What is fine dining?
Fine dining can be described as a type of culinary experience defined by specific etiquette being used when visiting full service restaurants with specific dedicated meal courses. These restaurants often have high quality décor with waitrons who wear more formal attire and food portions are visually-appealing.
Fine dining etiquette:
Always dress nicely
You should dress smartly or formally for a fine dining experience. Give the sneakers and jeans a miss and opt for smart shoes and nice fitted trousers for a change.
Don’t put your cell phone, keys or purse on the table
It’s bad fine dining etiquette to leave these items on the table. Remember that the table is already likely to be full – with wine glasses, plates and utensils, so avoid adding any clutter.
Let your guest order first
It’s good fine dining etiquette to be polite and let your guest order first.
Don’t return the wine
Even if you don’t like it, keep the wine with you. If you have a problem with it, call the waitron aside and ask him or her to bring you another bottle.
Know where to place your napkin
According to The Etiquette School of New York expert Patricia Napier- Fitzpatrick, you should “wait until your host makes the silent signal of placing the napkin in his or her lap before you begin eating”.
“Then the napkin goes on your chair seat if you stand up [to use the restroom].”
Use the napkin to dab your mouth, instead of wiping. After eating, you should place it on the left side of the plate.
The first person to take their seat is the host of the dinner
Guests can be seated once the host takes his or her seat.
Know how to use utensils
Use utensils from outside to inside. The knife and fork should always be held. The fork is meant for picking up food, not scooping.