When you’re dining out, choosing the right dish can make a big difference in your experience. Sometimes the best approach isn’t just about what looks good on the menu but knowing which items to skip.
Restaurant staff have insider knowledge on what dishes might disappoint or cause issues, helping you avoid common ordering mistakes. Paying attention to their advice can save you time, money, and a less-than-great meal.
Seafood platters with questionable freshness
When you order a seafood platter, you’re often getting a mix of different items. The risk? Some parts might not be as fresh as others.
Since seafood spoils quickly, restaurants might rely on frozen or older ingredients to fill out these platters.
If you want freshness, it’s better to order simpler dishes that focus on one type of seafood. That way, you know what you’re getting won’t be a mixed bag.
Well-done steak that hides quality
Ordering a well-done steak can actually hide the quality of the meat. When cooked this long, the steak loses tenderness and flavor, making it tough to enjoy.
You’re basically asking the chef to cook all the character right out of a good piece of meat. It’s not just about preference—it’s about how the texture changes when the proteins contract tightly.
If you want to taste the quality, aim for at least medium rare. That way, you’ll experience the natural juiciness and flavor the cut was meant to have.
Salads with pre-cut ingredients
If you order a salad with pre-cut veggies or fruits, you might be taking a bigger risk than you realize. These ingredients can lose freshness quickly and sometimes aren’t cleaned as thoroughly as you’d hope.
Salads with pre-cut produce also tend to have less flavor and crunch compared to fresh, whole ingredients.
If you want a salad that actually tastes fresh and crisp, it’s better to skip the pre-cut stuff. Going for salads made from whole, fresh veggies is usually a safer and more satisfying choice.
Mass-produced desserts
When you order dessert at many restaurants, especially chains, it’s often not made fresh on site. Instead, these sweets usually come from a factory, frozen and reheated before serving.
This means what you get might lack that homemade taste and texture you’re hoping for. Cheesecakes, lava cakes, and basic cakes are common offenders.
If you want something genuinely tasty, look for places that make desserts in-house. Otherwise, you’re probably just paying for a fancy decoration on something pre-made.
Chicken dishes that are overcooked
When you order chicken at most restaurants, chances are it might come out overcooked. Chefs often avoid ordering it because kitchens tend to cook chicken longer to be safe, which can dry it out.
Overcooked chicken loses flavor and texture, making it less enjoyable. If you want chicken, look for places known for handling it well or choose dishes where chicken is cooked gently, like in stews or grilled salads.
Otherwise, you might be better off skipping it and trying something less likely to be overdone.
Buffet items left out too long
You should be cautious about buffet items that have been sitting out for a while. Foods like shrimp and salads with mayo or sour cream can spoil quickly if not kept properly chilled.
Prime rib and pizza often get overexposed to heat lamps, making them dry, tough, or soggy. These leftovers don’t taste great and might not be safe if left too long.
If you’re unsure how long something has been out, it’s better to skip it. Freshly made or made-to-order options are usually your safest bet.