10 things classy people never do at expensive restaurants

There’s something special about dining at an expensive restaurant.

The lighting is soft, the silverware gleams, and each dish is presented like a work of art. It’s a place where elegance meets experience—where you don’t just eat, you savor. But walking into such a space with the right outfit doesn’t guarantee you’ll fit in. True class isn’t about what you wear or how much you spend. It’s about how you carry yourself, how you treat others, and how aware you are of your surroundings.

Classy people don’t flaunt. They don’t try too hard. And they certainly don’t draw attention to themselves in ways that ruin the experience for others.

So, what exactly do they avoid doing? Here are ten things classy individuals never do at expensive restaurants.

1. Loudly complaining about prices or portions

Classy people understand where they are. If they’ve chosen to dine at an expensive restaurant, they accept the premium. You won’t hear them scoffing at the wine list prices or lamenting the “tiny” portions. They understand that fine dining often prioritizes quality, creativity, and experience over sheer quantity. If something truly doesn’t meet their expectations, they address it discreetly and politely.

2. Snapping fingers or raising voices to get staff attention

In refined company, demanding behavior is considered crass. Classy diners treat the restaurant staff with as much respect as they would a dinner guest. Instead of snapping fingers, waving frantically, or calling out across the room, they make subtle eye contact or wait patiently for the appropriate moment. For them, good manners matter more than instant service.

3. Using their phone excessively

Expensive restaurants are often chosen for ambiance and intimacy. Scrolling through social media, taking loud calls, or even keeping the phone on the table disrupts this atmosphere. Classy people keep their phones on silent, tucked away, and fully engage with the present moment—whether that’s enjoying the food or conversing with company. The only exception? A quick photo of a beautifully plated dish—done discreetly.

4. Overindulging in alcohol

There’s a fine line between enjoying a bottle of wine and drinking too much. Classy individuals know how to savor a glass or two without becoming loud, sloppy, or inappropriate. They pace themselves, prioritize conversation, and know when to stop. Drunkenness at an upscale venue isn’t just a personal faux pas—it makes others uncomfortable and diminishes the whole experience.

5. Criticizing the menu or acting like a food expert

It’s one thing to have preferences. It’s another to sneer at menu items or launch into a monologue about how “authentic” foie gras is made. Classy diners don’t pretend to know more than the chef. They approach the menu with curiosity, not condescension. If they don’t like something, they simply avoid it. They never make others feel inferior for enjoying something they wouldn’t choose themselves.

6. Ignoring or mistreating the waitstaff

One of the clearest indicators of someone’s character is how they treat people in service roles. Classy individuals are unfailingly polite to the staff. They say “please” and “thank you,” make eye contact, and show appreciation for good service. Even if something goes wrong with the meal, they offer feedback with kindness—not blame. For them, dignity includes treating everyone with grace.

7. Making a scene over dietary preferences

Having dietary restrictions is perfectly acceptable. But announcing them with dramatic flair, demanding substitutions that transform the dish, or sending food back multiple times crosses a line. Refined diners often call ahead if they have complex needs. At the table, they communicate clearly but quietly, and always with respect. Their goal isn’t to bend the kitchen to their will—it’s to enjoy the meal with as little disruption as possible.

8. Discussing money, politics, or personal drama loudly

Elegant restaurants are not the place for heated debates or oversharing. Conversations that center on money, controversial opinions, or gossip about others can make fellow diners—and your guests—uncomfortable. Classy people know how to read the room. They lean into thoughtful, inclusive, and lighthearted topics. Their goal is to elevate the experience for everyone around them.

9. Treating the restaurant like a photoshoot

Taking a picture of your entrée? Fine. Turning the table into a TikTok studio? Not so much. Classy individuals know that expensive restaurants are meant to be enjoyed, not documented excessively. They don’t stand up mid-meal to get a “perfect angle,” and they certainly don’t disrupt others with flashes or video commentary. Their focus is on the experience, not the content.

10. Leaving a poor tip or no tip at all

In many places, tipping is a gesture of appreciation for attentive, professional service. Classy people tip generously—especially in high-end establishments where service standards are high. Even if they didn’t love the meal, they recognize that the waitstaff likely did their best. A poor tip speaks more about the diner than the service, and a classy person knows that generosity is part of grace.

Final thoughts: True elegance is quiet

It’s easy to look the part. But real class comes through in your behavior—especially in shared spaces like an elegant restaurant.

At the heart of it, class isn’t about status. It’s about self-awareness. It’s about knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to indulge and when to hold back, and how to carry yourself with ease, no matter who’s watching.

Because the classiest people aren’t trying to prove anything.

They’re just fully present, quietly elevating every room they walk into—one graceful choice at a time.