by Amelia Schaffer

Created on: January 30, 2011   Last Updated: January 31, 2011

Knowing how to complain about bad food politely is important when you're dining out. You shouldn't be nervous to complain that your food isn't right - but you also shouldn't feel like you need to make a scene in order to be taken seriously. Stating your problems with the food promptly and politely will help you find a solution to your problem.

1. Complain as soon as you know something's wrong.

When you realize that your food is bad, signal for a waiter immediately. If you eat half your meal before you can work up the courage to complain, you might come across as someone trying to scam the restaurant for free food. Don't shout to get the waiter's attention; signal with your hand or say "excuse me" when the waiter comes by your table. (This is good practice for dining out in general, not just when you're complaining about bad food.)

2. State exactly what the problem is.

Don't just tell the waiter that the food is "bad" - say exactly what's bad about it. Is your meat undercooked? Is the food cold? Do the ingredients not match the description on the menu? Do you simply not like the food? If you complain about bad food in polite, precise terms, the waiter will have an easier time responding to your complaints.

3. Offer a reasonable solution.

Before you talk to a waiter, figure out the best way to solve the problem with your bad food. For instance, if a steak isn't cooked to your order, you might ask to have it remade. If a dish wasn't as described on the menu, you might ask for a replacement. If a dish wasn't cooked properly, you might ask to have it removed from your bill. Make sure the solution is a reasonable response to your complaint about the bad food. For example, don't demand to have a dish comped if it just wasn't to your personal taste.

4. Be calm and firm.

Don't raise your voice or use an impolite tone, even if the waiter isn't helpful. The waiter may simply not be authorized to make changes to your bill. If you don't get a helpful response, calmly ask to speak to the manager. If you run into trouble, don't back down, become apologetic, or say that it's not a big deal. Getting bad food when dining out is a problem that the staff should handle as politely as you are. If the manager isn't helpful, either, try to get the owner's contact information to make a direct complaint.

5. Don't stiff your waiter.

When you're dining out, any complaints you have about bad food are the fault of the kitchen, not the waiter. Don't hold the waiter responsible for bad food - or the bad actions of a manager - by tipping poorly.

Sources:

Them Apples: Do You Complain in Restaurants?
Peace of Mind Hotel: How to Complain about Bad Food Politely 

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