What type of service involves a waiter serving food that is already plated by the chef?

The type of service that involves a waiter serving food that is already plated by the chef is known as plate service. This method is characterized by individual servings that are prepared and arranged in the kitchen before being brought out to the guest’s table. Plate service provides a formal dining experience, as each dish is typically presented attractively, allowing for a more refined presentation. It also streamlines the service process since the server simply delivers the plates to the guests without needing to serve each component of the meal separately.

In contrast, buffet service involves guests serving themselves from a variety of dishes laid out on a table, family service allows diners to serve themselves from platters passed around the table, and counter service typically includes customers ordering at a counter and either receiving their food there or taking it to a table. Each of these alternatives emphasizes different dining interactions and experiences, but plate service specifically denotes the method of serving pre-plated meals directly to diners.