Restaurant professionals have told Fox News Digital that diners often undermine their own meals by asking servers the wrong opening question. Rather than "What should I order?" or "What's your favourite?", hospitality experts suggest questions that draw out what a kitchen does best, leading to more personalised and satisfying recommendations. The advice matters because a well-framed question turns a quick exchange into a conversation that helps staff match dishes to a diner's tastes.

Stephanie Mell, owner of Alabama-based ChurchStreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group, argues that a server's personal favourite may not suit another person's palate. She recommends asking "What are you known for?" or "What's your specialty?", which open a dialogue and let staff gauge a guest's mood, dietary needs and preferences — whether they want something light, fancy seafood, or a particular style of wine. The focus, she says, should be on the guest and the experience they are seeking rather than the server's own choices.