Have you shared a meal at a "nice" place?

[c4241]

OK...I'll be blunt. Can't afford to eat at ALL the really nice places people speak highly about. Has anyone ever shared a meal at a really nice place? Was it uncomfortable? Did they object? Would you pass along which restaurant you did this at? Thanks.

 

[eeyore0062]

Yes, with no problem. They will even divide the meal into 2 plates before it is brought to the table, so no one will ever notice that you are sharing a meal.

We often get 2 entrees to split between the 3 of us, as our DD who is 9 gets tired of the same old stuff on the kids menu. It has never been any problem. Just let the waitstaff know ahead of time. Also, there is no extra plate charge.

Places we have done this, include:
Kona Cafe
Le Cellier
Mama Melrose

You can't do this, however in buffet of all you can eat venues.

Hope this helps!

 

[Maggi May]

I think more and more restaurants are forgoing the extra plate charge when patrons want to split an entree, salad, or other portion of a meal. Given how big some portions are these days, it's not just economical, but sometimes healthier, to split portions. It never hurts to ask.

Lunchtime seems to be the best way to enjoy a more expensive restaurant.
My DH and recently took my mom to Emeril's restaurant at Universal Orlando. My mom and I split a salad and entree at lunchtime with no problem. There was no additional charge, and the waiter was sure to give us extral plates to share the food. We had a wonderful meal, shared food among the three of us, and didn't feel overstuffed at the end of the meal.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

My DH and I have shared meals at:
Marrakesh, Mama Melrose, and I think Rose and Crown.

I know there's others too. We have done this at lunch and dinner.

Sometimes my kids share an adult meal, rather than getting 2 kids meals. Not really a big savings there, but my little one doesn't always eat alot, esp in Restaurants. So we just get her stuff off of everyone's plate. My older child is more daring and often wants more than whats offered on the kids menu.


I agree with the lunch idea. Meals are much cheaper, and it saves the evening for snacky stuff.


Also, to save money. We have our breakfast in our room, except on our character breakfast days. Just a bowl of cereal, fruit, or bagel. Then we often have our bigger meal at noon or so.


Have fun

 

[princess angel]

i would share a meal...but dh wont even consider it!!!
lol

have fun!

Laura

 

[nasmith]

One thought about sharing a meal- it's nice to tip the waitstaff a bit extra (more than 20%), because they are doing the same amount of work that would be required if you had ordered 2 meals.

 

[uncle al]

We have shared meals at:
California Grill
Spoodles
Yachtsman
Shula's

The only place I recall ever being charged for splitting is at Shula's (in my opinion, just one more reason to not go back). I don't recall ever getting a negative reaction at any of the places.

 

[danny1649]

We have done it many times at WDW.I'm diabetic so for me it is a must many times depending on sugar level.I have never had any CM give us any odd looks or say anything out of the way about it.I do base tip on 20% of what it would have been for two dinners not the one dinner we shared.

 

[kda]

I wouldn't hesitate to do this, although getting DH is pretty much willing to split appetizers only (sometimes desert). People are often eating a lot on vacation and don't have room for an 'entire meal' themselves. Also, people are choosing all combinations of food ---- salad plus an appetizer as an entree; just an appetizer; split some things and have individual servings of another (ie, appetizer as an entree or desert).

I think the wait staff have pretty much seen it all and heard all kinds of requests. Talk over your ideas with your server, and find out your options. They may have some good suggestions, too. I'd definitely ask the size of portions. Most restaurants have large servings, but we didn't think CG did, so if I were splitting an entree there, I'd definitely be planning on something additional.

Have fun! It's a great way to get to try more food choices.

 

[c4241]

Thank you all for your comments. I most certainly agree that the tip should be generous. I think I feel comfortable in thinking that sharing will be a great idea to enjoy more courses and tastes. Again, thanks.

 

[lonegungirl]

We recently split meals at almost every restaurant--California Grill, Prime Time, Tempura Kiku, Palios, Spoodles, and Flying Fish. DM isn't a big eater, and I've been on a diet lately, so trying to cut down on portions. Plus, it leaves you room for dessert...which is counterproductive for the diet, but you can't have everything...

 

[natt]

DD12 and I split the duck dinner at Les Chef's last summer! The reason being, DH was taken aback when he read the menu (prices) outside. I felt bad, so I said we'd split since my daughter wanted to try duck. Well, french portions being what they are, it was not the best plan. Afterward, I wished we'd have cancelled our PS there and played it by ear. We ended up skipping our PS at Brown Derby the next day, since I still felt bad about the whole thing! In summary, (IMO) Les Chef's is NOT a good place to split a meal! Natt

 

[DebbieB]

I have split steaks with others at CRT and LeCellier. It wasn't so much a cost thing but just the fact that we each could not possibly eat it all and it would go to waste. Half is just enough. Sometimes they split it in the kitchen, sometimes they just bring out an extra empty plate. I do tip extra.

 

[susy]

At san Angel Inn we split a meal. It was HUGE, delicious and they brought an extra plate-no questions asked. Dh and I also split counter service. The wraps are large as well as salads.

 

[crazymomof4]

The more I read about this, the more comfortable I'm getting with the idea of splitting....something that we don't usually do here at home where we can bring the extra food home in doggie bags.

 

[DeeP]

We have never split entrees at the nicer WDW restaurants because everyone wants their own and doesn't want to share, LOL! But we have split appetizers and desserts many times without a problem.

 

[HoneyPooh]

I'm glad to hear that this is a fairly common practice. My son and I would like to try a few new things on our trip to WDW but I don't eat very much at one sitting so was passing on a few places due to costs. This will work out great for us as we both like the same sorts of meals.