Gesture & etiquette

Make eye contact with each person around the table as you collect their drink order. Once all drinks are confirmed, signal the server with a raised hand and clear eye contact — do not snap fingers or shout across the room.

At izakaya and group dining in Japan, one person typically coordinates ordering — usually the host or most senior person. Drinks are ordered first and arrive promptly; the group then orders food in rounds throughout the evening. Ordering everything at once is uncommon — the shared pacing is part of the social experience.