To Avoid Looking Foolish: How to Properly Eat Mussels and Oysters in a Restaurant 0 10

Seafood is not just food; it's a test of confidence and tact. Especially oysters and mussels. Even those who know which side to place the fork often "trip up" on them. But there's no need to panic: etiquette is not about snobbery, but about comfort. Let's break down how to properly eat oysters and mussels in a restaurant so that everything looks easy, beautiful, and confident.

Oysters: Step by Step

Oysters are served already opened – a half shell with the meat inside, resting on ice. It's simple if you know the order.

Lemon is not just a garnish.

It is served to balance the taste and neutralize the smell of the sea. Squeeze just a couple of drops, without drenching the oyster from head to toe. If you want, you can add a bit of "mignonette" sauce (a mixture of vinegar, shallots, and pepper), but don’t overdo it.

Utensils.

In good restaurants, a small fork for oysters is provided – you can use it to gently detach the meat from the shell if it doesn't come off easily.

How to eat.

Bring the oyster to your lips with the broad side of the shell and carefully suck in the contents along with the juice. There's no need to tilt your head back and put on a show – everything should be natural. Afterwards, place the shell back on the ice, open side up.

What not to do.

Do not pour ketchup on oysters, do not ask for salt, do not eat with a spoon. And definitely do not check if it’s "alive" – that job has already been done for you in the restaurant.

Mussels: A Bit More Technique

With mussels, it all depends on how they are served. If they are in shells – you'll have to be skillful, but it's not complicated.

If utensils are provided.

Use mussel tongs (to hold the shell) and a fork (to extract the meat). Grab it, pull it out, and put it in your mouth. It's that simple.

If there are no utensils.

Etiquette allows you to use an empty shell as tongs. Hold the "empty" shell in one hand, and with the other, grab a mussel from the full shell and eat it. This is absolutely acceptable – even at formal dinners.

Broth is not a drink.

If the mussels are in sauce, eat it with a spoon after you finish the shells. But do not tilt the plate and do not slurp – this is not soup.

What to do with the shells.

Used shells should be placed in a separate bowl, which is brought along with the dish. If there is none, carefully place them on the edge of the plate, not in a pile.

Major Mistakes That Give Away a Novice

– Eating an oyster with a fork – incorrect.

– Trying to pry open the shell – absolutely not.

– Noisy "sucking" of the oyster – unacceptable, even if it’s delicious.

– Leaving shells upside down – not according to the rules.

What Else is Important

After oysters and mussels, wet napkins or a bowl of water with a lemon wedge are always served – you can use it to freshen your fingers. This is not "for show"; it’s part of the service, and everyone uses it.

If you’re unsure where to start, just watch how others do it – there’s nothing awkward about that. Etiquette is not an exam; it’s a tool to help you feel at ease in any situation.