by Mary Rose-Sellers

Created on: October 30, 2010

Different countries have different customs and ethics while eating out.  Here in the US we tend to eat out because of necessity.  Generally, we work long hours and we don’t have the time to cook.  So we decide to go to a restaurant, rush through our meal, and go home and get organized for the next day. 

Other countries have a different view of eating out.  Most European countries eat out for fun, not necessity.  They tend to enjoy the time they are out with friends and family without rushing through their meal. 

Here are a few countries and their customs while eating out.

Greece

In Greece food is considered the nectar of the gods.  People in Greece enjoy eating as much as enjoying a day in the beach.  When Greeks decide to go out to eat, it is a big deal for them.  They never rush through their meal.  They enjoy every morsel they put in their mouths.  Restaurants or tavernas, as they call them in Greece, are very popular.  The meals are mainly small plates or meze (appetizers) of different types of foods.  Greeks order an array of small dishes along with a small carafe of ouzo and slowly enjoy the food, while talking and socializing with their companions.  They can spend hours sitting in a taverna while eating and watching passersby’s.  Restaurants, tavernas or bistros usually have sidewalk tables by the water or by a narrow street where passerby’s walk for pleasure while the patrons of the restaurant enjoy the view of the water or watch the people walking. 

Italy

Italians enjoy food as much as Greeks do.  The only difference is that Italians have a seven course meal instead of small appetizer plates like the Greeks.  Their meals are prolonged, taking their time between courses to enjoy every single dish.  Bread and olive oil is the first course.  Butter is not offered with bread.  Then comes the salad or soup followed by pasta or rice.  The main course consists of meat with potato or vegetables as a side dish.  The desert can either be fruit with cheese or some delectable Italian desert, like tiramisu.  The waiter will offer coffee/espresso or an after dinner drink.  But he will never offer a cappuccino as an after dinner drink since Italians drink it only in the morning.  As with Greeks, Italian waiters will never bring you the bill until you ask for it.  The gratuity is already included on the

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