Get VIP Service from a Restaurant

Do you ever wonder if when you go out to eat, you are really enjoying the best service that the maître d' has to offer? Discover how you can impress whoever you are with every time and be treated like royalty at no additional cost.

Steps

  1. Call the restaurant in advance to book your reservation over the phone.
  2. Go in to meet the maître d', the head waiter and sometimes the person that will be greeting you when you come in and introduce yourself a few hours before your reservation. Make sure that they know your name, when you will be arriving and the name of your guest.
  3. Pay in advance. In order to deal quietly with the unpleasant nature of bills and waiting for them, many restaurants will allow for you to give your credit card number, positively identify yourself, and sign for the bill before you have eaten dinner. This way once you are finished you can simply walk out with your date, client, co-worker, or whoever is lucky enough to enjoy dinner with you this evening.
  4. Include a 15 - 25% tip in advance, depending upon the quality of the dining establishment you are going to. With the tip already known beforehand, you should get one of their finer waiters. Be aware of the customs of the country you are in. In America, tips are expected and not included. Elsewhere, consult an up to date travel guide. When in doubt, ask if the service charge is included.
  5. Place a call to confirm your reservations and that the maître d' will be greeting you when you come in along with your guest. People, no matter who they are, enjoy being recognized and appreciated - except in rare instances.
  6. Befriend your server. Remember that it is important to be a good guest in a restaurant. Ask your server what their name is, introduce yourself and your guests if the server doesn't already know your name(s). If you're not familiar with the place, be sure to ask the server for suggestions as to what is good and what is popular.
  7. Enjoy your meal and bask in the looks of approval that you are given from other dinner guests as you walk in as if this restaurant is your personal country club.
  8. Cultivate your restaurants. Be a regular customer at a "slow" time, perhaps stopping by regularly for dessert and coffee or to pick up a little treat to go. Even in upscale circles, any restaurant that will not seat you during a slow time for anything less than a full meal is not worth patronizing. This will allow you to become familiar with the waitstaff and allow them to get to know you as a good customer. Be sure to continually tip well if tipping is customary. Regular patrons with a reputation for generous tipping will be noted and receive good service. It is even more impressive when you receive favorable looks of recognition at every turn.

Tips

  • If there is an issue or a problem with your food or service, be pleasant with the staff. Being rude does not get you better service, particularly if it is a restaurant that you frequent. The wait staff will avoid you like the plague.
  • If you like the meal or service make sure you fill out a comment card (if present) or talk to the maître d'/waiter about it on your way out.
  • The above steps are only to be used at upscale restaurants. Following the aforementioned steps at fast food restaurants such as, McDonalds, Burger King or Applebee's may result in confusion and embarrassment.
  • Put a nice review of the restaurant and the names of the people on Yelp.com
  • Get to know the chef if possible, she may send out some free appetizers or maybe a dish she is working on for next weeks special.
  • Eating at the bar is a great way to get to know the staff since they have to pickup their drinks for their other tables.

Warnings

  • Avoid mentioning money to staff or your guests while going to dinner. By neglecting to follow the steps above and simply saying, within earshot of your guest, "There's a crisp $5 bill in my pocket with your name on it if you can take us to the best table in the house" not only demeans the position of the waiters serving you, but detracts from the dining experience of your guest as well. Treat these people as friends and they will do the same. The "golden rule" applies.
  • The use of money, however, might not be as bad of an idea if you fold a $20 3 times, put in your hand, and shake hands with the maître d' as you enter to be seated. It's a much more discreet way of politely asking for good service. Just use discretion.

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