Q: what is the average time you expect to get your meal, after the server has taken your order? Not at a fast food restaurant; my question relates to a casual / somewhat upscale restaurant where everything is cooked fresh not frozen. And after how many minutes will start asking the waiter, where is our food?
A: Within a few minutes of your being seated a server should have come to your table for your drink order. At this point you may or may not have also placed an order for an appetizer. Within 5 minutes of that time your drinks should have been delivered and your order taken. Now, depending on what you ordered, it could take as much as 30-45 minutes to get your meal. A good restaurant will make this time feel much shorter by giving you bread, salads, appetizers (if ordered) replenishing water and drinks as needed. If the server is good they will know when to approach you and when not to approach you so that you do not feel rushed but always feel catered to. (These server deserve descent tips) They will then allow you ample time to eat while replenishing water, drinks (alcohol is a big money maker) and anything else you might need. It will also tell them when you are finished. They will then clear the table and take your dessert order. It should not take more than 5 minutes to get your dessert. When all is said and done a casual restaurant (Applebees, Olive Garden) should take about 60 - 90 minutes while an upscale restaurant (with wine) could take 2-2 1/2 hours. If the server is good you will not realize how long you have been there, if not the meal will seem to drag on endlessly. In any event your problem may not have been the time it took to get the meal, but the service provided by the waiter/waitress.