What is the server waiting for when clearing plates?

I am at a fine dining restaurant, I am done eating (as is everyone else at the table) The server is not clearing plates, it feels like he does not think we are done. What is he waiting for?What is the server waiting for when clearing plates?
For everyone at the table to be confidently done.



In Fine Dining, it is customary to clear all the plates simultaneously, not piece-meal (as in most other types of restaurants). It's poor manners to clear any plates until all guest are done.



Although you may think all at your table are done, the staff may have an issue with a guest ot two not displaying the usual signs.
I usually look for some kind of signal, like a napkin on the plate, or the plate being pushed away. If everyone still has a decent amount of food on their plate, it's hard to judge whether or not they are done, and you don't want to be the annoying server that bugs their table 2589435 times during the meal! :)What is the server waiting for when clearing plates?
It i usually the bus boy that should be clearing the plates although some places have the servers do it. The server could be working other tables but if everyone else is still eating, the server might not have noticed or does not want to disturbe the other diners at the table until more have finished.

My bet is that the server did not notice that you are done. Clues they look for are silverware on the plate or the plate moved away or to the side, the diner not eating or talking with others at the table.
I agree with Angie. Some people get offended or feel rushed if you assume they are finished when food is still on the plate. Others, obviously, want them cleared as soon as they are finished.



We dont want to seem annoying, or that we are hovering, so we tend to read signals. Thats part of the job. If we arent getting any signals we pass by, see how things are. If everything appears fine, we wait a bit, and in some cases find a reason to make another pass. Something as small as eye contact with your server, and a slight nod let us know if your ready to be cleared or if you are happy with everything.What is the server waiting for when clearing plates?
He/she is waiting to be certain that you have quite finished. There is nothing worse than being hassled when you are still enjoying your meal. The waiting staff are taught to watch for certain signs to show that the entire table has finished each course before quietly and efficiently clearing. You should lay your knife and fork close together in the centre of the plate, push your plate slightly away from you and/or place your napkin on the table to indicate that all eating is finished on this course.
For everyone to finish.



I like to clear as each individual is done, though. I can't stand a dirty plate in front of me.