Skip to content
Search
Cuisine Noir Magazine
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • Events
  • Print
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Videos
    • CN Review
    • Donate
Cuisine Noir Magazine
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • CN Review
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
  • Events
  • Black Wineries
  • Videos
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
Search
Cuisine Noir Magazine
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • Events
  • Print
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Videos
    • CN Review
    • Donate
Cuisine Noir Magazine
  • Food & Drink
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Recipes
  • Book Grub
  • CN Review
  • Marketplace
  • Print
  • The Culinary Scoop (blog)
  • Events
  • Black Wineries
  • Videos
Support Our Work - Donate
Support Our Work - Donate

How to Proper Send a Meal Back

Restaurant - When to send a meal back
Photo credit: iStock
August 31, 2012
Tina Hayes
Share this article
       

Is it appropriate to send a meal back in a restaurant?  What will happen if you send your meal back?  If you are dissatisfied with a meal, should you expect to receive it free?

It is definitely acceptable to send a meal back if it was not what you ordered or not prepared as requested.  In a situation where you are served an incorrect meal, served an over or under-cooked dish, spoiled foods or dish with foreign objects, do not hesitate to return the meal.

When and How to Send a Meal Back
  • If a dish does not taste the way you expect it should or you incorrectly ordered your selection, I suggest you think twice before returning it.  Can you tolerate it? Is it really that bad? If you decide to send it back, apologize for your error and offer to pay for a substitute meal if it was just not to your liking.  Most restaurants will not charge you to change your meal, therefore show your gratitude by leaving a generous tip.
  • Notify the wait staff as soon as you realize there is a problem with your selection.  Never eat more than one or two bites before you decide to return it.
  • The way in which you send food back is important.  Stay calm, be polite and use a friendly tone.  When notifying the wait staff of a problem, let them know exactly how you would like the problem rectified.  Do you want another complete meal cooked from scratch, your meal fixed or a completely different dish?
  • Even though orders that are sent back take priority in the kitchen, insist that your dining companions begin eating their meals.  If you are ordering a different meal, I recommend requesting a dish that is quick to prepare.

RELATED: Business Meal Etiquette

The top priority in most restaurants is customer satisfaction.  Satisfied customers result in increased profits.  Again, don’t be afraid to send food back for legitimate reasons.  It is a myth that restaurants encourage or allow their staff to sabotage food.

The restaurant would not be in business long if it was discovered that this type of practice was permitted.  Most restaurants want to meet or exceed their customers’ expectations regarding food and service which will leave them wanting to come back again.

  • under Food & Drink Rhonda McCullough-Gilmore: Memories of Bernie Mac & Cooking with Love
  • South Boston chef Lambert Givens
    under Black Chefs , Food & Drink Executive Chef Lambert Givens Perfects Passion for Comfort Cooking in South Boston
  • JJ Williams and his daughters on the show "Bring It"
    under Food & Drink The New Breakout Culinary Star of Lifetime’s “Bring It” Series, JJ Williams
  • 2023 NFL Top Draft pick Bryce Young
    under Food & Drink SNICKERS® Ice Cream Partners with 2023 NFL Draft Pick Bryce Young
Share this article
Tina Hayes

Tina is the founder and owner of The School of Etiquette and Decorum in Antioch, CA. She is a passionate instructor dedicated to providing quality and professional etiquette training.

Related Articles

Loading...
Kitchen designer Caren Rideau
Food & Drink Lifestyle

Kitchen Designer Caren Rideau Creates Spaces Inspired by Food, Culture and Wine

Lifestyle

Tips on Throwing a Successful Dinner Party

Bay area entrepreneur Shonda Scott
Lifestyle

Food and Family are Recipe to Shonda Scott’s Community Connections

Be the first to know about the latest online, industry updates, world news, events and promotions that connect the African diaspora through food, drink and travel.

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertising

    #IAmCuisineNoir

    This site participates in affiliate programs. See our full disclosure for more information.

    Copyright© 2023 Cuisine Noir and The Global Food and Drink Initiative. Privacy
    Site by ACS Digital

    Any unauthorized duplication, download or reprint of images or content from this website for promotional or commercial use is strictly prohibited without written permission from The Global Food and Drink Initiative. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Trademark pending.

    YES!  We’re excited you are signing up too!  

    Get ready to receive our weekly newsletter about:

    • New articles online
    • World news and industry happenings throughout the African Diaspora
    • Mouthwatering recipes
    • Promotions and giveaways

    Right in your inbox!