Arriving at the Restaurant
Unless the restaurant has someone at the door, generally you should feel free to seat yourself. This is particularly true of outdoor seating. Just choose your table and take a seat. If there is a "Reserviert" card on the table, obviously, don't sit there.
Getting Served in German Restaurants
It may take a while to get served in German restaurants, relax and decide what you would like to have to drink. The waiters will generally take your drink order and give you a menu at that time, unless, of course, there is one already on the table.
The German Menu
Many restaurants will have an English menu so feel free to ask for "eine Englisches carte, bitte" . Most of the time, the waiter or waitress will immediately offer you an English menu when they hear you speak. One of the proudest moments of my life was when, finally, I was not offered an English menu in a German restaurant. Brush up on your German food terms a little bit before you visit Germany so you feel comfortable ordering in restaurants.
Getting Water and Ice in German Restaurants
As with most European countries, water is not offered from the tap so you need to buy the bottled version. Be advised, it is as expensive, sometimes more than a beer. If you want ice, you generally have to ask for it and if you want more than 1 cube, you might want to make that clear.
Dining with Children in German Restaurants
If you have children, bring your own crayons and paper along because most restaurants don't offer these. Children's menus are becoming more common but are still the exception rather than the rule.
Getting and Paying the Bill in German Restaurants
When you are finished eating, lay your knife and fork across your plate. This signals to the waiter that you are done. The Germans will not generally give you the bill until you ask for it, "Die Rechnung bitte". This is not rude, it would be considered rude to give you the check before you asked. When they present the bill, they will generally wait for you to give them the money at that point.
Tipping in German Restaurants
Tipping in Germany is generally about 10% of the bill. German waiters and waitresses are paid a salary and do not live off of tips as do their American counterparts but it never hurts to be generous. Do not leave the tip on the table, give it to your waiter when you pay.For Example : The bill is 18.00€, say "Make it twenty" or "Machen Sie zwanzig bitte."when you give them the money.
Doggie Bags
Germans will regard you in horror if you suggest asking for a doggie bag. It's OK, though, if you want to take it home, simply ask - the problem is they will often give it to you wrapped plate and all. Easier to just eat up.
Smoking in German Restaurants
While more and more restaurants have non-smoking areas, most do not so either find a table far away from smokers or sit outside. You really don't have much of a vote in the matter.
Dining Hours in Germany
Hours for dining in Germany are varied, generally breakfast is served from 6 or 7 am until 10 am, lunch hours start at around 11 am and go until 3 pm and dinner is served from 6 pm on. Most restaurants close at 11 or so but the small bars and pubs will serve food as long as there is food to serve.
Plan on actually dining as opposed to fast fooding it and you will not be disappointed with German restaurants and pubs.
