According to Debrett’s, “basic good table manners, such as sitting up straight and chewing with your mouth closed, will ensure you never cause offence to your fellow diners” but, new research conducted at Prezzo tells us that traditional table manners are dying out with Gen Z leading the charge on a much more relaxed approach to dining out.
Prioritising comfort and experience, over half (60%) of Gen Z believe traditional table manners are no longer relevant, with over a third (38%) admitting to using their phones at the table and over three quarters (77%) saying they do not care about cutlery politics. Elbows are officially back on the table with 77% of Gen Z seeing this as outdated nonsense. 60% even admitted to not caring which way round people hold their knife and fork.
The rest of the nation weren’t far behind when it came to taking a more laid back approach, with a third (32%) admitting to never worrying about their table manners in a restaurant and half (54%) believing that table manners were a thing of the past. Yet, over half (53%) admitted they had recently been unsatisfied with their dining counterparts' etiquette at the table. Chewing loudly (48%), picking food off other people’s plates without asking (37%) and using a mobile phone at the table (37%) are Brit’s biggest bugbears when dining out, closely followed by having pets at the table (29%).
Brits admit that they often fall short when it comes to being polite at the table with checking their phone at the table (25%), putting elbows on the table (20%) and putting salt on your meal before you even try the meal topping the list of flaws they still make.
Three quarters (76%) of Gen Z admit they've experienced traditionally poor manners at restaurants and felt dissatisfied with their dining cohort, compared to 47% of Gen X. Nearly half of Gen Z (47%) instead believe that good conversation and great food are the priority at the dining table instead of stuffy rules.
Being poorly mannered at the dinner table may lead to a poor love life too, with half of Brits (49%) admitting they would not consider dating someone with poor table etiquette. Gen Z are most conscious of this too, with 56% admitting they worry most about their table manners when on a date compared to just 34% of Gen X.
The top 10 traditional table manners people forget when dining out:
● Answering a call or text at the table (46%)
● Not waiting for all food to arrive before starting to eat a meal (31%)
● Keeping elbows off the table (30%)
● Chewing with your mouth closed (29%)
● Washing hands before eating (24%)
● Asking to be excused from the table (21%)
● Leaving the table before everyone else has finished eating (19%)
● Placing a napkin on your lap (16%)
● Taking the last piece of food from a shared plate, before offering it to the rest of the table (13%)
● Holding a knife in your right hand (12%)
However, there are a few ‘rules’ Brit’s argue must be followed. Talking with food in your mouth (54%), snapping your fingers at servers (51%) and being overly loud in a restaurant (50%) are still big no no’s as research shows these are the rudest things you can do whilst out for a meal.
When it comes to eating Italian food, nearly half (49%) of Brits say eating pizza with our hands is the done thing to do, whilst over a third (36%) admit to using a knife and fork when eating pizza in a restaurant. A further 36% of Brits even twirl pasta on the fork tines against a spoon when eating spaghetti dishes.
At Prezzo, we welcome all generations through our doors. As our research shows, when it comes to table manners, everyone’s take on what is acceptable is different. For us, we don’t mind whether you’d like to use a knife and fork to eat your pizza, or a spoon to scoop up spaghetti. We just want our customers to enjoy all that our menu has to offer.”
Research conducted by Censuswide between 27.02 – 01.03; 2,003 UK respondents (16+)
Whatever your plans this Easter, Prezzo Italian Restaurants provide the perfect setting to celebrate Easter in style. With authentic Italian cuisine and inviting ambiance, Prezzo offers a culinary journey that captures the essence of Italy's rich gastronomic heritage. Whether you are craving classic dishes like carbonara or indulging in gourmet pizzas topped with fresh ingredients, Prezzo's menu caters to all tastes and preferences. Moreover, our warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal venue for gathering with loved ones to enjoy a memorable Easter meal together. From the moment you step through the door, you will be transported to Italy, where tradition meets innovation in every delectable bite. Whether you are looking for a leisurely lunch or a festive dinner, Prezzo Italian Restaurants promise an Easter celebration that is as delightful as it is delicious.