Fine Dining Tips: Mistakes To Avoid At Upscale Restaurants

If the dining lessons your parents gave you as a kid went over your head, you’re not alone. Dining at an upscale restaurant can seem intimidating with everyone around being fancy. But fine dining in Port St. Lucie is an enjoyable experience that everyone should try. It’s not about being fancy but being respectful and courteous.

Leaving Napkin On Table

The only thing most people remember about napkin etiquette is that you’re not supposed to blow your nose in it. But there’s more to it. For starters, you’re not supposed to leave the napkin on the side when taking your seat but put it on your lap. If it’s small, unfold it completely before placing it. If it’s large, fold it once in half with the fold towards you.

You’re also supposed to leave the napkin loosely folded on your seat when you need to leave the table temporarily.

Putting Elbows On Table

It’s a seemingly normal habit that’s frowned upon at fancy restaurants. It’s because there’s a chance that you might knock something over with your elbows. Keeping your elbows by your side also helps you sit straight. This makes people pay attention to you and what you say.

Calling Out The Waiter

Fancy restaurants tend to have a quiet environment for everyone’s enjoyment. Calling the waiter out disturbs that ambiance. If you need to contact the waiter, make eye contact or put your right index finger up slightly. Try to remember the server’s name and treat them with respect. It’s usually the host’s responsibility to contact the servers on behalf of their guests.

Clinking Glasses

Despite what you see in the movies, you aren’t supposed to clink glasses when making cheers. The clinking noise disturbs the restaurant’s peaceful ambiance. It may also damage the cup you’re holding, depending on how fine the glassware is.

Eating With Mouth Full

Eating with your mouth full is never okay. Neither is chewing with your mouth open. It looks bad and there’s also a chance that bits of food may go flying out of your mouth. So finish chewing and swallowing the food in your mouth before speaking. 

If someone asks a question while you take a bite, don’t answer immediately. Raise your index finger to show that you’ll answer them in a minute.

Stacking Dishes

Stacking dishes after finishing the meal may seem polite but should be avoided. It makes it harder for the server to clear the table as they have to worry about balancing the plates. After finishing the meal, you should leave the table as it is and let the server clear it. They can clear the table efficiently and quickly.

Eating Faster

Unless you are solo dining, eating out is a social event. It’s as much about connecting with other guests as it is about enjoying the meal. Finishing before others means that you aren’t socializing with others. Or that you are gobbling up too fast. You should take small bites and keep pace with other guests.

Not Following Dress Code

Some upscale restaurants still enforce a formal dress code and may prevent guests from entering for not following it. Check if the restaurant you plan on dining at has such codes in place. Even if they don’t enforce it, it’s best to dress for the occasion. This way you don’t stick out from other guests.

Correcting Someone’s Manners

Correcting someone’s manner is right up there with talking about politics or religion during dinner. It’s the most implicit form of criticism and very embarrassing for the person being corrected. They may never feel comfortable dining with you ever again. The best way to deal with someone with poor table manners is to ignore their gaffes and mind your own.

Keep in mind that etiquettes are about consideration, respect and honesty. By correcting someone, you’re being disrespectful and inconsiderate. Moreover, etiquettes evolve with time and place.

These are some common mistakes people make when dining at an upscale restaurant. Avoid them when eating in new restaurants in Port St. Lucie.