Proper restaurant etiquette?

Question

What is proper etiquette when you see someone you know at a restaurant? Do you have to say hello, "should you" say hello, or is it okay to leave without speaking?

Answer 1

It depends; if you see them and they see you and you both know eachother well, then I suppose you can wave hello or go to their table.

If you see them and they don't see you and it it just an acquaintance, then I would pretend I didn't see them.

You really wouldn't need to take action unless you see eachother.

Answer 2

I think it completely depends on your relationship with the person.  If it is an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend and they are obviously on a date, you should definitely ignore.  If you cannot ignore than maybe give a quick nod and smile as you walk by, but do not speak unless they speak to you first (and say something nice and non-confrontational).  

If it is a close friend (someone you exchange birthday gifts with) or a family member you should definitely say hello!  

If it is an aquaintance (someone you see every now and then) just give them a nod and smile and wait for their reaction.  Your instincts should lead you from there.  

Answer 3

If you don't wish to speak for some reason, you can always just leave pretending you didn't see them. Otherwise it would be proper to walk by the table and say hello, but don't carry on a long conversation or interrupt their meal. If they ask you to sit, you can decide what you want to do. Personally, I wouldn't sit. I'd just say hi, and say I will give them a call if I wanted to talk more.  

Answer 4

you should say hey ****** whats going on??

Answer 5

You can say a lot with just your eyes, Well not so much for me, but most people. Just a glance of acknowledgement is enough, maybe a small hand gesture. Dining is a private matter with some people, better to under do it than over.

Answer 6

Let them say Hi to you first. If they don't ignore them and dont look there way!i

Answer 7

I'm guessing that perhaps you don't want to say anything?  In that case, hope they don't see you, LOL.

No, seriously, if you don't want to go over, you can just nod in their direction and smile while you give a quick wave as you make eye-contact, break eye contact after they acknowledge you.  Says you saw them, did the niceties and busy with the person you are with (provided you are with someone).  You can go say hello, make it breif, say you'll catch up with them another time you have an appointment or whatever (movie to catch) and don't want to run late.

If you don't notice them until on the way out you can still do the smile nod in their direction though they may feel slighted (or relieved, LOL) - or you can go over real quick say hey, good to see ya' sorry can't stay to chat we're on our way to... whatever.

Sometimes the other party is just as relieved you didn't chat as you are, LOL.

Answer 8

A nod or wave of acknowledgment would be sufficient.

Answer 9

It is polite to acknowledge someone you know when spotted out in public.  

Answer 10

I say go with the flow... Make eye contact maybe gesture a little non-verbal "hello" or something.  If they seem to want to talk, take it from there.  But if they smile then look away, leave it at that.  Maybe they're on a "special date" or maybe they're breaking up and don't want interruption.  Like I said.. You should play it by ear.