From pouring drinks to clearing away finished plates, learn the basics of serving food with this helpful guide.
Working as a server in a restaurant is all about making guests feel happy with their experience. Diners are not only paying for great food but also for excellent service. It is called the hospitality industry, after all.
The act of serving food is a major part of the restaurant experience, especially in fine dining establishments. Offering exceptional customer service is a great way to wow your guests and earn gratuities in the process.
In this blog, we’ve included a number of tips and tricks you can use to offer the best service at your job.
Restaurants adhere to various models when it comes to the dining experience. There are many ways to serve guests, from counter-serve diners to opulent five-star restaurants.
For this guide, we will focus on food service in casual dining and fine dining restaurants. We will also imagine you have already seated the guest and sent their orders to the kitchen.
Serve your guests from his or her right side, and then proceed around the table in order of seating arrangement. Tell servers to set the glass down on a coaster or napkin. If the table has a cloth, they set the drinks on it. You should remove the glasses when they’re empty, so you’re not wasting your diner’s money.
Some general rules for serving
- Never touch a guest: Try your best not to bump into customers, especially when placing food. If you spill something, do not try wiping it off the guest.
- Never touch yourself: Appearances matter, so try to avoid touching your face or other body parts. If you must wipe off your hands, use a napkin or apron.
- Use open hand service: You should never reach over a guest or cross them at a perpendicular angle. Instead, serve from the left or right with the same hand. If serving from the left, use your left hand. If serving from the right, use your right hand.
- Serve food together: Bring appetizers, entrees, and desserts at the same time. Some guests order an appetizer as a meal, so it’s okay to ask if they want that first or with everyone’s meals.
- Don’t touch the rim of a glass: Carry all cups well below the top. This prevents the spread of germs and reassures guests that their glassware is clean. With wine glasses, only hold the stem.
The positive interactions that your staff has with your customers can make the difference between loyal guests and those who never return.
They are the ones in the front line, greeting and serving your customers. So they should be as trained as possible, to provide the best customer service.
Whether your restaurant, casual or elegant, large or small, your staff is the face of your restaurant.
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FAQ
What is the correct way to serve drinks to a guest?
What is the etiquette for serving drinks?
How do you present beverages?
How do you serve drinks at a restaurant?
Serve your guests from his or her right side, and then proceed around the table in order of seating arrangement. Tell servers to set the glass down on a coaster or napkin. If the table has a cloth, they set the drinks on it. You should remove the glasses when they’re empty, so you’re not wasting your diner’s money.
How do I choose a drink for a party?
When pouring drinks, you want to make sure you’re serving what your guests want. Choose a selection of drinks that can generally cater to everyone’s tastes, including wine, beer, and cocktails. If you are not sure what drinks to serve, consider offering an array of non-alcoholic options too.
How do you serve a cocktail?
Cocktails can be served in various ways, each offering a unique experience for the imbiber. Here are some popular methods of cocktail service: Neat: Cocktails served neat are pure, undiluted, and chilled, typically in a straight-sided glass. This presentation highlights the essence of the spirit, allowing the drinker to savor its full flavor.
How do you serve guests at a dinner party?
Serve the guest of honor, if known, and women first, followed by the men and children. If there are elderly people at the table, serve them at the beginning as well. Serve your guests from his or her right side, and then proceed around the table in order of seating arrangement. Tell servers to set the glass down on a coaster or napkin.