By learning to complain politely in a restaurant, you will avoid making a scene and can correct a mistake before resuming the course of a good night out. To complain without being rude, embarrassed or difficult, you will need to act immediately, remain calm, explain your complaint clearly, and sometimes require the intervention of a superior.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: complaining about the food and service
Step 1. Take immediate action
The key to a successful complaint is to get immediate attention to the problem. This will help the restaurant staff resolve it as easily as possible. The sooner you get the staff's attention to the subject of your complaint, the sooner your problem will be resolved.
Don't complain about a dish after eating half of it, unless you realize at that point that cooking could be dangerous
Step 2. Get the server's attention
If you have to complain, raise your hand slightly, politely look for the gaze of the waiter whose attention you want to attract, call them discreetly, explain the problem to them, and ask them to resolve the situation. If your server isn't paying attention or doesn't see that you are trying to get their attention, try to get the attention of another server and explain the problem to them.
Avoid getting up from your seat to meet the waiter. You should have plenty of opportunity to grab the attention of another server or manager
Step 3. Be clear and concise
The more clearly you explain your problem, the easier it will be for restaurant staff to resolve it. Speak clearly and avoid mumbling when presenting your complaint to the waiter.
Don't try to exaggerate the problem by saying something like “I hate this”, “it's disgusting” or “I can't eat this. Instead, explain the problem as clearly as possible: "my dish is undercooked", "I asked for no cheese" or "this is not what I ordered." "
Step 4. Immediately report any illness
If, after leaving the restaurant, you suffer from food poisoning due to improper preparation of the food, immediately notify the establishment and the local health authorities or town hall.
Part 2 of 2: Consult a superior
Step 1. Ask to speak to a manager
In a restaurant, most problems are due to poor organization, insufficient training or recruitment errors. By asking to speak to a manager, you'll help the restaurant find the source of the problem as quickly as possible, whether it's your server, the kitchen, or the management team.
- After presenting your problem to your server, politely ask to speak to the manager: “I would like to speak to your manager, thank you. "
- A manager will generally have a more complete view of the operation of the establishment and can explain the reasons why you were not satisfied with the service or the food.
Step 2. Do not insist that the meal be offered to you
It will be up to the restaurant to decide how your damage will be compensated. A decent restaurant will know that it is entirely possible to use your review to give you a positive experience. However, if you think you didn't get what you paid for, such as your dish was not cooked or your food allergy was ignored, politely ask the manager for a refund.
- If your meal was not satisfactory, kindly ask the manager if you could be reimbursed or receive a voucher for a free meal. Say something like “my meat was not cooked and I would like to know what you could do. "
- Understand that the goal of the staff is not only to satisfy you, but also to retain you. The manager will want you to come back and the compensation he will offer you may surprise you.
Step 3. Stay Calm
Staying calm will help to resolve the problem quickly. The more rude and aggressive you are, the less likely the manager will be to help you. Do not automatically blame the server on the server. Realize that if you've waited too long or your dish isn't done well, it's probably the cook who is to blame rather than the waiter.
You shouldn't have any reason to raise your voice. Understand that an error can happen
Step 4. Don't resort to threats
Threatening to leave a bad rating on TripAdvisor or Yelp doesn't solve your problem. Restaurant staff and managers fully understand the value of constructive criticism. Threatening to leave a bad review will make you look aggressive and angry, and the staff won't even seek to right the wrong you have been done.
Instead of turning to Yelp or TripAdvisor, write an email to the restaurant to express your disappointment. You might be surprised at what steps the restaurant will take to make amends
Advice
- If you've had a bad experience at this restaurant previously, don't complain to your waiter of the day.
- Inform your server about your food allergies. If any of the ingredients you are allergic to is present in your meal, let your server know and gently ask for your dish to be changed.