Asking for separate checks at a group dinner in a nice restaurant is a common practice, but it's important to handle the situation with courtesy and consideration for the restaurant staff and your fellow diners. Here's the etiquette you should follow when requesting separate checks:
Inform the restaurant in advance (if possible): If you know beforehand that the group will be requesting separate checks, it's courteous to let the restaurant know when making the reservation or when arriving at the restaurant. This gives them a heads up and allows them to prepare accordingly.
Make the request early: As soon as you are seated and greeted by the server, politely let them know that the group will be requesting separate checks. The earlier you make the request, the easier it will be for the server to accommodate it.
Be clear about the separate checks: If everyone is paying for their own meal and drinks individually, clarify that each check should only include the items ordered by the respective person. This helps avoid confusion and ensures accurate billing.
Consider the size of the group: If you're dining with a large group (10 people or more), some restaurants might have policies about splitting checks extensively. In such cases, it's best to call ahead and ask about their policies.
Be patient and understanding: Splitting checks can take some time, especially for larger groups. Be patient with the server and try to make their job easier by organizing the orders as much as possible (e.g., keeping track of your items, mentioning your order when they come to you).
Avoid unnecessary complexity: To make it easier for the restaurant staff, avoid asking to split individual items between multiple checks. Instead, keep it simple and divide the total bill by the number of people, or just ask to split evenly among everyone.
Offer to help: If you have a particularly large group, offering to assist in the process of dividing the bills or organizing individual orders can be a thoughtful gesture.
Tip accordingly: When the checks are split, remember that the server still provided service to the entire group. Tip based on the total bill before it was split, rather than just your individual portion.
Be discreet: When discussing the bill-splitting arrangements with your fellow diners, try to do so discreetly. Not everyone may be comfortable with their financial situation being discussed openly.
Remember, restaurant staff are there to provide you with a pleasant dining experience, and by approaching the separate checks request politely and thoughtfully, you can help ensure everything goes smoothly for both the staff and your fellow diners.