Heading To A Fine-Dining Establishment? 5 Etiquette Rules You Should Know

Having a meal at a fine dining establishment is a special experience. Fine dining establishments serve upscale food in an atmosphere that is designed to follow old-school etiquette rules. When having a meal in a fine dining establishment, it shows respect to the venue to follow the etiquette rules governing a high-class dining experience.

Rule #1: Keep Your Menu on the Table

When you are taken to your seat, the menu will already be sitting at your table for you, more than likely. When you look at the menu, you should keep a part of it in contact with the table. You could lay the menu flat on the table or just keep the bottom touching the table. You should never raise the menu so that it is covering up your face.

Rule #2: Sip From the Same Spot

When you pick up a glass and drink from it, you will want to continue to drink from the same part of the glass throughout the meal. You shouldn't rotate the glass around, drinking from different parts of the glass. That will keep the impression from your lips in one spot instead of creating a ring around the entire glass.

You should also keep your glass in the same spot when you set it down throughout your meal.

Rule #3: Keep the Edge of Your Plate Clean

When eating, try to keep food from getting on the edge of your plate. You want to leave the ring around the edge of the plate clean so that when the server picks up your plate, they can grab your plate without worrying about getting their hands dirty. This is a simple way to show respect to your server.

Rule #4: Excuse Yourself

If you need to get up from the table for any reason, just excuse yourself from the table. You shouldn't say why you are getting up from the table. No one needs to know that you are heading to the restroom when they are enjoying a nice meal.

Rule #5: Leave a Single Bite

Leaving a single bite on your plate at the end of the meal is a way to signify both that you enjoyed the meal and that you were satisfied with the meal. Completely clearing your plate can indicate that you didn't get enough food. This is a cultural custom that differs if you are eating in a fine dining establishment in another country.

When eating at a fine dining establishment, you don't have to know all the etiquette rules. Just try your best to eat and behave respectfully and enjoy the experience.

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