Miami University foreign exchange student Andrew Polack shares his insight into the differences between restaurant services here in Europe and back home in America

Whether it’s a night out with my friends or a quick meal to tide me over for the day, I’ve noticed a multitude of differences in the way that Europeans restaurants work when compared to those in America. From the length of the meal to the service I’ve received, restaurant culture is by far the most contrasting difference that I’ve noticed yet.

Grab ‘n’ Go vs. A night of relaxation

When I go out with my friends or family in America, I can usually bank on being out for about an hour, maybe an hour and a half with a big group. We get in, get served right away, and our food is out within twenty minutes. That leaves roughly forty more minutes to eat and engage in conversation. Before coming to Europe, I thought that was more than enough time to completely enjoy a meal.

I quickly realized that such was not the case anywhere in Europe – other than the surprising amount of kebab shops everywhere. During one of my first meals out in a restaurant near the château in Differdange I was surprised at how slow, yet enjoyable, the meal was. It allowed me to really talk to my friends and get to know them a lot better. Nobody felt rushed, and if someone had a fantastic story, they could communicate every little detail without fear of running out of time. The slower pace of the restaurants here has definitely affected how I interact with those that I enjoy my meal with.

Tipping vs. not tipping

One of the more surprising things I learned upon arriving in Europe was that very rarely is tipping accepted in restaurants. Compared to the United States where the waiting staff is paid mostly with tips, I quickly noticed differences in the way servers interact with their guests.

For one, the servers here in Europe are a lot less pesky than their American counterparts. If I want something, I am expected to flag down my waiter and ask for it, rather than waiting two minutes for my waiter to make their usual and repetitive rounds. This leads to an uninterrupted dining experience, and this practice definitely has the chance to be the number one thing I’ll miss about Europe.

When the waiters here interact with the guests, it seems to be in a more personal way than I’ve experienced in America. Every time I’ve entered a restaurant this semester, I am greeted with smiling faces, warm welcomes, and the occasional handshake. Compared to the get-in-get-out mentality in the States, I find myself wishing that more American establishments would take some notes.

Overall, I think both sides of the restaurant culture have their own perks and downfalls. In America, where I’m usually busy 24/7, I definitely appreciate the speedy way that restaurants conduct their business. However, being here in Europe where I can afford to spend a couple hours with great company, I truly don’t mind the laid back approach to dining.

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