Being indecisive at a restaurant is generally not considered rude or mean, but it can be a bit inconvenient for the servers and your dining companions if you take a long time to make a decision. It's natural for some people to take their time when choosing from a menu, especially if they are unfamiliar with the dishes or have specific dietary preferences.
However, if you find yourself struggling to decide, you can handle the situation politely by:
Apologizing for the delay: Let the server or your dining companions know that you need a little more time to decide and apologize for any inconvenience.
Asking for recommendations: If you're unsure about what to order, don't hesitate to ask the server for their recommendations based on your preferences.
Narrowing down options: If the menu is extensive, try to narrow down your choices by asking questions about specific dishes or ingredients.
Being considerate of others' time: While it's okay to take some time, avoid unnecessarily prolonging the decision-making process.
Remember that everyone has their own preferences and pace when it comes to making choices, so as long as you handle the situation politely and considerately, being indecisive shouldn't be seen as rude or mean.