Fine dining can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its unspoken rules. Avoid these common etiquette mistakes to ensure a smooth and sophisticated dining experience.
1. Ignoring the Dress Code
Mistake: Wearing overly casual clothes like jeans,
sneakers, or T-shirts.
Solution: Check the
restaurant’s dress code beforehand. Most fine dining spots require
formal or business casual attire.
2. Arriving Late for Your Reservation
Mistake: Showing up late without notifying the
restaurant.
Solution: Arrive on time or call ahead
if you’re running late. Fine dining establishments run on precise
schedules.
3. Mishandling Napkin Etiquette
Mistake: Not using your napkin correctly—placing it on
the table too soon or wiping your mouth with it
aggressively.
Solution: Place your napkin on your
lap immediately after sitting. If you leave the table, place it on your
chair. Fold it neatly at the end of your meal.
4. Using the Wrong Utensils
Mistake: Grabbing the wrong fork or knife for each
course.
Solution: Work from the outside in. The
outermost utensils are for the first courses, and the inner ones are for
later courses.
5. Incorrectly Holding Wine Glasses
Mistake: Holding the bowl of the wine glass instead of
the stem.
Solution: Always hold your glass by the
stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you feel more comfortable and confident in any fine dining setting. Relax, enjoy the experience, and remember—everyone was a beginner once.