10 Strategies to a Killer Restaurant Experience
Introduction
After the COVID restrictions are lifted, we will all be dining out more often. I have outlined a few rules that will help you have an amazing restaurant experience.
Customer service is the main ingredient of an amazing restaurant experience. As customers, we expect the service to be friendly, personalized, be given suggestions based on our preferences, amazing food, out of this world presentation, dynamic ambiance, and great decor. However, as a customer, if you follow these strategies you will have a killer restaurant experience no matter what happens.
Make a reservation
A restaurant plans staffing, food preparation and everything else based on reservations. If you show up on a busy night without a reservation, chances are you will not get a seat. If you make a reservation and do not want to go, please cancel the reservation. Through reservations, the workflow is managed more efficiently and you get better service.
Check the menu online before visiting
It is important to check the menu online. In other words, you know if it has gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian or other options. As a result, you do not spend a whole bunch of time looking at the menu and are not sure what you want.
Be on time
Arrive on time. The manager has scheduled the reservations so that the service and kitchen have enough time to give you the best service.
The waiter is not your servant
It is important to know that the waiter is not there to meet your every whim and fancy. The waiter is there to make sure you have a great dining experience. Treat them with respect and you will get great service.
Go with a positive attitude
This is the most important aspect of going to a restaurant. Be positive. Go out there to have fun. Therefore, if you are looking to fill your Yelp or Trip Advisor review, you will not have a great experience. Do not go to the restaurant to take out your frustration on the waiter.
Do not ask to change the food
The menu is designed by the chef for maximum flavor. Do not ask to change the dish completely. Some modifications might be possible.
Spend money
Never go to a restaurant and be a scrooge. You see if a waiter is working from 5 to 9 pm, he is depending on having a guest from 5 to 7 and another from 7 to 9. Waiters work for tips. Waiters make below minimum wages. As a result, if you are just having a drink or a slight snack go to the bar instead.
If there is an issue let the server know
It is possible that many things can go wrong. If the food was not good or something is wrong, let the server know right away. The issue can be resolved. You will probably not be charged for the food, get a discount, get a free dessert or get a gift certificate for your next visit. But please do communicate.
The server and chef are human
The chef and waiter are human. Most chefs work sixty to eighty-hour weeks. The waiter is on his feet for eight hours and has probably not had a meal. Be patient, kind, gentle and considerate.
Tip well
I recommend fifteen percent to start with. The waiter has to give anywhere from five to seven percent of the total bill to the back house to be shared. Remember, waiters have good memories. Tip them well and they will go a mile to make your restaurant experience amazing.
Enjoy your visit to the restaurant, follow these strategies and you will have an amazing restaurant experience.
Photo Credits: Mojo Jojo Louis Hansel Persnickety Prints Brooke Cagle Sasha • Stories Pablo Merchán Montes Adam Jaime Clay Banks Priscilla Du Preez Jonathan Borba Crew
Absolutely relevant points Wish I had read this a few months back before the pandemic spread.
Anyhow.. Thanks
Great tips!! Totally agree that our waiter and chef are human too and treat them with respect! I always do and I always tip well because as you said, they make minimum wage or less!! Thanks for the tips!
Your posts are always spot on. Excellent recommendations as usual. I look at tipping as being fair. I chuckled when you recommended a bar for a “slight snack,” and I agree with you on that point.
These are all such fantastic tips and tricks! I’ve found that making a reservation, even if you are not expecting the restaurant to be super busy, can do wonders to making the entire experience of dining out go more smoothly, overall.
I loved this post because it should be common sense, but actually it’s a great reminder of how to behave at a restaurant to fully enjoy the experience. Especially the tip about the waitress and chef being human!
I like the reminder that restaurant staff work very hard and deserve respect. Small things like being on time and communicating politely can make a big difference!
Checking the menu online is a GREAT tip. Nobody wants to sit at the table for 15 minutes waiting on you to figure out what you want!
I totally agree with not changing the food. Unless you have a dietary issue, you should enjoy the food the way it was meant to be enjoyed!
That last tip is probably the most important, in my opinion. I have been out with so many people who leave a ridiculously low tip or even NO tip. Uh uh. These are real people doing very hard work to bring your meal!
Honestly this made me think of all the times I’ve gone out to eat and it’s been “fine” food-wise, but the vibe or the service just kinda ruined it. Like when you’re sat near the loo or you can’t hear anyone because it’s so loud, and suddenly you’re not even enjoying your meal.