How to Send Back Food at a Restaurant

When dining in a restaurant, there is sure to come a day when you order a meal that is either not what you expected or doesn't taste very good. It is perfectly acceptable to send back a meal you dislike when eating out. Keep in mind, there are right ways to do it and rude and/or unacceptable ways to do it.

When ordering a dish in a restaurant, make sure you read the description of the menu item you want to order. If you are unfamiliar, ask the server about the dish. If you're not sure if you'll like a particular sauce, ask if you could try some. As a server for many years, I can tell you I'd much rather take a trip to the kitchen and ask for a sample of a sauce or soup to bring to a table than to have to fix a dish a guest didn't like. It takes less time in the long run. Not only does it help the guest make a more informed decision about a dish they are considering and feel comfortable with the choice, but it also saves on food cost and saves the server time. So, avoid this by asking detailed questions about the food and asking for a sample if you're not sure you'd like it. Many people will simply avoid ordering a dish because they're not sure about the sauce or flavoring. Don't limit yourself! It may be your new favorite dish you are passing up.

The first step is to let your server know that there is something wrong with the meal. Don't continue to eat it. Simply place the dish to the end of the table. This way, your server (or their manager) will know that there is something that needs to be fixed immediately and they will come to your table. There is no need to be rude. Nicely and calmly tell the server why you don't like the meal. Use a pleasant tone of voice. People are more likely to go out of their way and reach above and beyond when you are nice. You may think this is expected. You may be right. But, the way the restaurant industry (and many other industries) work is you will get more in return by being friendly. Simply saying, "This just isn't what I thought it would be like" or "This steak isn't cooked the way I ordered it. Can you please have the kitchen put it back on the grill?" works well. Don't take it out on your server. Most times, it's not their fault. They can't help if a cook hasn't cooked the dish to your specifications. They also can't help if you don't like the item.

What I don't understand, and this happens a lot, is when people say things are good when the server checks on them. Then, at the end of the meal, they will say something negative about the food. I'd imagine this is sometimes because it takes that person that long to work up the nerve to complain. But, there's little a manager will do for you at the end of a meal, especially if you've consumed it. Do yourself a favor and immediately report anything you don't like about your food as soon as you realize it. Unfortunately, there are some people who just aren't hungry, eat half their meal and then complain that it was bad in hopes of the manager taking the food off the bill. This seldom works. It's because of this that you need to arise any issues immediately.

Nobody wants you to be unhappy with your meal. Restaurants will appreciate the opportunity for you to try something else you may like. What they don't want is for you to not say anything, pay for the meal and leave to never come back while telling your friends it's a horrible place to go. Give the establishment an opportunity to show you they have great food. Realize not everybody is going to like a certain meal. There may be something else on the menu you'll adore. Try that.

Ask your server for a menu after sending back the dish to try something else. Ask what can be cooked quickly. Usually fish doesn't take so long. Salads won't take long either unless you top it with a poultry. If you're hungry and your dining partner has a meal in front of them, ask the server if you could have a soup or salad while your meal is cooking. They will almost 100% provide this at no cost.

Don't ever be afraid to send back a meal. You'll find that the restaurant will be more than happy to accommodate you. But, don't expect to get a meal for free in the process, either. Be courteous. Use your manners. Be open minded and try to avoid having food in front of you that you don't like by asking questions and asking for a sample.