows that you need to be excused from the table.

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Question

How do I know which food is considered as starter? What are the other types and what should I do?

Community Answer

Usually foods that are considered as starters are labeled appetizers and other foods on the menu that are not labeled appetizers are other types of food that you can eat as your meal.

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Question

If I want to talk, do I have to say "excuse me"?

Community Answer

You do not have to say "excuse me" if you are just making conversation with the people at your table. If you'd like to get the attention of someone on the waitstaff, saying "excuse me" is a great way to do this.

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Question

Do I open or close my menu before ordering?

Community Answer

Open your menu so you can know and see what you are ordering. It does not matter if you decide to close your menu before ordering or leave the menu open before ordering.

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Question

How can I politely make an emergency rush to the restroom at a restaurant?

Community Answer

Tell the members of your party that you must use the facilities, then proceed to the restrooms. If you need help locating them, ask a member of the restaurant staff.

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Question

What should I do for good manners if I accidentally drop a utensil on the floor?

Community Answer

Pick it up and set it aside. When your server comes by, explain that it fell on the floor and request a new one.

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Question

Is it poor manners to consume everything on my plate?

Community Answer

No, not at all. It shows that you enjoyed the meal. When you are done, though, make sure to place your knife and fork neatly on your plate, which is a common signal to show you’re done with your food.

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Question

Which types of foods are acceptable to eat with my fingers without seeming unmannerly?

Community Answer

Here are foods you can eat with your fingers and stay well-mannered: Burgers, sandwiches, fries, apples, carrot sticks, celery sticks, corn cobs and baked goods. There are many others but it also depends on your culture, the formality of the occasion and the food the restaurant in question is serving.

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Question

What do you do when you have to sneeze

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Community Answer

Just sneeze into the inner crook of the your sleeve elbow or into a paper napkin. If phlegm gets onto your sleeve or onto your face, excuse yourself politely to clean up in the bathroom before returning to your table.

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Question

What should I ask if a spoon/spork is needed?

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Community Answer

When your waiter/waitress comes around, politely ask them for a spoon/spork and thank them when they bring it to you.

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