How-to What Should You Do If You Drop Your Silverware At A Fancy Restaurant?

It happens to the best of us. You're out enjoying a nice meal — maybe it's a date night, a business dinner, or just a well-deserved splurge — and then clink... your fork or knife ends up on the floor. Whether it slipped off the edge of your bread plate or you accidentally nudged it with your elbow while reaching for the wine glass, it can feel like a small disaster in the moment. The natural reaction is a mix of embarrassment and uncertainty: Should you pick it up? Should you say something? Is it okay to just use it again, or grab a clean one from the table next to you?

The good news? It’s really not a big deal — as long as you handle it the right way. According to Penny Chua, owner and managing partner of the iconic Lotus of Siam in Las Vegas, the most appropriate response is actually the simplest one: just ask for a new set. “I always let my server know if I drop something,” she shared in an interview with Chowhound. “It’s not a fuss. I’ll politely ask for a clean set and hand them the one that fell.” It's a small, courteous action — and in most well-run restaurants, servers will respond quickly and kindly.

Why You Shouldn't Use What Fell — Or Grab from Other Tables​

Even if the restaurant looks spotless — the kind of place where the floor gleams and everything feels immaculately clean — picking up silverware from the ground and continuing to use it isn’t ideal. Think about all the shoes, spills, and unseen germs that could be lurking down there. A quality restaurant is well-stocked with clean utensils precisely because situations like this are common. So don’t feel shy — your server is there to help, and it’s part of their job to ensure your experience remains pleasant.

Now, while you might be tempted to avoid any awkwardness by grabbing a clean fork or spoon from a nearby empty table, that’s actually something you should avoid. It might seem harmless — the table’s empty, the utensils are unused, right? But as Chua explains, those tables are usually already prepped and sanitized by bussers or porters in advance. Taking silverware from a pre-set table doesn’t just disrupt the workflow — it can unintentionally cause confusion for the staff, and worse, lead to hygiene issues. “You’re potentially contaminating a clean setup, and you’re creating more work without realizing it,” she said. The bussing team will now need to notice the missing item, replace it, and double-check that the table is still presentable for the next guests.

A Small Gesture That Reflects Big Etiquette​

And this small action could ripple outward — imagine a new party being seated at that table, only to realize one of their place settings is missing. Not only is it a bad first impression, but it can also throw off the pacing of service for that group. So while it might feel like you're saving the staff time by helping yourself, you're actually creating a new problem.

The best approach, according to restaurant pros like Chua, is to simply ask your server for what you need — and if possible, try to make any additional requests at the same time. If you think you might need another napkin, a refill, or some extra sauce, mention those things together instead of flagging your server multiple times. It keeps the flow of service smooth and respects the rhythm of a busy dining room. And while you're at it, if you’re planning to split the check, be thoughtful and let your server know in advance — especially in fine dining settings where checks are often presented with ceremony.

In short, if your silverware hits the floor, don’t panic, don’t grab from another table, and definitely don’t try to hide it. Just smile, let your server know, and trust the restaurant to handle it with grace. It’s a small thing — but knowing how to handle it right shows not just good manners, but a real appreciation for the people who help make your dining experience enjoyable.