One chef advises: Interact and ask questions for an optimal fine dining experience.

For years, I found fine dining establishments unenjoyable due to the overly formal staff, unfamiliar menu items, and lack of transparency regarding costs.

Tara Lewis, a trend expert and vice president of consumer expansion at Yelp, states that many diners share this sentiment.

She says that it's daunting if you haven't experienced it before.

To maximize your experience at a pricier restaurant, you can take steps to prepare for your meal and interact with servers and chefs once seated.

Three tips from chefs in New York City and Washington D.C. for the best fine dining experience.

1. Call ahead

Before dining at a restaurant, you may check their website to learn about their cuisine and pricing. However, many fine dining establishments offer pre-fixe meals with a set cost that may not be available online or have rotating menus, so it's unclear what will be served that night.

Can you please provide the original sentence that needs to be rewritten?

""Many fine dining restaurants may not disclose prices on their websites, but it's easy to call ahead and confirm any concerns about pricing," Lewis advises."

If you don't feel caught off guard by a dish or its cost, you'll likely enjoy your meal more.

2. Be on time

Alessandro Farruggio, the general manager of Il Canale in Washington, DC, advised Yelp not to be more than 15 minutes late.

"If we can secure another table while waiting for our reservation, we can increase our sales," he remarks.

It's essential to be punctual for timed pre-fixed meals, such as an Omakase dinner, according to Shin Yamaoka, chef at Omakase Room by Shin in New York City.

He reminds us that if we are late, we should consider the other guests waiting at the counter, as this can disrupt their experience and the chef's work.

3. If you don't like something, be discreet.

Sending a dish back in a fine dining establishment can feel uncomfortable due to the rigid atmosphere.

If something in your order is not to your liking, you can express it respectfully at a moderate volume, as Lewis advises.

"Lewis advises being discreet and giving specific feedback to help them understand the reasons behind the misalignment or lack of fit,".

Ultimately, the chef wants you to have a good experience.

She states that most fine dining establishments aim to provide service that truly meets their customers' needs.

Yamaoka encourages diners to inquire about dishes throughout the meal.

"Engaging in your meal allows you to learn more about the chef and the food."

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