Wondering how to refuse food at a restaurant without seeming arrogant?
How to refuse food in a restaurant without coming across as impolite? The kitchens in the restaurant are an environment in which hardworking chefs try every minute to meet the taste and wishes of the guests. Most of us are well aware of this. But we are all only human and we all make mistakes. Therefore, there is nothing wrong if you do not want to eat the food on the plate but ask the waiter to send it back to the the kitchen. However, it is important to observe etiquette.
Sending food back to the kitchen when you are not satisfied with the order is not unacceptable. But you need to know a polite way to express your displeasure. As with all things, kindness is key.
Photo: envatoWhen is it okay to send food back?
Your food is cold
It is perfectly acceptable to send the food back to the kitchen, as long as it arrived on the table already cold. It shouldn't be. Your waiter should carry it back to the kitchen, where the chef will heat it up and ensure that it is served to you at the right temperature.
Your food is cooked at the wrong temperature
Whether your vegetables are still raw or your meat is not cooked as you requested, sending food back is justified. For example, if you asked for your steak to be medium rare, and then it's oozing with blood, it makes perfect sense to ask for it to be more rare. Even if your food is overcooked instead of undercooked, it is acceptable to politely ask if your meal can be fixed. As long as you are respectful, the chefs will be happy to fix the problem.
Photo: envatoIf a preparation error occurred
Sending food back is acceptable even if a specific request has not been met. Especially if it's a food allergy. The chef's job is to cook the food the same way every time, so in the whirlwind of what's going on in the kitchen, he may forget your request not to use eggs, parsley, etc. If your food is not prepared as you ordered, or if there is an ingredient on your dish that should not be there, notify your waiter immediately.
And how to politely refuse food in a restaurant?
As soon as you get the plate on the table, warn your waiter that it is not in accordance with the order or agreement. You can wait a bite or two, but don't eat half the plate and then get upset. It's important to be polite about it. As long as you are kind, respectful and don't forget to thank them for a conversation or help with preparing a new dish, no one will give you a bad look. And of course, it will take time to prepare a new meal, so be patient. To err is human.
