English People: I've been invited to this dinner and?

Question

There's eight of us. We're like co-workers. It's at some Italian restaurant. They're all white English people. I'm Indian. I'm kinda nervous as I've never actually eaten out before, especially in these types of restaurants. So I'd like to know, what can I expect? What's the usual etiquette/culture how English people eat in restaurants? Can you explain to me about Starters, Main, Dessert, etc.

Thanks for any help.

And what would the dress code be like?

Answer 1

Dress code - wear what you'd wear to meet a relative - smart, yet casual. You already know about starters and main courses etc so you'll be fine there. English people are very much like Indian people, relax and have fun! On a few points of etiquette, don't start eating as soon as your food arrives, wait until everyone has got theres. When the bill arrives offer to pay your share (the total bill divided by the number of people) rather than pay for what you've had. If nervous, just hold back a few seconds and watch what everyone else does, and copy! Have a nice time!

Answer 2

I'd have thought that the dress is likely to be smart casual, but ask your co-workers what they intend to wear, as a guide.

Just keep an eye on what others are doing for a general guide as to behaviour.

If in doubt and you feel the need to, just ask. Nobody will mind, and will, in all probability have empathy for your position - all of us went to our first restaurant meal at some point, after all!!

Relax as much as you can, and have a really good evening. I feel sure you will.

Answer 3

Don't be anxious, just enjoy yourself.  It's an informal occasion.  Usually, you wait until all your friends have their food in front of them before you start eating, unless someone says 'No, do start eating before it begins to get cold' = that is OK.  I never eat dessert, but that isn't a problem at all.  I order a starter and a main, get some wine (quite a few people do that!), and honestly if you all get on well together, just enjoy all the random conversations and subjects of discussion.  Dress code is usually informal but certainly not scruffy - you know the type of thing.  Try to talk to everyone at some point if you can.  If you're not sure what to order, ask the waiter, or even better, one of your friends you're dining with.

ENJOY YOURSELF!

Answer 4

Just observe what everyone else does and follow along.  Since you are from India, they will expect you to order the spiciest thing on the menu and you should tell them how very bland it is. :-)  I've found that my non-English co-workers don't have much trouble blending in well at all, but I work for a global company, so that helps.  

If you're not sure of the dress code, just ask one of your co-workers what they plan to wear.

Answer 5

Its no big deal its just dinner! You should wear smart/casuak clothes unlessits saturday then a bit more dressed up. you order from the menu but only the main meal is really necessary, see if everyone else wants a starter its just the little snack before the mail meal. You really need to use your knife and fork unless its pizza but still... most people use a knife and fork for that as well, I know asian people normally don't use them. Anyway you basically just sit there eating and chatting, see what everyone else does

Answer 6

well you need some black smart trousers and then you need a white blouse then you need a black smart top then  some black shoes

starters is your first meal then you go on to the next meal then you go onto the next one then you are finished and by the way just eat how you would with a knife and fork dont worry how they eat i didnt at my first diner with my colegues