Fine dining etiquette has evolved over the years and continues to be an important aspect of dining in today’s context. While some traditional rules may have relaxed, there are still certain protocols that should be followed to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
In today’s context, fine dining etiquette emphasises respect and consideration for others. It is important to arrive on time, dress appropriately, and turn off electronic devices to avoid disturbing other diners. It is also important to be mindful of personal space and not to intrude on the dining experience of other patrons.
When it comes to ordering, diners should be polite to their servers and order only what they can consume. It is also considered appropriate to ask for recommendations or seek advice from the server. During the meal, utensils should be used in the correct order and placed on the plate after each use.
Do you ever wonder which fine dining etiquette rules you might be inadvertently breaking? Here are 7 commonly overlooked protocols that you may not be aware of.
1. Always keep a part of your menu touching the table
During a formal dining experience, the menu should be placed in contact with the table at all times. Therefore, when perusing the menu, ensure that either the bottom or a section of it remains in contact with the table (even if you have the urge to bring it closer to your face).
2. Position any unwanted components of your meal on the upper left-hand side of your plate
To maintain a clean and organised dining space, it is considered good manners to place any discarded components of your meal on the upper left-hand side of your plate. This could be bones,