The service at restaurants in Sydney has been pretty inconsistent. Sometimes, it takes forever to catch someone's attention to order your meal. Other times, they magically appear, seconds after you've taken the last bite of your dish, and ask if they can clear your plate.
(It's almost like they don't have enough plates for all of the diners, and so they need your empty one as soon as possible.)
At first, we tipped the servers, since we were so used to doing so in the US. But, we took an informal poll of Aussies, and all of them said that they never tip. Unless they were in some fabulous restaurant where the service was outstanding. So now, we do as the Aussies do.
One thing I really like in Sydney is that most restaurants provide you with glasses and a large pitcher of water. I suppose this makes sense, since the servers are not working for tips--and therefore are not going to run around filling your water glass. While I appreciate good service, I prefer to refill my own glass. When the servers refill my glass, I cannot help but say "Thanks"--which usually means the conversation I'm having is interrupted. Or, sometimes I'm desperate for more water, and then start looking around for the server so I can get some more, which makes me a distracted dining partner.
I wish more places in the US would do this. Maybe it's not considered "good service" if you have to serve yourself water. But I'd like the option. And I promise I will still tip.
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