How to Gracefully Decline at a Restaurant When Your Server Asks for Your Order

When dining at a restaurant, it can be uncomfortable if your server asks for your order without giving you enough time to decide what to eat. Here are some courteous and polite phrases and tips that can help you handle such situations without seeming rude.

Choosing the Right Words

When your server comes to take your order and you're not ready, there are several phrases that you can use to politely indicate that you need more time to make a decision.

One of the most direct and polite phrases is:

“I need a few more minutes, please.”

This phrase is concise and gives the server a clear indication that you require additional time to choose your meal. You can also say:

“Thanks, but I/we haven’t quite decided yet. I’ll/we’ll let you know when I’m/ we’re ready.” “Sorry, I am not ready yet.” “Sorry, I’m not ready yet. May I have a few more minutes, please?” “Thank you, but I haven’t decided among all these great choices. What do you recommend?”

Each of these phrases conveys your readiness to order without appearing rude or dismissive of the server’s prompt.

Polite and Respectful Communication

It’s important to remember that servers rely on timely orders to earn tips. However, diners also have the responsibility to not waste the server’s time. Here are some additional tips:

Use a pleasant tone of voice and maintain a friendly smile. This shows respect and consideration for the server. Choose something while waiting if you're still undecided. This ensures that the server is not wasting their time.

For instance, you can:

“Could we please have a few more minutes to decide?” “Could you give me/us another couple of minutes, please?”

These requests not only show politeness but also indicate your intention to place an order soon.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Here are some additional considerations when asking for more time:

Stay positive and appreciative. Even though you're taking time, acknowledge the server's time and effort. Be honest and upfront about the time you need. This helps the server to manage their schedule and deliver exceptional service. Acknowledge the server with a polite nod or a brief word of gratitude. This sets a positive tone for the interaction.

By following these guidelines, you can gracefully decline at a restaurant while ensuring that the server remains happy and efficient.

Conclusion

Dealing with the situation where your server asks for an order and you're not ready can be challenging. However, by using polite and respectful language, you can ensure a positive dining experience for both you and the server. Remember to use phrases like 'I need a few more minutes' and maintain a friendly attitude. This approach not only helps in managing the situation but also enhances the overall experience at the restaurant.