Going to a restaurant for someone is an ordinary event, and for someone - a responsible event. In any case, both the first and the second should know some rules of going to a decent institution, so as not to drop the shrimp on the table and not hit the dirt in the face. After all, in such a situation, it may be embarrassing to everyone around at the table. Let's talk about restaurant etiquette.
Choose a place
1. Kitchen: choosing a meeting place, it is worth remembering one rule: "an exceptional person in an exceptional situation." Each of us is individual, especially in culinary preferences. Take care of this in advance. Ask your friend where he would like to go or what cuisine he prefers: Japanese sushi and rolls, Italian pizza, or maybe American restaurants or Irish pubs. It will be very embarrassing to invite a person, who is a vegetarian, to a fish restaurant.
2. Subtlety: it is most convenient to go to the restaurant where you were already once, which means that you are well-versed in the menu, you can advise the dish and you know the prices. Better yet, know all the subtleties. Here is an example from personal experience. In one of the Japanese restaurants it is sometimes cool at the tables located close to the exit. So you can ask ... a cozy blanket! Knowing this nuance can help you in communication with the interlocutor.
3. Atmosphere: when choosing a restaurant, be sure to consider the general atmosphere in it. To not come out as in the song: "And in the restaurant, and in the restaurant, and there are guitars, and there are gypsies ...". For example, an adult is unlikely to appreciate loud music, but will choose a more relaxed and relaxing environment. If you have not already been familiar with the other person, keep in mind that what impression he has on the restaurant, this is about you. After all, this place for the meeting was appointed by you.
4. Invoice amount: try not to order a large number of expensive dishes or, conversely, take only a minimum. It would be better if the inviter was the first to order the guest to be able to orient himself, what could he afford, and what was not worth it. And about who of you pays, find out in advance, and not with the waiter. You can pay for yourself or allow yourself to entertain.
Who pays: the end of the dinner should tell the inviter, and then ask for the bill. A woman can pay for herself, reminding the waiter what she ordered. A man receives a separate account. The correct act on his part will be the payment of alcoholic beverages. In Russia, it is customary to leave 10-15% of the tip account if they are not already included in the bill. However, the most worthy and noble option is the one when a man treats a lady.
In the restaurant
5. Delays: to be late for meetings, indisputably, ugly. According to the rules of etiquette, the man must come first, specifying the waiter vacancies. But in life there are situations when a man is late for a meeting, for example, he got into a traffic jam or was late at work. He must necessarily insist that the lady herself went into the restaurant and ordered something for himself while he waits.
6. In the wardrobe: the wardrobe also has its own nuances. For example, to help remove or put on a coat should a man, not an employee of the institution. At the mirror lady can only fix her hair. But to paint, straighten stockings, comb out of hair is only in the ladies' room.
7. Smoking: Can I smoke in a restaurant? Perhaps the main rule in this case is the following: you can smoke there where there is an ashtray. It is a logical conclusion. If you are sitting next to a man who does not smoke, try not to tackle a new cigarette at the moment when he starts the next dish. This can kill his appetite. But in the reverse situation, if you lead a healthy lifestyle and not against tobacco smoke, you yourself suggest that the smoker should not be shy. Enter any room, including a restaurant, with a cigarette in no case it is impossible, you do not know if there are any rooms for smokers in it. And do not forget that in different countries smoking rules are different.
8. To the issue of culture: in spite of the fact that the woman enters the restaurant's premises first, the man should, slightly speeding up the step, get ahead of her and push back the chair. He can suggest a lady to choose a place. The most convenient are the places facing the entrance, if you sit down in the center of the hall, or face to the hall, if you are at the wall. Certainly, the man after the lady sits down.
Where to go to the restaurant
9. Clothes: If you consider going to a restaurant as a solemn event, then you should dress appropriately, too. It does not mean that you have to be shackled with crinoline and corset. First of all, clothes should be elegant, modern, matched with taste. If you think that after a hard day you can not look decent, you are mistaken. In the evening, think over your image, carry a suitcase of clothes with you, of course, not worth it. But you can take accessories and a cosmetic bag. More bright makeup and accessories will perfectly prepare you for the evening. True, a stretched turtleneck or a worn sweater is unlikely to help. If you have time to prepare yourself for the event, then choose an interesting blouse with the original cut or details and skirt. It all depends on what you want to appear before the interlocutor.