Eating out should be a fun experience, but sometimes your choice on the menu can send the wrong message without you realizing it. You might think you’re playing it safe or sticking with something familiar, but some orders can actually frustrate chefs or make you look out of touch with the restaurant’s style.
Knowing which dishes to avoid can help you make better decisions and get the most out of your dining experience. When you understand what chefs find embarrassing to order, you can skip those awkward moments and enjoy your meal like a pro.
Asking for a well-done steak at a steakhouse
When you ask for a well-done steak, you’re telling the chef to cook out almost all the natural juices and flavor. This often results in a tough, dry piece of meat.
Chefs usually prefer their steaks cooked to medium or less to keep the texture tender and juicy. If you really can’t handle any pink, consider medium instead—it still keeps some moisture without going overboard.
Some chefs might find the request frustrating because it limits how well they can showcase the quality of the cut you ordered. But at the end of the day, it’s your meal, so order what you want.
Requesting ketchup with gourmet dishes
Asking for ketchup with fancy or gourmet dishes usually raises eyebrows. These meals are crafted with specific flavors in mind, and ketchup can overpower or clash with them.
Many chefs quietly keep ketchup on hand but expect diners to enjoy the dish as intended. If you really want ketchup, it’s best to ask politely and understand it’s not part of the original experience.
So, while you can ask, be aware it might be seen as missing the point of the dish. Sometimes, trying the meal first without ketchup shows respect for the chef’s craft.
Ordering a complicated burger with numerous substitutions
When you order a burger with a long list of changes, it can slow down the kitchen. Chefs often find it frustrating because it interrupts the flow and can lead to mistakes.
Your server might get annoyed too, especially when you make several modifications. It’s usually better to keep it simple or stick close to the original menu.
If you really need changes, try to limit them and be clear. This way, your burger still tastes great without causing too much hassle behind the scenes.
Asking if the chef can “make it healthy” with vague instructions
When you tell a chef to just “make it healthy,” it can leave them guessing what you actually want. Healthy means different things to different people.
Maybe you want less salt, fewer carbs, or no oil. Without specifics, the chef might struggle to adjust the dish properly.
Clear requests like “go easy on the salt” or “skip the cheese” help chefs serve you better. Vague orders can slow down the kitchen or lead to a meal that’s not quite what you hoped for.
Requesting a super rare steak but cooked in a style that doesn’t work
If you ask for a super rare steak but want it cooked in a style that requires more heat, you’re putting the chef in a tough spot. Some cuts just don’t hold up well at ultra-rare temperatures.
For example, certain methods like Pittsburgh-style are tricky to do well without overcooking the outside or undercooking the inside.
If you want your steak very rare, stick to cooking styles that highlight that doneness. Otherwise, you risk ending up with something neither rare nor properly cooked.
Demanding exactly how the dish is prepared or arguing with the server
When you insist on every little detail about how your dish is made, it can slow down the kitchen and frustrate the staff. Chefs have their way of preparing meals that works best for taste and efficiency.
Arguing with the server about your order is awkward for everyone. Servers want to help, but pushing too hard or questioning their knowledge can make the experience tense. Try to be polite and trust their expertise instead.
