Dining out at your favorite restaurant is an excellent way to spend quality time with family and friends. Even if you have a special diet or particular palate, you should never be afraid to make sure the food is perfect. Here are some basic questions you can ask waiters to guarantee every meal is prepared to your liking.

A Guide to Asking Questions at a Restaurant

What ingredients are in this dish?

Menus generally don’t list every single ingredient, as this becomes too wordy and can turn customers away from particular options. If you have a diet, allergy, or food intolerance that prevents you from eating certain ingredients, always clarify with the waiter about what the chef uses in your order. For example, if you have a gluten intolerance, ask about gluten-free options and the restaurant's protocol for preventing cross-contamination.

Is this dish large enough to be shared?

Sharing a meal with loved ones is always more fun. However, you don’t want to order a dish for the whole table, only to see that it’s a single meal when the waiter arrives. Even if the dish looks or sounds big on the menu, ask your server how many people could split it. This will help you determine how many orders you’ll need to place so that everyone gets a fair share.

How do you prepare this item?

Eating healthier doesn’t mean you can’t dine out—you just need to prepare. Look for menu items that say grilled, steamed, roasted, or poached, as these tend to be healthier options than fried foods, resulting in less fat and calories. Also, ask your server how the chef prepares the dish. Even if the cooking method is healthy, the chef might add butter, salt, or fat for flavor.

What do you recommend?

If you're unsure what to order, always inquire with your waiter about their favorite dish. Unless they’re new, most waiters have tried just about everything on the menu and know which dishes are the tastiest or most popular. With a personal staff recommendation, you can be sure to receive a satisfying, delicious meal.
 

If you’re ready for a unique and delicious dining experience, visit Sufi’s Kitchen in Atlanta, GA. With a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, this Persian restaurant is the ideal spot for date nights, family dinners, gatherings with friends, and office outings. Their friendly staff is happy to answer any questions about their menu and will guide you to the best dish for your tastes. To make a reservation, call (404) 888-9699. Visit them online to view the menu.