You’ve made reservations for the most talked about restaurant in town, you’ve dressed to the nines, and now you’re ready for a night of fine dining. But before you dive headfirst into your culinary adventure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the etiquette of high-end restaurants.
After all, not everyone is born with a silver spoon—but with a little bit of know-how and some practice, you can be sure that your evening out will flow seamlessly. Herein lies everything you need to know about fine dining: the dos and don’ts, what to expect at a Michelin-starred restaurant, how to choose appropriate wines and dishes… the list goes on. Let’s set the table and get started!
What Is Fine Dining?
Ah, fine dining! There’s nothing quite like it. Of course, the term gets thrown around a lot, but just what is it? Simply put, you can think of fine dining in terms of presentation and atmosphere. Typically, in a fine dining setting you’ll be treated to an upscale atmosphere that exudes class and sophistication.
The presentation is just as important as the atmosphere. It usually involves high-quality tableware and plating that elevates each dish to an art form. You’ll also get attentive service from knowledgeable servers who are happy to answer any questions you have about the menu or suggest which dishes would pair best with your favorite wine or beverage. All this adds up to one special experience that you won’t soon forget.
What Are the Essentials for Fine Dining?
Treat yourself to an unforgettable fine dining experience with these tips and tricks.
First things first: dress to impress. To fit in with the elegant setting and other patrons, it’s important to follow the dress code, whether formal or more casual. Check the specific venue’s website or give them a call before you arrive.
When the waiter presents you with a menu, take your time savoring each and every option. Prices may be higher than at everyday restaurants, but it’s worth it—fine dining meals feature fresh, high-quality ingredients expertly prepared by experienced chefs. To avoid being overwhelmed by the selection and have a chance to truly savor your meal, order a few courses in small portions instead of everything at once. Learn more about Fine Dining La Jolla here.
For the full fine dining experience, don’t forget about etiquette! Watch how other patrons are behaving or ask your waiter discreetly if you’re unsure of table manners in finer establishments. Showing respect for the waiter and other people in the restaurant will remind them that you’re someone special-and will help make sure that your visit is extra special as well.Savor the Flavors of Italy and Japan: At Ambrogio by Acquerello, we believe that food is an art form, and we are dedicated to creating culinary masterpieces that will tantalize your taste buds. Join us and discover the perfect fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, served in an elegant setting with breathtaking ocean views. Reserve your table now and embark on a culinary adventure like no other!
The Protocol of a Formal Dinner Setting
No matter the cuisine, fine dining is all about the experience. That includes everything from how you interact with your server to the way your table is set. Before you attend a formal dinner, brush up on etiquettes, menus, and more so you can have a smooth experience.
Table Setting
Formal dinners require special attention to table setting, as there are multiple courses that need to be served in specific order. The type of table setting will vary based on the cuisine being served. For fine-dining restaurants that serve classic French or Italian dishes, the tables are usually set with large plates at the top and smaller plates underneath. Utensils are arranged from outside in, where utensils for subsequent courses are placed within utensils for previous courses — it’s usually helpful to leave out utensils for desserts for last.
Serving Protocols
When servers arrive with a dish or to remove a plate, they always approach from the left side and leave after completing their task. All flatware is replaced with clean silver since, no matter what course it is or how many times it’s been used, dirty silverware detracts from the formality of a dinner setting. Additionally servers should never reach past seated guests or stack finished dishes near them — this can disrupt diners or make them uncomfortable.
By remembering these rules of etiquette and protocol, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience that goes beyond just great food — it’s about moments created around fine dining that make your evening truly unforgettable!
