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When I visit Europe, my main complaint in restaurants is that I can never seem to get the wait staff's attention. I have been dining at a restaurant by myself,
by montecarl 10y ago
When I visit Europe, my main complaint in restaurants is that I can never seem to get the wait staff's attention. I have been dining at a restaurant by myself, had all my food and drinks cleared and after waiting 5 minutes for someone to come by I had to get up and go ask for my check. It wasn't busy at the time. I guess the culture is different and I need to flag someone down? That always feels rude to me.
- rm_-rf_slash 10y agoThe idea is that you are there to be served, not babied. So yes, you are expected to flag them down. It is a signal that says you are willing to temporarily suspend your unassailable privacy. It is up to you to decide when to order and when you are done with your meal (if it's not too busy). If you want to read a book quietly at your table, nobody will make you leave. If you want to chat with your friends after the meal because you like sitting down where you are, nobody will bug you to buy a dessert (and conveniently up the gratuity). I can see how Americans may perceive it as rude, but to me it's an affirmation of personal space, both to the waiter that does not feel compelled to ask how things are going (always when I have a mouth full of food), and to the customer that can enjoy dining in peace.