Avoid These 7 Common Etiquette Mistakes When Dining Out

Speaking Too Loudly

One of the most obvious etiquette mistakes is talking loudly at the table. Restaurants are social spaces, but they are also shared by everyone around you. Raising your voice not only disrupts the conversation at your table but also disturbs other diners who are just trying to enjoy their meal. It is even more noticeable in quieter, upscale settings.

Keeping your tone at a conversational level ensures that you blend in without becoming the center of attention. If you need to discuss something private or sensitive, wait until you are in a more suitable setting.

Staring at Your Phone

Another common mistake is staring at your phone during the meal. Scrolling through social media or answering texts while someone is talking to you is not only rude but also signals disinterest. This small habit can make a big impression, and not in a good way.

Olly / Pexels / No one wants to see food falling out of your mouth during a conversation. So, avoid big bites.

Instead, keep your phone tucked away and give your full attention to your dining companions. If you must take an important call, excuse yourself politely and step away from the table.

Taking Big Bites

Few things are more awkward than trying to talk with a mouthful of food. Taking oversized bites is a dining faux pas that not only looks unrefined but also increases the risk of spilling or choking.

To avoid this, take smaller bites and chew thoroughly before speaking. It is not a race to finish your plate. Eating at a comfortable pace allows you to savor the flavors and keeps the dining experience enjoyable for everyone.

Reaching Across the Table

Stretching across the table to grab the salt shaker or a piece of bread is another etiquette mistake that often goes unnoticed. Not only does this invade personal space, but it also risks knocking over drinks or plates, creating unnecessary chaos.

The simple solution is to ask someone nearby to pass what you need. A polite “Could you please hand me the bread?” is all it takes to maintain decorum.

Skipping Table Talk

Good conversation is a key part of dining out, yet many people shy away from engaging in table talk. Avoiding small talk or sitting in silence can make the meal feel stiff and uncomfortable. While you don’t need to be a comedian, a little effort to keep the conversation flowing is important.

Brown / Pexels / Practice the basics: If you are following continental style, hold your fork in your left hand and your knife in your right, or switch after cutting if you are using American style.

Ask questions, share stories, and actively listen to others. Focus on positive topics and steer clear of controversial subjects. A lively, respectful exchange of ideas makes the meal enjoyable for everyone and fosters stronger connections.

Using Cutlery Incorrectly

Using cutlery the wrong way is a subtle yet significant etiquette mistake. Be it holding a fork like a shovel or switching hands unnecessarily, poor utensil handling can make you look out of place, especially in formal settings.

Resting utensils correctly on the plate when taking a break or finishing a course adds polish to your dining habits.

Leaving Your Napkin on the Chair

Many people don’t know what to do with their napkins when leaving the table temporarily. Tossing it onto your chair signals a lack of awareness about proper etiquette. Your napkin should never be left where someone might accidentally sit on it.

The right move? If you need to step away, place your napkin neatly on the table to the left of your plate. This small gesture shows mindfulness and keeps your space tidy. When the meal ends, leave the napkin unfolded on the table as a subtle signal to the staff.