When going out to dinner, does your behaviour influence the dining experience? According to the American online foodie portal, Gourmet.com, diners can get better service and better food simply by being great restaurant customers.

Here are eight tips as laid out by columnist Francis Lam:

1. Say please and thank you

According to Lam, basic manners are the first rule in ensuring a great restaurant experience.

2. Pick up the phone

Call to make a reservation well in advance – and especially if you need to mention special dietary requirements. Most restaurants are more than accommodating if theyre warned in advance.

3. Order off the menu

In most cases, a lot of thought, time and work go into compiling a menu. Dont scramble everything up as if its a choose-your-own-adventure novel – the kitchen performs their best if they make what they know.

4. Choose those special creations

If an unusual dish is listed on the menu, chances are its the Chefs labour of love, so order it – youre most likely in for a treat.

5. Order two starters

Starters are often more adventurous than main courses, and even more often the place where youll find the Chefs unusual labours of love. According to Lam its also a sure-fire way of trying out a new restaurant: youll get a good idea of what the kitchen is capable of without blowing your entire budget on an uncertainty.

6. Keep to yourself

Romantic dinners and business lunches are fine, as long as you remember that you are still in public – save heated arguments for the boardroom and French kissing for the bedroom

7. Befriend your server

If you have a regular haunt, youll know that waiters are your friends-in-the-know. So if you try a place for the first time, try to be like a regular. Ask for advice, and ask why a waiter loves something. This way youll know whether you have the same taste and can safely follow their recommendation.

8. Dont complain too quickly

Believe it or not, but most restaurants are actually out to make a living – not to rip you off. Not to say that bad food, poor service and over-priced menus are to be tolerated or accepted. If something is wrong, politely bring it to their attention. Most restaurants will try to rectify a bad situation, so give them a chance to do so before you slag them all over the internet.

Source: Eight great ways to be a great restaurant customer