Fine dining etiquette rules that you’re probably still breaking today

join telegram
follow instaMY

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.

etiquette - fine dining table setting

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

etiquette - lady reading the menu

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, gristle, or inedible garnishes. This small gesture shows respect to your fellow diners and allows for seamless service by the waitstaff.

3. Never double-dip

etiquette - dipping food into sauce

Double dipping is when a person dips a food item into a communal sauce or dip, takes a bite, and then dips the same food item back into the sauce or dip. This is considered rude and unhygienic in any setting, but especially in a fine dining environment where cleanliness and etiquette are valued.

To avoid double dipping, use a small spoon or knife to transfer the sauce or dip to your plate. Then, use your utensil to dip your food into the sauce or dip, taking care not to touch the communal bowl or container with your utensil or fingers. This shows respect for others’ dining experiences and ensures that everyone can enjoy their meal without worrying about hygiene concerns.

4. Always leave a single bite of food on your plate

By leaving a single bite on your plate, you communicate that you enjoyed the meal, but did not overindulge to the point of cleaning the plate entirely. This action indicates that you are content with the portion size and satisfied with the meal, rather than still feeling hungry or dissatisfied. It is a subtle way to show respect and appreciation for the food, while also being mindful of the balance between enjoying the meal and avoiding waste.

11 best chef’s knives to slice & dice like a pro

5. Unless you’re taking a bite, your bread should stay on the plate

etiquette - breaking bread

When it comes to bread, butter it on the plate, but only the piece you’re about to eat. Break off a portion, butter it, then raise it to your mouth. The same rule goes for bagels, muffins, and biscuits.

6. Do not rest your elbows on the dining table

This is a common rule that has been taught for generations and is considered a basic etiquette practice. The reasoning behind this rule is that it is considered rude and shows a lack of respect for the table and your fellow diners.

Additionally, it can lead to spills and accidents, which can be disruptive to the meal and the ambiance of the restaurant. By keeping your elbows off the table, you show respect for the dining experience and those around you.

7. Before placing your napkin on your lap, ensure that the crease is facing towards you and then neatly fold it

When it comes to napkins, the proper way to fold them is by halving them with the crease facing towards you. Additionally, instead of wiping stains, it’s recommended to dab them and then fold the napkin with the stains concealed inside. This ensures a neat and tidy presentation for your guests.

Be comfortable in any situation with an Etiquette book: Lazada

Other articles you might like:

Top 20 experiences every foodie should have in Singapore

Bucket list for foodies: 20 best things to eat around the world

Video thumbnail
think we picked the wrong shade 😂 #singapore #lipstickhacks #makeuphacks #singaporevideos
01:07
Video thumbnail
#pokemon #misterdonut #singapore #singaporefood
00:22
Video thumbnail
a new food bazaar at TRX that opens until 2am 🙀?! #malaysia #kualalampur #latenight #trx #foodie
00:23
Video thumbnail
100 year old crystal dumpling in JB #malaysia #johorbahru #jbfood #malaysiafood
01:01
Video thumbnail
viral korean salt bread (aka 소금빵) in singapore #foodie #singaporefood #koreanfood
00:34
Video thumbnail
in case you wanna jalan-jalan KL without spending a dime 💸🌼 #malaysia #kualalampur #free #date
00:39
Video thumbnail
it's 𝓈𝓃𝑜𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 in KL until Christmas?!🎅🏼🎄 #malaysia #kualalampur #snow #winter #christmas
00:21
Video thumbnail
klang’s famous bkt is in singapore! #malaysia #singaporefoodies #bakkutteh
00:38
Video thumbnail
is this actually useful? #singapore #travelhacks #luggage
00:31
Video thumbnail
italian tapas on conveyor belt?! #foodie #food #italianfood
00:34
Video thumbnail
you think the raccoons like being hugged as much as we like to hug them? 🦝 #malaysia #kualalampur
00:49
Video thumbnail
standing on bees-nest with my honey 😤🍯 #malaysia #kualalumpur #honey #fake #hacks
00:27
Video thumbnail
why does it have to be a fashion crime tho 😫 #malaysia #kualalumpur #car #tiktok #hacks
00:29
Video thumbnail
hong kong’s no.1 BBT brand is in SG 🇸🇬 #singaporefoodie #hongkong #bubbletea
00:27
Video thumbnail
🍝wouldn't mind it for a quick pasta fix! #malaysia #foodie #kualalampur #pasta #food
00:31
Video thumbnail
We tried the BEST rated Indonesian restaurants in Singapore | Food Finders Singapore S6E11
16:42
Video thumbnail
largest dog cafe in JB ✨🐶 #malaysia #doglover #cafe #johorbahru
00:39
Video thumbnail
We challenged our office chef to remake Culinary Class Wars’ convenience store tiramisu! #singapore
01:01
Video thumbnail
Why is culinary class wars so popular? #singaporefoodie #culinaryclasswars #netflix
01:01
Video thumbnail
Coriander snacks taste test! | Today Eat What? S1E3
09:40

Newest