Certified Restaurant Server Practice Exam

Removing leftover food quietly without comment is the most appropriate action to take when a guest leaves food on their plate. This approach respects the guest's choice and maintains the dining experience without drawing attention to the leftover food. Removing the food discreetly helps to keep the table tidy and creates a pleasant atmosphere for other diners.

Leaving the food on the table can be seen as neglectful or unprofessional, while asking the guest if they want to keep it may come off as intrusive or unnecessary, especially if the guest has already indicated they do not want to consume it further. Taking a picture for food waste analysis, while potentially beneficial for internal assessments, is not a practical response to a guest's leftovers in the dining context. The focus should be on ensuring a comfortable and uninterrupted dining experience for all guests.