Dining Out in Calgary, Canmore & Banff :: A guide by Collage Media Group

Restaurant Etiquette

By Danijela Glamoclija

Etiquette is considered rules of polite behavior in most situations, but how many of us really know what proper etiquette is all about? The point of etiquette is to make us feel comfortable and confident in any situation. A few simple courtesies can really go a long way in how you relate to others. Our level of etiquette is actually a visible sign of our manners, which can be essential to our success in life. I’m sure we’ve all come across someone with poor manners, and I don’t have to tell you that they definitely stand out.

We all have at least one pet peeve when it comes to bad restaurant etiquette. I’m sure the following sounds familiar: waiters who don’t know the menu or tell you that everything is great; waiters not trained in wine service; waiters who remove your plate far too quickly; waiters who forget about you or rarely check on your table; and no one to greet you upon arrival or thank you upon departure, which are equally important. I think the biggest pet peeve for many is waiters who bring the cheque before you are done eating. It’s hard not to feel rushed when the waiter is trying to shoo you out of the restaurant, or at least it feels that way.

There was a time when waiters had to follow high standards and very specific rules of service. They had to wear black and white with a long white apron, and in some cases long white gloves to show that they haven’t touched the food. The waiter’s job was to be efficient, quiet and unobtrusive. Waiters were always expected to serve food from the left and clear from the right. In those times, it would have been unacceptable for the waiter to ask if you required change, as it still should be. Good waiters were held to high standards in their mannerisms and were always up to date in their rules of etiquette. It was a time where good service was always provided.

There is not much you can do when it comes to poor manners from waiters who serve you; however, there are a few things you can remember when dining out which can make for a great evening. The first thing to remember is to always make and keep a reservation. It can be frustrating to have to wait in line for a table especially at a busy restaurant. Arriving on time for a reservation is just as important, so make sure you know where the restaurant is located and try to arrive 10-15 minutes early to avoid feeling rushed. As for wine etiquette, order the wine before the meal and take the time to taste it. Also, just like at the movie theatres, be respectful by not texting or talking on the phone. If you do need to take an important call, politely excuse yourself and leave the room. It’s awkward and uncomfortable to be sitting across from someone who is staring at their phone all night.

Last, but not least paying and tipping. A standard tip for good service is 15%-20% of the bill before tax. For exceptional service, tipping 25% is acceptable. Don’t be afraid to talk to the manager if you get great service or poor service. Some restaurants offer online surveys, so pay attention to them because you just might win a great prize for sharing your positive feedback. Restaurant etiquette is not meant to be complicated, but simple courtesies, good manners and following a few simple rules usually means you will be cared for in the same manner. It will ultimately enhance your dining experience. Enjoy!

How to use this site:

If you know the name of the restaurant you want, pick your city tab above and click the restaurant name to see its page & review.

If you want to find a restaurant near your current location, locate yourself on the appropriate city map, then click the number of a restaurant near you.

If you just want to browse for an interesting restaurant, pick your city tab above and select any restaurant, then click on the left and right arrows at the top of every page to flip through the city until you find something that matches your interest. Then go to the appropriate map to find its location by number.

Establishments are identified with $, $$ & $$$ to indicate relative costs of their menus, ranging from under $16 to over $30 per entrée.

We Also have a listing of Hotels in Calgary, Banff & Canmore. To see it, select the Hotels tab above.

Calgary Restaurants

Canmore Restaurants

Banff Restaurants

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