Plus, a few other service secrets you may have guessed but couldn’t have known. Until now.
Why does the waiter take away your menu?
Dreadful ‘Decision Dilemma’
Not having it still with you helps ward off any negative doubts creeping in about your order. If you keep looking at the menu, you may start second-guessing what you want. Do not give in to that temptation. I repeat, do not give in to that temptation. It is at this point that you are supposed to relax, and by that I mean, pick up your phone and start scrolling.
How fast the tables turn…over
When your waiter removes the menu, it’s not just a charming display of hospitality; it’s a subtle nudge to hurry up and get on with your meal. This signals to you, the diner, that the time for contemplating is over and that the next phase—eating, talking, and eventually leaving—is upon you.

You may savour the moment, the company, and the food

The closure your ex won’t give you but restaurants will
Why waiters refill water unprompted
Next time you’re dining at your favorite spot, take a moment to observe how often your server checks in and refills your glass. Count how many times you find yourself sipping air instead of quenching your thirst. It could be a simple way to appreciate the service and leave a good Yelp review.
Clearing empty plates before everyone is done
It’s a subtle segue to the next act—be it dessert or the bill. And isn’t that what we’re all waiting for?
Why some waiters use a notepad and others, their memory
In high-end establishments, a waiter’s ability to recite your order without writing it down is supposed to impress you. And impressed, all of us certainly are. However, in crowded eateries, the notepad becomes a practical and necessary tool—because nothing kills the mood faster than someone getting your order wrong and you not having the heart to report it.
