Table manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. Eating with an open mouth or talking with a full mouth is considered rude and do not begin eating until the hostess starts or rest your elbows on the table.

Dining etiquette in Canada is a blend of North American and British traditions, with a heavy emphasis on politeness and tipping. In 2026, the standard tip in Canadian restaurants is between 15% and 20% of the pre-tax bill. Failing to tip is considered very rude unless the service was exceptionally poor. When dining out, it is customary to wait for the host to seat you rather than choosing your own table. Bread is often served for the table, and it is polite to break a small piece off rather than cutting the roll. "Table manners" include keeping your phone off the table and waiting for everyone to be served before starting your meal. If you are at a private dinner party, bringing a small gift like a bottle of wine or flowers is expected. Interestingly, "splitting the bill" is very common and usually handled easily by servers at the end of the meal. Politeness is paramount; using "please" and "thank you" frequently with your server is not just a suggestion but a core cultural expectation in the Canadian service industry.