15 Things You Should Never Order at a Restaurant – For Your Own Good!
Eating out can be a fun and enjoyable experience, but not everything on the menu is worth ordering. Whether it’s due to freshness, health concerns, or just poor value for money, some dishes are better left untouched.
Restaurants, after all, have their tricks and shortcuts that might affect the quality of what you get on your plate. So before you make your next order, here are 15 things you should think twice about when dining out.
The “Special” of the Day
Specials sound exciting, but often, they’re just a way for restaurants to use up ingredients that are about to expire. While some specials are genuinely unique dishes, others could be made from leftovers or items they need to get rid of quickly.
Since you won’t know which is which, it’s safer to skip the special if you’re unsure about the freshness. Stick to menu items that you know the kitchen prepares regularly. Specials may seem appealing, but they can be hit or miss.
Sushi on Mondays
If you’re a fan of sushi, it’s best to avoid ordering it on a Monday. Many sushi restaurants get their fish deliveries at the end of the week, so by Monday, that fish may not be as fresh as you’d hope. Sushi needs to be made from the freshest ingredients to ensure safety and flavor.
Stale fish increases the risk of foodborne illness and ruins the delicate flavor of sushi. If you have a sushi craving, try visiting the restaurant closer to their delivery day.
Well-Done Steak
Ordering a well-done steak can be a big mistake, not just for your taste buds, but for your wallet. Many restaurants will use lower-quality cuts of meat for well-done orders, knowing that the longer cooking time will mask any imperfections.
Cooking a steak well-done removes much of the flavor and tenderness that makes steak so enjoyable. Instead, opt for medium or medium-rare to experience the steak’s full potential. You’ll get a juicier, more flavorful meal.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Chicken Caesar salad might seem like a healthy option, but it can be a hidden calorie bomb. Restaurants often drench the salad in high-fat dressing and add extra ingredients like fried croutons and bacon, turning what should be a light meal into a heavy one.
Not to mention, the chicken might not always be as fresh as you’d expect. If you’re trying to eat healthy, it’s better to order a plain salad and add dressing sparingly. You’ll have more control over the calories and ingredients.
Breaded or Fried Foods
Fried foods might be delicious, but they are one of the least healthy options on any menu. Fried items soak up oil, adding unnecessary fat and calories to your meal.
Moreover, some restaurants reuse their frying oil, which can lead to burnt flavors and even health risks. Breaded items like fried fish or chicken are often the worst culprits. Try ordering grilled or baked alternatives instead, which are lighter and healthier without sacrificing taste.
Tap Water in Certain Locations
While tap water is safe in most places, in certain regions or restaurants, it might not be the best choice. The quality of tap water varies greatly depending on where you are, and some places may have poor filtration systems or outdated pipes.
If you’re traveling or visiting an unfamiliar restaurant, consider ordering bottled water to be on the safe side. Tap water in some areas can carry unpleasant tastes or even contaminants.
Ice in Your Drinks
Speaking of water, ice is another thing you might want to avoid in some restaurants. Not all restaurants clean their ice machines as often as they should, and dirty ice can carry bacteria or mold.
Even if the drink itself is fine, the ice can potentially make you sick. To be cautious, especially if you’re in a place with questionable water quality, it’s better to order your drink without ice. It’s a small change, but it could save you from an upset stomach.
Shellfish Out of Season
Shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels are best enjoyed when they’re in season. Out-of-season shellfish can be risky to eat because they may not be as fresh, or they may have been stored improperly.
Eating old or poorly stored shellfish increases your chances of getting food poisoning. If you’re a fan of seafood, make sure to check whether the shellfish is in season before placing an order. It’ll taste better and be much safer to eat.
Iceberg Lettuce
Although iceberg lettuce is a common ingredient in salads, it’s not the best option health-wise. Iceberg lettuce has very little nutritional value compared to darker greens like spinach or kale.
Restaurants often use it because it’s cheap and has a long shelf life, but it doesn’t add much in terms of vitamins or flavor. If you’re looking for a more nutritious meal, opt for salads with mixed greens or other nutrient-rich vegetables.
Pasta with Cream Sauce
Pasta with cream sauce, like fettuccine Alfredo, can be incredibly heavy and loaded with calories. Many restaurants use large amounts of butter, cream, and cheese to make these sauces, which can leave you feeling overly full and sluggish.
The high-fat content also makes these dishes less healthy, even though they seem like a simple meal. If you’re craving pasta, try choosing a dish with a tomato-based sauce or olive oil for a lighter, healthier option.
Anything with Truffle Oil
Truffle oil might sound fancy, but it’s often not made from real truffles. Many restaurants use synthetic truffle oil, which has a strong, artificial flavor that can overpower the dish.
Real truffles are expensive, so what you’re likely getting is a chemically produced oil that doesn’t have the same quality or taste. If you see a dish with truffle oil on the menu, it’s usually better to skip it. You’ll save money and avoid an overpowering, fake taste.
Soup of the Day
Ordering the soup of the day might sound harmless, but it’s often a way for restaurants to use up old ingredients. The soup can be made from leftover vegetables, meat, or broth that’s about to go bad.
While it can sometimes be a tasty option, you never really know what’s in it. If freshness is important to you, it might be best to avoid the soup and go for something that’s made fresh to order instead.
Pizza with Too Many Toppings
While loading up a pizza with toppings might seem like a good idea, it can ruin the balance of the dish. Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy, and the flavors might compete with each other rather than complement.
Restaurants may use lower-quality ingredients for some toppings, especially when they’re piled high. A simple pizza with fewer, fresher toppings is often a better choice for flavor and texture.
Fish on Sundays
Similar to sushi on Mondays, ordering fish on a Sunday can be risky. Many restaurants don’t get fresh fish deliveries over the weekend, meaning that the fish you’re served on a Sunday may not be at its freshest.
Since fish spoils quickly, it’s best to avoid it on Sundays to ensure you’re getting the freshest catch. Save your seafood cravings for earlier in the week when the restaurant is more likely to have a fresh supply.
Desserts Made In-House
While the idea of a homemade dessert sounds appealing, not all restaurants actually make their desserts from scratch. Some might use pre-made, frozen items that are simply heated up and served.
If you’re paying for dessert, you want something fresh and delicious. Ask your server if the desserts are made in-house before ordering. If not, you might want to skip dessert and enjoy a sweet treat somewhere else.
15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To
Tipping has become a widespread practice in many industries, with the expectation that you’ll leave a little extra for good service. However, not every situation truly warrants a tip, even if you feel pressured to give one.
15 Places Where You’re Expected to Tip—But You Really Don’t Have To
15 Most Annoying Habits of American Tourists When Dining Abroad
Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure, and dining in new places is a big part of the experience. However, some common behaviors by American tourists can be frustrating for locals and affect the dining experience.
15 Most Annoying Habits of American Tourists When Dining Abroad
