Dining Guide / Seating & Posture

Taking Your Seat

Enter from the left of your chair and sit as the staff eases it in. Once seated, leave one or two fists’ width between you and the table.

Key Points

1. When you’re shown to your table, stand at the left side of your chair. Entering from the left is a common Western convention and keeps you clear of your neighbor.
2. If the staff pulls out your chair, step between the chair and the table and sit as the chair is eased forward.
3. Sit upright, about one or two fists’ width from the table.
4. As a guest, don’t pick a seat yourself — wait for the host to show you where to sit.

Do

• Enter from the left side of the chair
• Let the staff handle the chair
• Ask the host where to sit if unsure

Avoid

• Scraping the chair noisily
• Taking any seat before the host guides you
• Sitting jammed up against the table

Handy Tip

In from the left, out from the left. Leaving from the left mid-meal, too, keeps everyone moving the same way without bumping.

Practice in a Lesson

• Taking Your Seat