Blog article
Restaurant Bill Splitting Etiquette: Who Pays for What?
Fair bill splitting is not only math, it is social. Clear expectations and item-level transparency reduce awkward moments after a shared meal.
Pay for what you ordered
As a baseline, each person pays for their own main items and drinks. This is usually the least controversial approach.
Split genuinely shared items
Shared appetizers or desserts should be split only among the people who consumed them, not the full table by default.
Agree on tax and tip rules early
Decide up front whether tax and tip are split proportionally or evenly. Early agreement avoids recalculation and confusion later.