> And don’t get me started on the inefficient payment ritual we have to endure: flag down the waiter for the check, wait for the check, wait for them to take your cc, wait for them to ring it up and bring it back, then do some math. Unnecessary.
Most of the sit down restaurants I frequent now use mobile pay terminals so at least that bit is less awkward. They leave the terminal at the table and leave, so you can pay at your leisure.
Pizza Express here in the UK has the best model IMHO. While ordering works as usual and you still have the option of paying the traditional way, you can also use their app. Select the restaurant, type in your table number and you’ll see what you had ordered and can pay for it. It even has options to split the bill.
No need to flag down a waiter, tell them you want to pay, yes, by card, and then watch him getting flagged down by 5 other guests until he makes it back to you with the card reader 10 minutes later.
Most of the sit down restaurants I frequent now use mobile pay terminals so at least that bit is less awkward. They leave the terminal at the table and leave, so you can pay at your leisure.