13 Meals Chefs Say You Should Never Order After 6 PM

Dining out in the evening is often a reward, a chance to unwind, indulge, and let someone else do the cooking. But according to seasoned chefs, not every dish on the menu is a wise choice after sundown.

As kitchens shift from prep to service mode, certain items lose their freshness or safety. Whether it’s due to timing or technique, these late day orders can disappoint even the most enthusiastic diner.

Fish Specials on Mondays

Chefs widely agree that ordering fish on a Monday evening is risky. Many seafood deliveries arrive before the weekend, meaning Monday’s catch may be several days old. Unless the restaurant has a direct line to a local fish market, freshness is questionable. Stick to land based proteins or ask about sourcing before ordering.

Hollandaise Sauce Dishes

Hollandaise is notoriously sensitive and must be kept warm without curdling. After brunch hours, it’s often held too long, increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Chefs recommend skipping Eggs Benedict or similar dishes after midday. If you crave it, opt for a trusted brunch spot earlier in the day.

Oysters

Raw oysters require meticulous handling and storage. After 6 PM, especially on Mondays, freshness can be compromised. Chefs caution that improperly stored oysters can lead to serious illness. Only order them from reputable seafood restaurants with high turnover.

Chicken Parmesan

This dish is often pre-frozen and reheated, especially in high volume kitchens. Chefs say it lacks the freshness and texture of made to order meals. If you’re craving chicken, look for grilled or roasted options instead.

Soup of the Day

Gordon Ramsay and other chefs warn that soup specials may be recycled from previous days. After 6 PM, the pot may have been reheated multiple times, affecting flavor and safety. Ask when the soup was made or choose a freshly prepared starter.

Steak with Extra Sauce Charges

Some restaurants charge separately for steak sauces, which chefs view as a red flag. It suggests the steak may not be seasoned or prepared properly. A quality steak should stand on its own, especially in the evening when kitchens are busiest.

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Scrambled Eggs

Chefs say scrambled eggs are often overcooked in restaurant settings, especially during dinner service. The texture suffers, and the dish loses its appeal. Save eggs for breakfast or brunch when they’re made with more care.

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Flank or Entrecôte Steak

These cuts require precise cooking to remain tender. After 6 PM, rushed service can lead to tough, uneven results. Chefs recommend ordering simpler cuts or dishes that don’t rely on delicate timing.

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Vegan Dishes at Non Vegan Restaurants

Chefs caution that vegan meals in non specialist kitchens may lack originality or proper technique. Ingredients might be pre packaged or poorly substituted. For plant based dining, choose restaurants that specialize in vegan cuisine.

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Chicken or Salmon Entrées

These proteins are easy to overcook, especially during busy dinner hours. Chefs say they’re often bland or dry unless handled with care. Opt for dishes that showcase more complex preparation or flavor.

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Truffle Oil Dishes

Truffle oil is often synthetic and overpowering, especially in evening specials. Chefs say it’s used to mask bland ingredients or inflate menu prices. If you want authentic truffle flavor, look for dishes with real truffle shavings.

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Mussels or Seafood Pasta

Shellfish can spoil quickly and must be served fresh. After 6 PM, mussels may have sat too long, increasing the risk of illness. Chefs suggest avoiding seafood unless the restaurant is known for high turnover and quality sourcing.

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House Salads and Wedge Salads

These are often prepped in bulk and lack creativity or freshness by evening service. Chefs recommend choosing seasonal or chef curated salads instead. You’ll get better ingredients and more thoughtful composition.

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Evening dining should be a pleasure, not a gamble. By understanding what chefs avoid after 6 PM, you can make smarter choices and enjoy meals at their best. Trust the kitchen’s strengths, ask questions, and let timing guide your order. Your taste buds will thank you.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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