How to act in a restaurant

Step1

Determine what restaurant you'll be eating in before you arrive. Some restaurants will have dress codes and may have formal place settings. This presents more of a challenge than a causal restaurant setting.

Step2

Try to find a menu online so you know what items are available. If you visit a restaurant that specializes in foreign food, the menus may be in the native language. Looking up menus before hand allows you to study a restaurant's offerings ahead of time.

Step3

Review basic table manners, such as taking small bites of food, keeping your elbows off the table and placing your napkin in your lap.

Step4

Know the best way to eat your selection. For soup, use a soup spoon and draw it from the closest side of the bowl to the furthest side of the bowl. This allows any drips to be contained inside of the soup bowl and off of the table surface.

Step5

Consume alcohol slowly and politely. Take sips and never consume any beverage from the bottle. Always use a glass.

Step6

Chew your food properly and swallow before speaking. No one wants to see half-eaten food regardless of how casual the restaurant atmosphere may be.
Step7Speak softly and sit with both feet on the floor regardless of the restaurant you're eating in.