How long is the wait time for food at the restaurant?

Knowing how long one should normally wait for their food in a restaurant is important for guests - after all, no one wants to wait unnecessarily long, especially when they're very hungry. Unfortunately, there is no universally applicable rule for this, which can quickly lead to uncertainty.

This question cannot be answered generically, as every restaurant operates differently and offers dishes of varying complexity. In principle, restaurants try to keep waiting times as short as possible – because satisfied guests come back and contribute to positive reviews.

Guests already have little tolerance when it comes to receiving a menu at all. More than a few minutes of waiting time is hardly acceptable here – whether printed or digital via QR code. If you wait significantly longer for the menu, you might want to start looking for another place right away. Tips on the right response to poor service can be found in the guide at menuweb.menu.

According to a survey by Statista in collaboration with YouGov from 2022, 38% of respondents would wait about 15 to 30 minutes for their food. Only very few – just 3% – would be willing to stay longer than two hours. This results in a rule of thumb: a wait time of 20 to 30 minutes is acceptable for most guests.

Of course, it always depends on the context: a well-attended restaurant works more slowly than a less crowded establishment. Additionally, dishes like pizza and salads are prepared more quickly than elaborate meat dishes or fresh gourmet menus. Sometimes, problems can also arise in the kitchen – for example, a clogged drain that requires a professional drain cleaning in Berlin at short notice. It is especially important in such situations that you are informed in a timely and transparent manner.

If it takes longer, you might wonder when it's appropriate to inquire or even leave. Here are some practical recommendations:
If you are not greeted or acknowledged at all within the first 5 to 10 minutes, it's usually not a good sign. Generally, this means that the place is either completely overcrowded or poorly organized. In this case, it might be sensible to get up and look for another restaurant.

If your ordered food takes excessively long and you do not receive a clear answer upon asking, you are not obligated to wait indefinitely. Kindly inform the staff that you unfortunately have to leave – of course, on the condition that you pay for what has already been served to you.

Whether a gourmet restaurant in the Michelin Guide or a simple snack bar – guests expect reasonable waiting times. Restaurants should therefore pay attention not only to quality but also to efficient service. As a guest, you are certainly entitled to demands – or you may choose to politely opt for another establishment if in doubt.