Business Etiquette Fundamentals: Restaurant Etiquette Cheat Sheet

Quick reference guide for professional dining situations and business meal etiquette

Core Principle: Business dining etiquette demonstrates cultural awareness and professionalism. Your behavior at the table reflects your attention to detail and respect for others.

📋 Quick Reference Sections

🚪 Arrival & Seating 📋 Ordering Protocol 🍽️ Table Manners 💬 Conversation 💳 Payment & Tipping 🆘 Emergency Situations

⏰ Business Meal Timeline

1

Pre-Arrival (15 minutes before)

Confirm reservation, review guest list, prepare conversation topics, check appearance

2

Arrival & Seating (0-10 minutes)

Greet guests, handle coats, arrange seating, order drinks, light conversation

3

Ordering (10-20 minutes)

Review menu, accommodate dietary restrictions, order courses, continue relationship building

4

Dining & Discussion (20-75 minutes)

Wait until after ordering for business topics, balance eating and conversation, practice table manners

5

Closing & Payment (75-90 minutes)

Summarize next steps, handle bill discreetly, thank guests, plan follow-up

🚪 Arrival & Seating Etiquette
✅ Do This
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes early to greet guests
  • Stand when others arrive at the table
  • Offer to take coats or help with seating
  • Wait for host to sit down first
  • Place napkin on lap when seated
  • Sit up straight with hands visible
  • Turn phone to silent immediately
❌ Avoid This
  • Arriving more than 15 minutes late
  • Sitting before others are seated
  • Placing napkin around your neck
  • Slouching or leaning back in chair
  • Putting elbows on table while eating
  • Checking phone during introductions
  • Starting to eat before everyone is served
📋 Ordering Protocol
✅ Smart Ordering
  • Follow your host’s lead on number of courses
  • Choose foods that are easy to eat while talking
  • Order in the middle price range
  • Ask about preparation if you have allergies
  • Offer wine suggestions if you’re hosting
  • Accommodate others’ dietary restrictions
  • Thank server and make eye contact
❌ Ordering Mistakes
  • Ordering the most expensive item
  • Choosing messy foods (ribs, spaghetti)
  • Ordering significantly more/less than others
  • Making dietary restrictions the focus
  • Criticizing others’ food choices
  • Changing your order multiple times
  • Ignoring the server or being dismissive
🍽️ Essential Table Manners
✅ Proper Technique
  • Use utensils from outside in
  • Cut one bite at a time
  • Place utensils at 4 o’clock when finished
  • Pass dishes to the right
  • Tear bread into small pieces
  • Chew with mouth closed
  • Dab mouth with napkin, don’t wipe
❌ Table Mistakes
  • Using wrong utensils for courses
  • Cutting entire meal at once
  • Leaving utensils crossed on plate
  • Reaching across the table
  • Biting directly into whole bread roll
  • Talking with food in mouth
  • Using napkin as tissue
💬 Business Conversation Guidelines

Conversation Flow & Topics

Appropriate Topics

  • Industry trends and developments
  • Professional accomplishments
  • Travel experiences (business or leisure)
  • Current events (non-controversial)
  • Hobbies and interests
  • Educational background
  • Career development

Topics to Avoid

  • Politics and political opinions
  • Religion and personal beliefs
  • Personal relationships and dating
  • Health problems and medical issues
  • Financial personal details
  • Gossip about colleagues
  • Controversial social issues

Conversation Timing

  • Light topics during drink ordering
  • Professional introductions while reviewing menu
  • Business topics after ordering
  • Deeper business discussion during main course
  • Next steps and follow-up during dessert
  • Final relationship building at closing

Conversation Balance

  • Ask open-ended questions
  • Listen more than you speak
  • Show genuine interest in others
  • Share relevant experiences
  • Avoid dominating discussion
  • Include everyone in group conversations
💳 Payment & Tipping Protocol
✅ Payment Etiquette
  • Host pays when they issue the invitation
  • Handle payment discreetly away from table
  • Tip 18-20% for good service
  • Thank host sincerely when they pay
  • Give credit card to server early in meal
  • Have backup payment method ready
  • Split bills fairly when agreed upon
❌ Payment Mistakes
  • Arguing about who should pay
  • Making payment a focal point of meal
  • Under-tipping or forgetting to tip
  • Not thanking host for paying
  • Fighting over the check publicly
  • Not having payment method available
  • Calculating exact splits to the penny
🆘 Emergency Etiquette Situations

How to Handle Common Dining Mishaps

Spilled Food/Drink

Apologize briefly, clean up quickly, don’t make a big fuss. Signal server for help if needed.

Wrong Order

Politely mention to server. If others start eating, accept the wrong dish graciously.

Food in Teeth

Discretely mention to the person privately. Use napkin or excuse yourself to restroom.

Choking/Coughing

Excuse yourself from table. Take care of issue privately. Return when comfortable.

Urgent Phone Call

Apologize, excuse yourself from table, handle call privately, return quickly.

Payment Declined

Stay calm, try alternative payment, arrange to pay later if necessary. Follow up promptly.

Poor Service

Handle graciously in the moment. Address privately with manager if necessary. Don’t complain to guests.

Dietary Restriction Issue

Work with server to find alternatives. Don’t make others feel bad about their choices.

💡 Final Quick Tips for Success

Before You Go

Research the restaurant, review the menu online, confirm dietary restrictions, and prepare conversation topics.

During the Meal

Focus on relationship building first, business second. Show genuine interest in others and practice active listening.

Technology Etiquette

Keep phones silent and away. Excuse yourself for truly urgent calls. Give full attention to dining companions.

Follow-Up

Send thank you message within 24 hours. Reference specific conversation points. Confirm next steps discussed.

Remember: Business dining is about building relationships and demonstrating professionalism. When in doubt, follow your host’s lead and focus on being gracious, attentive, and respectful to everyone at the table.