I've Been A Professional Chef For 11 Years. Here's How To Modify An Order Without Upsetting The Kitchen Staff - Tasting Table

"Out of all the dining etiquette mistakes you should avoid, having an unpleasant attitude is the biggest offender. My best tips for attempting to modify an order at a restaurant are to go about it in a kind and reasonable manner and to keep it as simple as possible. Rather than assuming or demanding a modification, kindly ask the server if it's possible first."

"Working at that speed with that much pressure, it's easy to go into autopilot and plate your dish as it's set, completely forgetting "no dairy" or "no nuts" flags on the dish you've plated a hundred times."

"It's important to consider the type of restaurant you're dining at as well. A local diner will likely have no issue swapping hash browns for home fries or fries for a side salad, but a high-end omakase restaurant that has a set menu is less likely to be able to accommodate any modifications or allergies that weren't requested ahead of time."

Modify orders politely and keep requests simple, asking the server if a change is possible before assuming accommodation. Maintain a pleasant attitude and accept refusals with grace while requesting alternatives that fit preferences or dietary restrictions. Consider the type of restaurant when requesting changes; casual diners can usually swap sides or minor components, while high-end set-menu or omakase restaurants are often less flexible. Communicate severe allergies so kitchens can attempt to omit allergens when feasible, but recognize that safety concerns or menu constraints sometimes make accommodations impossible. Avoid unreasonable requests that conflict with a restaurant's core offerings.

Read at Tasting Table