Taking a client out to lunch can be a great way to make a strong first impression or to talk through projects. Meeting face-to-face shows that you value the partnership and are invested in building a long-term connection. But besides sharing a meal, it’s important for companies to know how to entertain clients at lunch, as the setting and approach can make or break your business relationship.

Where you meet matters, but the restaurant doesn’t need to be the fanciest reservation in town. A convenient location, comfortable atmosphere, reliable service, and menu with enough variety for different dietary needs will usually serve you better than choosing somewhere simply because it’s impressive. Part of learning how to entertain clients is recognizing what will make a particular person comfortable, whether you’re meeting near their office, arranging lunch at your workplace, or choosing a restaurant in a city you’re both visiting.

The conversation matters even more than what’s on the menu. Come prepared with a reason for getting together, give your client room to talk, and pay attention to the personal details that naturally come up along the way. Once you understand how to entertain clients in a way that feels genuine, lunch becomes an opportunity to strengthen trust, learn what matters to the people you work with, and leave the table with a relationship that’s stronger than when you sat down.

It doesn’t matter whether you are meeting a potential client or trying to maintain an existing relationship. Knowing how to entertain clients effectively can turn a simple meal into a valuable business opportunity. Here are some of our best tips!

6 Excellent Tips on How to Entertain Clients

1. Choose the Right Restaurant

Where you meet your client is important, as it sets the tone for the entire meeting. Restaurants that are too loud or crowded will make it difficult to have a productive conversation. But you also don’t want to go to a place that is too formal, too casual, or with bad service, as this may also leave a bad taste in your client’s mouth.

We also recommend picking somewhere convenient for your client to reach. You may also consider asking ahead of time about any dietary restrictions or allergies, or choosing a restaurant with a variety of options to accommodate different food preferences. 

2. Plan Discussion Topics Ahead of Time

Spending an entire lunch with someone in a business setting can quickly become awkward if you’re not prepared. Therefore, it can help to have a few topics in mind (business and casual) before you arrive.

To start, think about what you want to accomplish during the meeting. Use those points to guide the conversation naturally. If you want to know how to entertain clients beyond the work talk, then you can also bring up shared interests, hobbies, or personal experiences to make the conversation feel more genuine. 

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3. Focus on the Relationship and Not Just the Sale

If you’re inviting a client to lunch, you likely have a goal in mind. While it’s perfectly fine to keep that objective in focus, the meeting shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch from beginning to end. Clients can pick up on this and may trust you less if they feel like the conversation is only focused on what you want from them.

Besides talking about hobbies and interests, make sure to be an attentive listener. Participating in meaningful conversation and asking thoughtful questions shows you are genuinely interested in something beyond the business relationship.

4. Cover the Bill

Knowing how to entertain clients isn’t just about having a good conversation. It’s also about creating a welcoming experience and showing appreciation for their time and willingness to meet with you. If you’ve invited the client to lunch, then it’s generally expected that you will handle the bill after the meal.

If you want to avoid discussing payment or fighting over the bill at the table, then you can let the server know discreetly that you would like to pay beforehand. And don’t forget to keep your receipt in case you’re able to expense the meal through your company.

5. Consider a Catered Office Lunch

You don’t have to leave the office to entertain clients. Instead, arrange a catered lunch at your workplace where you guys can connect without the distractions of a busy restaurant. Lunch at the office is also good for introducing clients to your team or to showcase your company culture. 

You can choose individual boxed meals from local restaurants, buffet meals, party platters, or even build-your-own food bars. Whatever you choose, just make sure to choose food options that accommodate different dietary preferences. 

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6. Follow Up After Lunch

Sending a thank you email or follow-up message doesn’t just make a better first impression – it’s also important for moving the conversation forward. Make sure to mention something specific you discussed at lunch or summarize what you guys discussed as next steps or action items.

Related: Thank You Gifts for Clients: Food Gifts They’ll Devour

Common How to Entertain Clients Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to understanding how to entertain clients, it’s necessary to know what not to do at a business lunch or dinner. Here are a few:

• Arriving late: This can signal to your client that you don’t value their time. Aim to get to the restaurant a few minutes early so you can greet them when they arrive.
• Doing most of the talking: If you want to know how to entertain clients to make a good first impression, make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to share their thoughts!
• Using your phone: You don’t want to seem uninterested or distracted, so keep your phone out of sight during lunch.
• Drinking too much alcohol: Stay as professional as possible by keeping consumption to a minimum — if at all. If you plan on drinking, make sure to drink enough water at the office beforehand to help you stay hydrated, as well as afterwards.
• Forgetting dining etiquette: Manners are always important, so be polite to restaurant staff, avoid talking with your mouth full, and wait until everyone is served before eating.
• Bringing up controversial topics: You don’t want to offend your client or make them uncomfortable by talking about politics, religion, or other divisive subjects at the table — the topic at hand should be work, niceities, and so on.
• Ordering inappropriately: What you order for lunch matters! Avoid the most expensive dish, or foods that are difficult or messy to eat.

Related: High Impact Tips to Create a Client Meeting Area for Small Office Spaces

Turn Your Next Client Lunch Into a Stronger Relationship by Learning How to Entertain Clients

Make the invitation before another month of emails and video calls goes by. A thoughtful lunch gives you something digital communication rarely does: uninterrupted time to get to know the person behind the business relationship. Knowing how to entertain clients means creating an experience where they feel comfortable, listened to, and genuinely appreciated, whether you’re sitting across from each other at a favorite local restaurant or sharing a catered meal at the office.

You don’t need an extravagant meal or a perfectly scripted conversation to make that happen. Choose somewhere convenient, arrive early, put your phone away, ask questions you actually want to hear the answers to, and pick up the bill when you’re the one who extended the invitation. Follow up afterward while the conversation is still fresh. Those relatively small details can say far more about how much you value a client than choosing the most expensive restaurant in town.

Put your next client lunch on the calendar and approach it as time invested in the relationship rather than another meeting to squeeze into the day. The more naturally you learn how to entertain clients, the easier it becomes to create conversations that lead to trust, stronger partnerships, future opportunities, and clients who genuinely enjoy doing business with you. A great lunch eventually ends, but the relationship you build across the table can keep paying off long after the check is settled.

Knowing how to entertain clients is a valuable skill for any business professional. Not only can it open the door to more opportunities for your company, but it can also help strengthen client relationships that continue to grow over time. If you’re looking for another way to show your appreciation, then consider one of these memorable client gifts instead. At the end of the day, how you entertain clients is less about the venue and meal and more about making them feel valued! The same is true when interacting with customers, as strong relationships can help increase customer retention and keep people coming back.

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