Silent service code

In the United States,[1] the silent service code is a way for a diner to communicate to waitstaff during a meal to indicate whether the diner is finished with their plate.

This is intended to prevent situations where the server might remove a plate of food and utensils prematurely.

The code is almost always taught during business dining etiquette classes.

Utensils crossed on a plate signify that a diner is still eating.

[citation needed] If a diner must leave during a course, placing their napkin on their chair indicates they are not finished.