By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Mar 20, 2025
Learn key manners to uphold social grace and sophistication while dining out at any restaurant.
Place the napkin on your lap as soon as seated, and always use it before sipping or after eating.
Start with the outermost utensils and work your way inward; use them to elegantly convey your meal.
Hold your fork in the left hand and knife in the right; rest them down together post-bite.
Engage in light talk, avoiding taboo topics. Respectful listening and inclusive dialogue enhance the atmosphere.
Place utensils parallel for signalling a completed meal or crossed for an in-progress indication to waitstaff.
Serve from the communal dish, using the designated utensils, and avoid reaching over others.
Recognise good service by tipping generously; typically around 10-15% to reflect appreciation.