What is the expected gratuity for good service in a restaurant?

In the context of restaurant service, a gratuity or tip is a way to acknowledge and reward the quality of service provided by the waitstaff. The correct answer reflects the generally accepted standard for good service in many regions, which is to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill before taxes. This percentage is considered appropriate for showing appreciation for attentive service, and it aligns with common practices among diners.

Choosing 15-20% indicates a recognition that while the standard may vary by location and type of restaurant, this range is widely accepted as a baseline for satisfactory service. Many diners might also base their tipping decisions on the quality of their dining experience, with higher gratuities often given for exceptional service.

Lower percentages like 5-10% are generally seen as inadequate for good service, while percentages over 20% are often reserved for exceptional scenarios, rather than routine good service. This context underlines why 15-20% is the appropriate range for tipping in restaurants.