Want to go to a quality restaurant?

Question

Hi

I would like to go to a good restaurant, but I have not done it before and would like some tips.

Any tips from the beginning to the end would be much appreciated. From having you coat taken to paying of tips. I know this is very general and restaurants are differnet and I know I should relax and enjoy, but I think I would be better able to make a choice and enjoy once I've had some advise. I'm from the UK, South East and will be going to London next month - any recommended eating places?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Zagat's is a good guide for restaurants in London, it's easy to read and split by food type, location and price.

A good restaurant should never make a customer feel intimidated. The service should be attentive without being over-bearing.

From the moment you walk in, you should be made to feel special. A good restaurant will take your coat from you and will lead you to your table. Once seated you should be offered the menu and then asked if you would like a drink. Your server should also place your napkin on your lap for you. Another server will probably offer you the bread basket.

The table will normally be set with 3 glasses (water, white wine, red wine), side plate, napkin and cutlery. The amount of cutlery laid out will depend on the restaurant but would normally have the minimum of three knives and two forks on either side of the place setting plus a spoon and fork above the place setting for dessert. The outer knife is usually your bread knife. The middle knife and fork for your starter, and the inner knife and fork for your main course. These items of cutlery can be swapped out according to your food order (ie. the starter knife and fork would be removed and replaced by a soup spoon if you requested a soup starter).

If you're not familiar with wine, go for a "middle of the road" bottle, or ask your server what they would recommend.

When looking at the menu, check whether a service charge is included. If it is, there should be no need to leave an extra tip at the end of the meal (unless, of course, you feel the service was outstanding and warrants extra).

Unless you're very adventurous, stick to the food you know you're going to enjoy. Your first order should be for your starter and main course. Your dessert is ordered after you've finished your main meal and may either be a choice from a dessert menu or the dessert trolley. At this point you server will place your spoon and fork on either side of your place setting. They should also clean any crumbs or debris from your table.

At the end of the meal, you should request the bill. Once paid your server should bring your coat over and help you on with it.

Thank your server and leave.

Have a wonderful meal - wherever you end up.

Answer 2

Not all places will take your coat. More upmarket restaurants have a cloak room on the way in. You tip the "Hat Check" girl on your way out. A couple of pound at least.

Use the knife and fork on the outside of the place setting. In a good restaurant you will not need to get the attention of the waiting staff, they will be watching you like hawks to make sure you have everything, and will come and top up your wine if they notice the glass empty. You can of course pour your own wine. Some places have a bar area where you can have a drink whilst you wait for your table. When you pay the bill, try to use cash and it is customary to leave at least a 10% tip. So if you bill is £100 then a £10 tip will be enough.

Go for middle priced wines. There is no need to buy the most expensive. Try not to walk around a good restaurant with a drink in your hand. It does not bode well. Don't stare at people. Especially celebrities in London.

I recommend The Ivy on West Street or J Sheekey if you like fish. There are plenty of other great restaurants. Maybe you should pick up a copy of Time Out?

Good luck & most of all, relax and enjoy

Answer 3

My favourite is The Connaught in Carlos Place but I have not been there since Angela Hartnett has been appointed chef. I have always found the waiters very helpful and willing to translate those items not covered by 'O' level French. At a much more well known, out of town restaurant, I found the waiters patronising and sneering but looking on the bright side, this was reflected in the size of their tip. (Nil Pounds)

I suggest that you stay away from restaurants that are known to be popular with celebrities as the famous often get better service at the expense of you and I. I normally avoid Saturdays for similar reasons.

A copy of the Good Food Guide at £16.00 is a good investment and I strongly recommend that you buy a copy. A few hours reading will normally pay dividends. Unless you really know your wine, settle for the house wine. This should be quite drinkable in a good restaurant while an expensive unknown bottle could turn out to be poor value.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy yourself.

Answer 4

Poncey restaurants where they take your coats are intimidating, there are about 20 forks and 10 glasses and they swan around like royalty. Go to a decent bistro where you can relax, fancy restaurants cost a fortune too and I hate being ripped off for a bottle of mineral water.

There is a lovely Italian one in Beauchamp place, also Langhams is down there and a few others. Its near to Harrods, not over pricey but very relaxed and food is lovely, sorry cant remember the name!

Answer 5

Don't be intimidated!

Remember you are the customer, you will be paying the bill, so you are in charge.

Allow the staff to serve you by taking your coat, guiding you to your table, pulling out your chair etc.

Let them tell you about the food on the menu, ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Ask their advice on the choice of wine.

But above all relax and enjoy your meal.

If you think the staff have served you well leave a tip. If they have not tell them about it politely. It is in their own interest to have satisfied customers who will return.

Answer 6

just simply ask "where is the best restoran in here?" to the people there...
or maybe u can find it by ur self. Find a restourant where the customer is more than 10, the number of customer reflect the taste of the food in the restourant..

Answer 7

McDonalds for the win.

Answer 8

try something indian...... or even portuguse..... they taste nice.