We're going to an expensive, highly-rated expensive restaurant this weekend.The bill won't be a problem but...

Question

The tipping protocol scares me. Do I tip the maitre d' separately from what I will add to the bill? If so, how is that accomplished? Will he be expecting something as he seats us? Etc, etc?

Please help.

http://www.oliverbonacini.com/aubergemovie.html

Answer 1

you are so young that he will not expect that much 10.00 spot should do it unless a plate is like 50.00 or so them more would be good  have a good time and don't worry call ahead and ask them also ask if the meal is pre tipped some do

Answer 2

depends on the place, get there early and watch what other people are doing

Answer 3

First off, I would never tip below 15 percent, even for lunch. That is 15 percent for the the server though. I usually just give at least 20 percent, which is very easy to calculate. The Maitre d' is normally making a regular hourly wage at a higher rate than the servers. If you feel the need to tip him/her I would say 5 to 10 dollars would be more than enough. I probably wouldn't unless they do something special for you or you have heard that they expect a tip at this particular restaurant. I would have cash ready and give it to them right after you are seated.

Answer 4

Rule of the thumb: depending on the services, 10% to 15% for lunch.  15% - 20% for dinner.  Be sure you tip base on the total meal cost without tax.  A lot of people tip base on the overall cost including tax.

Answer 5

1.  Keep in mind that a maitre d' usually receives no tip, except a smile, unless he or she performs an extra service such as changing your table, wrangling you a great window table or bringing in that diamond ring on command.



2.  Tip $5 to $10, depending on the above - more if you feel especially generous. If you're a regular patron of the restaurant, tip the maitre d' every few visits.



3.  Make the exchange seamless. The money should be surreptitiously passed in a handshake or small, minor exchange.



4.  Remember that a stingy tip could affect the service you receive in the future.

Answer 6

I have been to several of Oliver Bonacini's Restaurants, including Canoe (fantastic, I might add!) and we did not tip the Maitre d'. It is common practice that they will get a percentage of evening tips from the servers. The only time you might want to tip a Maitre d' is if they go out of their way to make something happen for you...Special seating, miraculously finding an open reservation for you... that kind of thing.