If the food is self-serve, does that imply it's a buffett-style?

Question

Does there have to be a sign saying "limit take one" or something in order to indicate it's not a buffett style serving? How can you tell whether a self-serve is a buffett or not?

(what I mean by buffett is unlimited supply....you can go back in line and take more)

Answer 1

Normally, yes you can go back in line and get more in a party setting if it is self-serve. It's considered rude though to do so until the last guest has served themselves their first course. There is normally no chef preparing more food so you have to be considerate of others.

Answer 2

Just go with the flow, if everyone's doing it go ahead but if only the 8 year olds at the other table are doing it I wouldn't recommend it.

Answer 3

In most restaurants if you have to serve yourself then it's generally a buffet. You may serve yourself as many times as you like.

Answer 4

If it is a restaurant, you are usually invited to have as much as you like.  In a personal party situation, I take just one portion of what I would like.  Then, after everyone has been served and there is more food left you should be free to go back and have more.  This is very true at weddings and such.

Answer 5

If you are not supplied with a clean plate by the waitstaff, or clean plates are not readily available the you must assume that the portion you served yourself is it.

Most 'all-you-can-eat' buffets advertise themselves as such to draw a crowd.  A give away would be the price, if you feel that you choice was reasonably priced, then it is a single service.  All you can eat buffet usually charge a few dollars more to make up for those who eat a days (or more) worth of calories at one sitting.