Toptable’s six tips for successful dining

3rd October 2011, 12:45pm

toptable, a leading online restaurant booking service in the UK, has issued its six step guide to getting the very best from a meal out in a restaurant.

Lucy Taylor, head of Restaurant Relations, said: "These are six very easy to do, insider tips that can make a real difference to a meal out.  The key is to be confident, interested and to ask questions – something we Brits are not always good at!"

• Do your research – Make a better choice; be savvy and check the restaurant out before you go.  Take a look at sample menus, whether it has a particular regional slant or whether the chef has a signature dish.  Check out offers; top Michelin starred restaurants often have great value lunch menus and toptable has hundreds of offers available - some of which halve the cost of dining.  And,  look at what other diners have said – there are thousands of impartial diner reviews on toptable.

• Best table – Use the 'special request' box when booking online with toptable and ask for a table best suited to your dining occasion.  For example, a quiet table for dining 'a deux', a good table for a group or the best spot for people watching

• Quiz the chef and eat 'off piste' – Ask the chef which dishes he/she thinks are particularly good and that you should try.  Or if you can have a variation of a dish on the menu.  It's a great way to try something less familiar and you'll flatter the chef!  Ask where the meat was reared, the vegetables sourced – the more knowledge you have, the better the dining experience.

• Step outside your comfort zone – Rather than have one wine, order some dessert wine too or ask the sommelier to suggest a different glass for each course.  A good sommelier will love to help.

• Be friendly and polite – It pays to be friendly and respectful.  For example, always let the restaurant know if you're running late, or need to cancel your booking.  Engage with the staff and tell them if you are having a good time and compliment the Manager if you have received good service and have had a good time – they'll remember you for it.

• Honesty and feedback – If you're unhappy with the quality of food, or service received, don't be afraid to say – discreetly.   Restaurateurs appreciate objective criticism and if you tell them at the time they can do something about it there and then.

Related Articles:

• 14 Dec 2011 - toptable diners name their top Italian restaurants in the UK
• 13 Jul 2011 - toptable diners name their top French restaurants in the UK
• 06 Jan 2011 - Toptable launches new restaurant certificate service
• 10 Jan 2008 - TrustedPlaces partners with Toptable

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