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Even the best dinners can end with a moment of embarrassment when the server brings the check.
Robert Kamau
Whenshouldyou split the bill at a restaurant?
Do they ask for separate checks?
Does it even matter?
In Italy, we saypagare alla romanaa.k.a.
the Roman wayto describe splitting the cost equally.
But in some cases, isn’t it better to have each person pay his or her share?
Do I look like a cheapskate if I don’t offer to pay for the whole meal?
Read on for her advice.
When should you split the bill at a restaurant?
She adds that the guest should always be in a privileged position.
This is no longer the case, Rabolli says.
Whoever asked the other person out should pay, regardless of gender.
In short, the general rule always applies when it comes to dates.
But does that mean they always pay?
Let them out of politeness and respect.
The classic example is when someone at the table doesn’t drink but everyone else does…a lot.
So, what do you do?
Common sense is needed here too, says Rabolli.
Those who drank should bear the cost of alcohol.
But understandably, it can feel awkward and scary to point that out to everyone at the table.
The same guidance applies to dinners served family style or with shared dishes.
It’s a bit like ordering water instead of champagne, Rabolli says.
It would be most fair if everyone paid for themselves.
The birthday dinner
The birthday dinner is a hotand divisivesubject.
(So much so oneGlamourwriter even called for the end of unwieldy and expensivebirthday dinners.)
However, she says, adapt to your surroundings.
If the custom among your friend group is for the guests to pay, follow their lead.
If someone like a parent or partner insists on picking up the check, let them.
A version of this article was previously published onLa Cucina Italiana.
