Do most restaurants honor special requests?

Question

If I go to a restaurant and I want to order, say, steamed broccoli but its not on the menu, will they make it for me if I ask? What about plain grilled chicken? Do you think this will be a problem?

Answer 1

I work in a restaurant, and our policy is "If we have it you can have it". Restaurants want repeat business, and if they cater to you, then you will be back. People are watching what they eat more, and restaurants are understanding that. It doesn't hurt to ask!!!!

Answer 2

If they have the food to make it with I think they'll honor it, but if not, don't expect them to hit the grocery store for you - that's not what they're there for.

Answer 3

If they have all the items there then I think they would do it for you.  There would be no problem getting a plain grilled chicken.

Answer 4

Always always always call ahead to see if restaurants will honor special requests. Asking at the time of ordering will put a delay in MANY things.

Calling ahead and letting the restaurant know about your reservation & allegies/restrictions will help speed along the process. Something simple as steamed brocolli or grilled chicken shouldn't be turned down, but I've worked for chefs who get really cranky when folks don't respect their menu.

Answer 5

It all depends, if the restaurant has the items you are asking for they may be able to accommodate you. If they don't have broccoli on the menu, though, it's highly unlikely that they have it in the kitchen.

It also depends on the kind of restaurant, many will have it plainly marked on the menu that they do not take special requests. And in any higher-end establishment it is considered an insult to the chef to ask for items that aren't on the menu, some chefs are offended if customers ask for a salt shaker.

I would advise that you call ahead and find out what the restaurant's policy is. But, if you really want steamed broccoli and plain chicken and it isn't on the menu, stay home and cook it yourself. You go to restaurants to eat the food they serve, after all, your mother isn't working in the kitchen. And don't blame the waiter for not helping you, if the kitchen won't make something, or can't make something, there is nothing the server can do about it.

Answer 6

Alot depends on communication level between kitchen and service staff.  If the kitchen is a typical bunch of thugs, the dainty servers are usually afraid to ask.  Also depends on managers training,,,I always say take care of guests, no matter what.  Someone comes in at 9pm and wants an omlet, give it to them.  Depends on servers perception of guests as well,,,if you are a repeat customer who doesn't tip well, no servers want to go that extra mile..."nothing is free".  Restaurants depend on repeat guests and word of mouth, so if you leave happy you on average will tell 3 people, if you leave upset, you on average will tell 8 people.  Bottom line, if it is a normal request,,,sub veg, add onions, no cheese, steamed instead of grilled etc,,no biggy.

Answer 7

most likely they wont some time they will like you can substitute something they have available for something you dint want. some high class restraint wont let you make your own menu

Answer 8

Restaurant managers generally aren't bothered when it comes fixing a more healthy meal for you. Honestly though, it depends on what the server is willing to do. If you have a server with a bad attitude then he/she will be too lazy and rude to make it happen. Most of the time though reasonable accommodations can be made for you.