Dining Out Etiquette

Nebb

Friends of ours have offered to take us out to dinner when we are in Toronto next month, on them (they were broke when we got married and gave us a Dinner IOU as a gift). Weve never gone out on someone elses dime before, and im not sure how to go about choosing what we eat. I obviously dont want to choose the most expensive item on the menu, but i would feel like its obvious if I choose the least expensive. I feel like that might be insulting? I feel like an idiot for asking this. Is there a "guideline" for this, or should I jsut ask him what he thinks?

gkb0910

I usually ask people what they're planning to order while looking over the menu.  If you do this, you can figure out about how much the hosts are spending and order similarily. Otherwise, I typically order something in the middle.

pumpkinpumpkin

I always order something "in the middle".

mandysmear

I would get something you normally would.  If you get water that would also seem obvious.  OR follow their lead.  If they order water, then you order water.If you normally would get steak, then get it.  Maybe get a smaller/cheaper cut.  

mandapanda78

Usually I try to wait to see what the hosts order and follow suit for price (do they order and appetizer? soup?). Then I try to find something in the middle price-range on the menu that I really do want. I wouldn't order something or not order something based on price alone.

ring_pop

You can let them order first and take their lead (also in terms of whether to order drinks, apps, and dessert). I usually order something somewhere in the middle.

*BeachBride0410*

gkb-  I was going to say exactly that.  If the couple orders drinks, I would use the same rule of thumb, if they order a drink I would too.

LesPaul

I wait to see what the host orders, and usually go mid-range on the menu price-wise.  Without appetizer or dessert, unless the host orders them for everyone.

mandapanda78

*an appetizer, not and appetizer.

ExpatPumpkin

As the hosts, your friends should make a comment about a dish on the menu that's in their price range: "Oh, the salmon sounds delicious." This is your clue that they are comfortable paying whatever the salmon costs... But, you can't count on them knowing/following proper hosting etiquette, so I'd let them choose the restaurant and then order a mid-priced dish.

ac_in_dc

Ask your friends what they are thinking of while you're looking at the menu and order analogous to them. ie. if they order an appetizer, drinks, and dessert, you can do the same. If they don't order alcohol, I'd skip it. btw, I've taken a ton of people out to dinner and never given a second thought to how much they order. And as far as *what* you should choose on the menu, that's silly. Choose what you want to eat, although you may want to skip something if it's waay more expensive than any other choice.

Nebb

I like that idea gkb, I wouldnt have thought of that. I feel so horribly socially inept even asking this!

jamm2019

I usually just order what I like on the menu.  If they are taking you out to dinner I assume they will take you to a place that is within their budget...

wadingmoose

I usually pick something in a mid-range.  Or hope that the hosts order first so if I have a couple of options, I can switch accordingly.

Nebb

I think that sounds best, choose a couple items i like and ask what theyre ordering to decide which is best. I would probably drink water anyways, but atleast that can be a guide for what my husband will drink as well. Thanks guys

ffmaid

Order something that looks tasty from the midrange of prices. So not the surf and turf but not green salad wither. Also I consider what my hosts are eating and try to not order much above what they do.

[Deleted User]

I think everyone else has covered it. I just wanted to say "hi"!

Nebb

Cew!! you work too freaking much is all i haev to say to you.

raynes

I generally stick with a middle range item, like everyone else.Unless my dad or work is paying, in which case, it's the most expensive.

[Deleted User]

I 100% agree with you Nebb. I swear, it must be a full moon. People is crazy!