This is how to return food

‘Are you really going to send that back?’ Imagine a raised eyebrow and pure shock here. That’s how a friend looked at me. Yes, of course, I thought. I’m paying eighty euros for a dinner, so it should at least taste good. Now I have a career in the hospitality industry, so I know how it works. But for those who are hesitant and still want to: the tips from our neighbors.

‘Did you enjoy it?’ asks the staff while your plate is only half empty. ‘It was delicious,’ you say like a farmer with a toothache. Actually, you just wanted to send that overcooked steak back, but you’re a coward. With these tips, you might have a bit more courage next time.

There are enough people who send food back just for the sake of sending it back. People who want to let the staff know how critical they are and how much they know about food. Whatever you do, make sure you never become that person (also known as the jerk). Still, it can happen that something is really wrong with your food. Then it’s better to let them know so the staff can think about a solution and ensure it doesn’t happen again with the next guest. This is how you do it best.

Be clear

Why do you want to send something back? Is your brownie too dry, the soup too salty, or the sauce curdled? Be as specific as possible about what’s wrong with the dish. If you give targeted feedback, the kitchen can do something about it next time.

Be honest

Can you not specify a reason, but just don’t like it? That’s possible, but just honestly indicate that you had different expectations. Even if it’s ‘your own fault’ that you don’t like it, for example, because you overlooked that there was fennel on the menu, which you really hate.

It may also be that your taste doesn’t match that of the restaurant. Do you always eat very low in salt and have you ended up in a restaurant where everything is very flavorful? Then still mention it, so the kitchen can try to make your next dish less salty.

Be friendly

We already established that you don’t want to become that one jerk. So always remain friendly when sending something back. No matter how annoying, it’s never the fault of the staff that your chicken is still raw. It is the staff’s responsibility to respond appropriately and possibly ensure that you get a dish that you are completely happy with as quickly as possible. Do you see someone handling it very well and doing their utmost to resolve it as quickly as possible? Then leave a good tip.