Going out for a meal with friends or family is a really fun, chilled-out way to celebrate your birthday. However, it can be difficult to choose somewhere that will suit your whole group. This guide gives you three simple questions to ask yourself before you settle on a restaurant.

What Do You Want the Atmosphere to Be Like?

You might have a good idea of what you want the food to be like, but it's also worth considering the atmosphere you'd like for your birthday meal. Some people prefer a formal atmosphere with a delicious tasting menu, while others would opt for a family-run restaurant where it's okay to talk loudly and the staff will sing happy birthday. Do you want a formal meal or something more casual? What would you like the decor to be like? What dress code are you envisioning? There's no right or wrong answer, it's simply a good idea to spend some time thinking about what your ideal restaurant would look like.

Do Any of Your Guests Have Specific Dietary Requirements?

You should also consider whether any of your guests have specific dietary requirements. This is especially important if any of your guests have allergies, as otherwise, they could be in danger. WebMD has some tips on eating out with allergies, such as calling the restaurant in advance and avoiding certain types of restaurants (for example, peanut oil is often present in Thai food). It's best to speak to your friends and find out what they're comfortable with. You should also consider any other requirements – for example, if half of your guests are vegan or vegetarian, a steak restaurant might not be a great choice. Try to find the right balance between celebrating your birthday the way you want and making sure everyone has something to eat.

What Would Be Convenient for Everybody?

Finally, you should consider what would be convenient for your guests. Is your chosen restaurant easy for them to get to? It doesn't matter if it's a bit of a drive, but it does matter if it's only accessible by car and some guests don't drive at all. Is it physically accessible for guests with walking difficulties? If guests are paying for their own meals and drinks, will it be affordable for the whole group? Take a little time to think about everyone's needs. However, you should also make sure you're doing something you enjoy, and you shouldn't have to change the whole plan for a guest who simply wants to do something else.

By thinking about the atmosphere you'd like, your guests' dietary needs, and whether or not the restaurant is convenient for everyone, you can choose the perfect location for your birthday meal. Keep these tips in mind when looking for a local restaurant.