While the rules of dining sometimes feel like they’ve changed, they’re pretty much the same as they have always been, albeit with the twist of a global pandemic. Here’s a reminder for those who need it (we all know someone) of how to be a good diner.

Show up
Yep, it’s perhaps the most basic and crucial rule of dining out. We were talking about the scourge of restaurant no-shows before the pandemic hit and we’re still talking about them. Many hospitality venues were in a precarious situation then and obviously even more so now. So, show up, on time, with the number of diners you booked for. If you’re running late let your host know. Simple, right?

Be present and have fun
If there was ever a time to enjoy the experience, the art, and theatre of dining out it is now. We’re not saying dance on the tables (unless it’s that kind of establishment) but in case you need a few prompts in making merry then can I suggest no scrolling at the table. And perhaps even try going a meal without perfectly snapping each dish for posterity. Ground-breaking I know. If engaging fully with your dining compatriots is step one, then the advanced move is to engage with the front-of-house team. While the robot waiter and ordering from your phone may be taking hold in certain types of restaurants, take the opportunity for human interaction. It can be like unlocking the secret level, or at least the inside track on what’s good right now, the wines to try and a wealth of information that you simply don’t get if you’re the monosyllabic scroller.

Be a stickler for the rules
It might have prefect vibes but following the rules is cool. Honestly. Nothing says crazy more these days than the ranty-anti-everything customer who feels like they have a human rights case worthy of the highest court because they were asked to take a step back, mask up or sign in. So, use the sign-in app. Go manual if your app is down, or your battery is dead. If you’re asked to do something to follow Covid rules, do it. If a restaurant, café, or coffee shop have gone beyond current state by state rules, respect their decision to safeguard their staff, business and you. Like I said, rules are cool.

Write a good review
Positivity is infectious (in a good way) and I think we’d all agree that it can be in short supply in some quarters. There are swathes of what I’d term WTF reviews out there. Written by seemingly tone-deaf diners, I often wonder whether these keyboard warriors know the effect of what they’re writing. Be the digital antidote and shout out when things are good.

Advance warning
I think we’ve got passed the indignation of some chefs that diners have dietary requirements. Dietaries are just a part of the dining landscape now but giving a heads up of your needs avoids disappointment on your part and allows the restaurant to prepare with a little notice.

Patience and grace are your new default setting
This can apply to so many aspects of the dining experience whether you’re in a revered restaurant or a neighbourhood café. We all know (or should do) that hospitality businesses are chronically understaffed right now, their patterns and systems of work disrupted. So, your coffee takes a little longer? See it as a win: an extra five minutes or so to read the article you’ve bookmarked, finish a podcast, or compose that stellar review (if you’re sticking to this crib sheet). And when things go wrong, or you’re told that a dish can’t be made to your exacting specifications (because perhaps they’re relying on rigorously prepping dishes pre-service) then activate your grace setting. Privilege is obsolete.

Related food news: 23 things you should never do at a restaurant, according to Matt Preston