DO’s and DON’Ts in Russia - In a restaurant

DO’s

• Dress up well. We like dressing up even just for a walk. For a restaurant - it is almost a prerequisite. That’s doesn’t mean that you should dress a dinner jacket with a white shirt, but smart casual is ok. For women - dress is preferred.

• Reserve the table in advance, in case you invite a big company

• If you have a special occasion you usually pay for the "guests". Tell the people in advance, if you expect them pay for themselves. Also common that inviter pays, for example, for light snacks, and asks others pay for the drinks or vice versa. If it’s just a business lunch or meeting without any special occasion - everyone pay for himself.

• Men should be aware that in Russia, men pay the bill on dates. For women this is also quite important to know, because you can offend your companion by refusal.

• Learn the basics. The most useful phrases - “U vas yest’ angliyskoye menu?” (У вас есть английское меню? – do you have an English menu?), “Spasiba” (Спасибо – Thank you), “Pozhaluista” (Пожалуйста – Please), “Mozhna schet?” (Можно счет? – May we have the bill?)

• Try a Russian cuisine.

• If you are a man – be gentlemen. That means holding open doors, pulling out chairs, letting the woman order first, and all the other polite stuff.

• If you are women – be a lady. First of all that means – let the man be a gentleman. Be feminine, gentle and humble. Let the man to serve at the table (to pour out a wine or tea, to help you with a sauce).

• Do tip about 10-15% if service was good, but it is always at your discretion.

DON’Ts

• Do not expect that in every restaurant you will be greeted at the entrance. If so, just go and chose the table by yourself.

• For women (do not pour out alcohol). You can do this only in a women company.

• Don’t put your elbows on the table, but do keep your hands visible on the table and not in your lap.

• Do not be too loud and boisterous - In public, Russian people tend to be quite private.

• Do not be afraid to ask an advice from your friend when you are choosing a Russian dishes.

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