Resources

How to prepare to eat at a restaurant you’ve never visited before

access_time25min read

A smiling woman in a floral dress stands beside a woman in a wheelchair with a mounted communication device at a restaurant table. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with wooden panel walls and large green plants in the background.

Going out for dinner should be a fun and exciting experience between friends and family.

In this article, we have compiled some useful tips for people with disability to enjoy going out for dinner, including how to prepare and communicate so they feel comfortable.

Eating a meal at a restaurant is something many people look forward to. From special occasions like birthdays, graduations or family celebrations, or just trying something new with friends or your partner, going out for dinner is a great way to socialise and experience new places and flavours. While going out for dinner can be a simple task for many, for people with disability, it can sometimes be challenging. According to a recent study published by the University of Technology (Sydney), ‘many people with disability feel isolated and excluded from eating out’ and because of this, people can avoid eating out and in turn, miss out on important opportunities to socialise and experience new things.

Below, we share a range of tips and insights about how you can properly prepare for a dinner out, including how to communicate for yourself, finding an accessible restaurant and understanding sensory requirements.

At Novita, we support people of all ages to reach their goals, including gaining confidence in socialising and going out. We provide this support through therapy and our community programs, Step Up and Transition to Work, where we provide handy, real-life tips on how to feel comfortable, confident and independent when engaging in activities they enjoy. Below, we’ve compiled the top tips from our trained and experienced therapists and support workers for the best ways to prepare for going out to dinner.

Before we list some tips on how to prepare, here are some great benefits of going out to dinner:

  • Socialising: going out for dinner provides an opportunity for people to connect socially, supporting them to build relationships and improve their communication skills. Going out for dinner can also support confidence and finding a sense of belonging with others.
  • Decision making: Choosing a restaurant and selecting meals from a menu can encourage people to make decisions and build a sense of independence. Expressing what we do and don’t like, informing staff about allergies and textures and whether we want dessert are all great tools to gain and grow decision making skills for every aspect of life.
  • Life skills: Regular outings can support people to practice life skills, including budgeting, planning, navigating public spaces and communicating their wants and needs. These experiences can be helpful in building confidence for completing everyday tasks.
  • Routine and structure: Establishing a routine around dining out can give people something to look forward to and create a sense of normalcy and structure in their lives. For example, if people have a regular catch-up or dinner to attend, they will have something to be excited about throughout the week.
  • Trying new things: Tasting different food can introduce people to new cultures and experiences. This can be a great way to meet new people from different backgrounds

Tip 1: Researching the restaurant online

Adjusting to new flavours and places can take time. Before going out for dinner, we recommend researching the restaurant you’ve chosen online. By doing this, you can find out information about the following:

  • What’s on the menu – choosing what to eat can be the best part of going out to dinner! By researching the menu before you arrive, you don’t have to feel rushed when making an order on the night. You can also find food items that suit your flavour and sensory preferences. If you experience allergies or intolerances, reading the menu online, and finding an appropriate and safe option, can provide you with feelings of relief and assurance that you can enjoy your dinner.
  • Whether the restaurant is accessible – Sometimes, restaurants will provide information about accessibility on their website. If you can’t find this online, we recommend giving them a call to see what their options are for parking and wheelchair access. If you have a service animal, it is also important that you ask whether you can bring them into the restaurant.

 

Quick tip: Online maps software, including Google Maps and Apple Maps have features where you can select wheelchair accessibility as an option for transportation. For example, if you download Google Maps or Apple Maps, you can track how long it takes to travel to a location via wheelchair, or whether there are accessible options to travel. Locations with verified accessibility features are labelled with a wheelchair icon, making it easy to identify accessible places at a glance. Users can filter their search results to show only those places that are wheelchair accessible.

For more information about accessibility in Google Maps, click here.

Quick tip: If you are travelling by rideshare options like Uber, you can also request a wheelchair accessible vehicle (uberACCESS or Uber Assist) ahead of time to ensure you are comfortable on your journey. To request uberACCESS or Uber Assist, open the Uber app and enter your destination in the “Where to” box.

Once you confirm your pick-up and destination addresses are correct, scroll right at the bottom of the screen to find the “ACCESS” or “ASSIST” option. If an Uber Access or Assist driver is available and confirms your trip request, you’ll see your driver’s picture and vehicle details and can track their arrival on the map.

For more information about these options, click here.

Tip 2: Contact the restaurant ahead of time

In addition to researching the restaurant online, it can also be beneficial to call them ahead of time to discuss your specific accessibility needs. Some restaurants may not list a lot of information on their website or social media, so a direct conversation can clarify information about accessibility.

By reaching out in advance, you can ensure that your needs are met before you get there. Some questions you could ask are:

  • Does your venue have wheelchair access?
  • What are your parking options?
  • Do you allow service animals inside the venue?
  • What dietary restrictions can you cater to?
  • What sensory sensitivities can you cater to?
  • Do you have a sensory area where people with sensory sensitives can sit?

 

Understanding your sensory needs and requirements

Before going out for dinner, consider your sensory needs and their potential triggers. If you know your triggers (i.e., loud noises, dark spaces, or being in crowds), we recommend you visit an open and quiet place. These could be outdoor cafes or restaurants that aren’t located in busy areas. Potential triggers to look out for before going to dinner would be:

  • Lights
  • Loud noises
  • Particular smells (i.e., you are sensitive to things that smell bitter or sour)
  • Temperature
  • Touching
  • Staying out for too long

 

Here are some simple strategies you can use to manage sensory overload when dining out:

1. Noise-canceling headphones

Wearing noise-canceling headphones can block out some overwhelming sounds including chatter, clinking dishes, or loud music. Though wearing these can be obvious, there are some discreet models available that allow users to adjust how much surrounding noise they hear. Playing soothing or comforting music including white noise, can make people feel more comfortable.

Loop earplugs are a great, discreet option for blocking out sensitive sounds, while still allowing users to listen to conversations.

 

2. Bringing a calming item

Bringing a calming item, including a stress ball, fidget device, familiar plush toy or soft piece of fabric can provide a comforting distraction to help manage sensory sensitivities when dining out. They are also quite discreet and can be quick in managing nervous or stressful moments.

 

3. Taking regular breaks outside

Stepping outside for a quick break can give you some space and time to adjust to your setting. Many restaurants have outdoor seating or quieter areas where you can be alone and take a break. To make this easier, you can check for restaurants with accessible outdoor spaces or noting nearby quiet spots.

Recognising and identifying your triggers can support you to feel safe and comfortable before going out to dinner. If you know you will have a reaction to something, it’s important to communicate these concerns and try to find a place that can suit everyone’s needs. You could identify these needs yourself or have a family member or support worker help understand your sensory requirements. By using these strategies, you can feel more in control, reduce sensory overload, and enjoy dining out even in busy environments.

 

Quick tip: Picking venues that offer sensory friendly experiences, like ‘Quiet Dinners’ could be a way for you to enjoy going out for dinner. Find out more about these here.

Tip 3: Read the reviews

Reading reviews is also another good way to prepare yourself before going out to dinner. Sometimes, people with disability will leave reviews about restaurants and how accessible they found them to be. These reviews can usually be found on Google Reviews or TripAdvisor.

To find disability specific support on these platforms, you can click ‘accessibility’ tabs which are available as part of the reviews section. Another great way to read reviews from others with disability would be through public forums like Reddit or Facebook Groups. There are many different, inclusive groups you can join to discuss and ask questions. Ones that we’ve reviewed and recommend are Adelaide Disability Community Support Group, Physical Disability Australia Discussion Group, or the r/Adelaide subreddit.

 

Quick tip: Some things you can look for or ask in forums could be whether a restaurant is accessible (in terms of location and staff) or how diners have managed sensory issues in the past. Please note that some of these forums are not heavily moderated and some of the topics of discussion can be quite serious or confronting. When asking for advice in a forum, we recommend being clear about your question and why you are seeking support. We don’t recommend providing personal details, including where you live or your phone number or email address. When writing in a forum, it’s important you stick to relevant information about your question rather than speaking about other topics.. If someone gives you good advice, you can thank them in the comments. If you receive bad advice, and feel upset by what someone has said, you should step away from the forum and not engage in any negativity or unpleasant discussion.

A woman in a wheelchair with a communication device engages in conversation at a restaurant table with two women, one standing and one seated. The setting features wooden panel walls and lush green plants, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Close-up of a person using a communication device with a screen displaying various questions and symbols at a restaurant table. The device facilitate conversation, with utensils and a menu visible in the background.

Tip 4: Communication is key

Sometimes the most enjoyable aspect of going out to dinner is the planning! If you are dining with others, we recommend sharing what you do and don’t like with them, so you don’t end up in a situation where the meal isn’t enjoyable. For example, if you are not a fan of Italian food, it’s perfectly fine to share this so that you can decide on a restaurant where everyone can find something they like.

Helpful communication tips could include:

  • Telling people what you do and don’t like to eat
  • Sharing preferences about locations and transport options (i.e., not going to a restaurant where you can’t travel to)
  • Telling people about any allergies or sensory issues you might have
  • Telling people what time you would like to stay out till
  • When you are at dinner, communicating when you feel uncomfortable or tired and when you want to go home

 

Quick tip: Feeling pressured to choose an ‘easy’ option because of other people is common. However, in order for you to fully enjoy yourself and share a great meal, it’s key that you communicate your needs and preferences. This can be daunting, so you could practice doing this with a family member or support worker before going out.

 

Here are some further alternatives you can suggest when dining out:

Dining during less busy periods:

Going to a restaurant at times that aren’t as busy, including early evenings, late afternoons, or weekdays can make a big difference in your comfort level due to less people being in the restaurant. Restaurants can be typically quieter during these times, with fewer people, less noise, and faster service. This calmer environment can help reduce sensory sensitives and make your experience more enjoyable.

We recommend calling ahead to confirm when the restaurant service is least busy. Avoiding peak hours also means you’re less likely to feel rushed, allowing you to take your time with ordering and eating. This can help reduce stress and make dining out feel less overwhelming.

 

Advocating for yourself (or seeking support):

If something feels uncomfortable or if your accessibility needs are not being met, it’s important to speak up for yourself. This could involve asking for a different seat, requesting the staff to minimise sensory triggers including songs playing on the radio or sounds of cutlery near you. Speaking up for yourself can enhance your sense of independence and allow you to have a more enjoyable experience while dining out. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, we recommend having a friend or someone you are with ask for you so that you can feel safe and have an enjoyable experience.

 

Planning for emergencies or unexpected needs:

To ensure a stress-free dining experience, it’s helpful to have a plan for any unexpected situations or emergencies. For example, if the restaurant can’t accommodate your needs (i.e., accessible seating or overcrowding), having a backup plan can make a big difference. One simple tip is to ensure that there are other restaurants nearby and keep one or two in mind as alternatives.

In case of a real emergency, such as a fire, notify the staff right away. Some restaurant employees are trained to handle emergencies and can guide you to safety or provide assistance when needed. It’s also a good idea to carry a small emergency kit tailored to your needs, including list of emergency contacts, essential medical information like allergies, and any required medications.

 

Quick tip: Being prepared for unexpected issues, , supports you to stay in control and enjoy your time out with confidence. And remember, if a situation escalates to a medical or safety emergency, don’t hesitate to call emergency services on 000 to clearly explain the issue and your location. Ensure your phone is charged and accessible before you head out to any public space.

Dinner groups in Adelaide:

Looking to go out for dinner but unsure of where to start? There are many dinner groups in Adelaide you might want to have a look at:

 

Dinner club (City of Onkaparinga, every Thursday (different locations)

This dinner group is an accessible and no-pressure opportunity to catch up with others of different ages with disability. There is also opportunities to visit local restaurants and familiarise yourself with dining options in your area.

Eligibility criteria:

  • aged between 18-65 years and living with a disability
  • services to be accessed by participant’s NDIS plan or at their own cost
  • be a resident of the City of Onkaparinga
  • participants to bring a support worker with them if requiring personal care, medication administration, specialised meal time requirements, psychosocial or communication support

 

Arkaba Hotel quiet dinner nights (Arkaba Hotel, first Monday of every month)

The Quiet Dinner initiative aims to create a peaceful and welcoming dining experience for customers. It is a low sensory experience where diners who experience sensory sensitivities can eat in a quiet and less crowded restaurant space. This quiet dining room is specifically set up with dimmed lighting, reduced sound and no television. A private bar will be open for all food and drink orders, allowing customers to order without having to navigate the busyness of the main dining areas.

 

City of Salisbury Social Group (Burton Community Hub, every second Thursday)

This dinner group is an accessible and no-pressure opportunity to catch up with others of different ages with disability. There is also opportunities to visit local restaurants and familiarise yourself with dining options in your area.

 

Catalyst Foundation Monthly LGBTIQ+ social dinners (Arab Steed Hotel, first Thursday of every month)

Catalyst has been running regular social dinners for LGBTIQA+ people with disability since 2015. These dinners are held on the first Thursday of each month and are open to all LGBTIQA+ people and their friends, partners and support workers. The dinner is a great opportunity to connect or re-connect with the LGBTIQA+ community, in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment.

 

Accessible dining options in Adelaide:

There are many accessible dining options available in Adelaide. We recommend checking out this list (which is updated regularly) to find a suitable spot.

A person in a wheelchair with a communication device engages in conversation at a restaurant table with two women, one standing and one seated. The setting features a large TV screen and grey fabric seating.

Not ready to go to a restaurant just yet? Try food delivery and take away options

Dining out can be a wonderful experience, but sometimes it’s more convenient or comfortable to choose food delivery or takeaway instead. If the restaurant environment feels overwhelming, eating at home allows you to enjoy a great meal in a familiar and stress-free setting.

Ordering takeout or delivery can also serve as a great first step before visiting a restaurant in person. It gives you a chance to try the food and get a sense of the menu without the added pressure of navigating a new environment. This way, you’ll feel more prepared and confident when you’re ready to go out.

Additionally, many restaurants now offer detailed online ordering systems, making it easy to customise your meal to fit your needs. You can even call ahead and ask questions about the menu or accommodations they provide, further easing any concerns about dining in.

And finally, be patient with yourself

Remember, it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Dining out is meant to be an enjoyable experience, and every outing is a chance to learn and adapt.

Approaching the situation prepared and with a flexible mindset can reduce stress and make the outing more enjoyable, even if small challenges do come up. Each step you take, whether it’s trying a new strategy or simply giving yourself credit for going out, brings you closer to feeling more confident and comfortable.

To help you along the way, we’ve prepared an Accessible Dining Checklist that you can use to ensure a smoother dining experience. Feel free to click on the link and download it—it’s packed with tips and reminders to keep you feeling prepared and confident as you dine out

Find out more:

Are you keen to socialise and meet new people, but are unsure where to start?

At Novita, we support young people to socialise, learn life skills, develop their communication and handle their finances through our Step Up program. The participants in our Step Up program, also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people in fun and youth-focussed settings.

We also offer a Social Group with regular activities including going out for dinner, clubbing, attending concerts and dance nights. For more information about this social group and how to get involved, contact us at 1300 668 482, or email [email protected]