10 Odd Things Europeans Do in Restaurants That Confuse Americans

Save to Find It Later!

10 Odd Things Europeans Do in Restaurants That Confuse Americans

When Americans dine out in Europe, they often find themselves puzzled by some dining practices that are quite different from back home. From paying for every slice of bread to the absence of ice in drinks, there’s a lot to adapt to. Let’s explore these unique European restaurant habits that can be quite baffling for those visiting from the States. Understanding these can make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable when you’re traveling across the pond.

1. Charging for water

In many European countries, don’t expect a free glass of tap water like you usually get in American restaurants. Here, water is often considered a regular beverage that you have to order and pay for, just like a soda or a glass of wine. You’ll also get to choose between sparkling or still water. For locals, paying for water is a standard practice, but it can catch Americans off-guard who are used to complimentary water.

2. Paying for ketchup

Yes, in some European eateries, even ketchup isn’t free! If you’re someone who loves drowning your fries in ketchup, you might be surprised to find that in many places across Europe, you’ll need to pay extra for your condiment packets. This charge might seem odd for many Americans who are used to free-flowing ketchup at no additional cost.

3. Taking long meals

In Europe, dining is not just about eating; it’s about enjoying the experience and the company. Meals can extend for several hours, especially dinners. This leisurely pace allows everyone to relax, chat, and savor their food without feeling rushed. It’s a significant shift from the American style of quick dining, and it may require some patience if you’re used to eating and running.

4. No ice in drinks

If you order a soft drink or water in Europe, don’t be surprised when it arrives at room temperature or only mildly chilled. Europeans generally do not use ice in their drinks as much as Americans do. This preference can be puzzling for visitors who are accustomed to ice-cold beverages.

5. Tipping lightly or not at all

In the United States, tipping is a major part of the dining culture, often around 15-20% of the bill. However, in many parts of Europe, the service charge is usually included in the bill already. Therefore, tipping isn’t expected, and when done, it’s usually smaller, more like rounding up to the nearest euro.

6. Eating late

In several European countries like Spain and Italy, eating dinner around 9 or 10 PM is perfectly normal. This later dining schedule aligns with the laid-back lifestyle and late sunsets, especially in the summer. For Americans used to eating dinner by 6 PM, this can be a surprising shift.

7. Silent restaurants

Loud conversations and boisterous laughter that are common in American dining settings might be frowned upon in many European restaurants. The dining atmosphere tends to be more subdued, making it important for visitors to keep their conversation at a quieter level.

8. Bread isn’t free

Unlike in many American restaurants where a complimentary bread basket is a common starter, in Europe, you might be charged for every piece of bread you eat. This practice helps reduce food waste and covers the cost of these freshly baked goods.

9. Separate checks aren’t common

Splitting the bill at the end of a meal isn’t as common in Europe as it is in the U.S. Asking for separate checks can sometimes even be seen as rude. Instead, one person will often pay the whole bill, and friends settle among themselves later.

10. No coffee with meals

While Americans might sip on coffee alongside their meals, in Europe, coffee is considered a treat to enjoy after the meal. Espresso or cappuccino is typically served after dessert, marking the end of the dining experience. This practice highlights the leisurely pace and distinct separation of meal courses in European dining.