Here Are 12 Things You Should Never Do At A Fancy Restaurant

Dining at a fancy restaurant can be a slightly intimidating experience for some, especially if you're not used to it. The best way to face any situation may not be exactly obvious, especially if you're confused about something on the menu or if something goes wrong. A couple good rules of thumb:  use common sense, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Thanks to Quora, here are 12 "don'ts" to keep in mind in any fine dining situation.

1. Don't be pressured to order drinks if you only want water. Just say, "Water is fine for now. Thank you." Don't be pressured to order still or sparkling water, either. Unless you're in a super snooty restaurant, you will be served tap water.
    
2. Don't hesitate to send food back, especially if it is not well-cooked. Raw chicken for example, or if the doneness of the steak isn't what you had asked for. You do not have to eat that bloody steak if you don't want to.
    
3. Don't just order an appetizer and ask for multiple replenishments of the bread basket.
    
4. Don't hesitate to ask the server if they think the food you've ordered is too much or too little. They know food portions well.
    
5. Don't click your fingers to call for attention.
    
6. Don't ignore the server when they explain about the menu. It can actually be interesting to know how the dishes are cooked and the special/seasonal ingredients used or how the chef came up with the idea.
    
7. Don't be afraid to tell the server to come back in a minute or two. It's not rude and they won't feel slighted. In fact, they'd rather be doing something else than stand there waiting for you to decide.
    
8. Don't hog the table after you have finished eating, especially when there are people at the bar having pre-dinner drinks while waiting for seats.
    
9. Don't allow your noisy kid to stay in the dining room. Either get them under control, take them outside, or go home. If you have a baby that wouldn't stop crying, cancel your orders, get the check, and go home. Apologize to those around you if you happen to catch their eyes.
    
10. Don't forget to tip, if that's customary where you are.
     
11. Don't tell the server that you want separate checks at the end of the meal. Tell your server you want separate checks upon placing your orders, and they will coordinate with the cashier to prepare the bills accordingly.
     
12. Don't be overwhelmed with the amount of cutlery and crockery on the table. Work your way in from the outermost utensil.