Why Restaurants Serve Free Bread at the Start of Your Meal

Have you ever sat down at a restaurant and—before you even open your napkin—a basket of warm bread magically appears? No one ordered it, yet it’s there, sometimes wrapped like a tiny treasure, other times with butter on the side. But why do restaurants do this?

A Simple Welcome Gesture

First, bread acts as a low-key welcome. It’s a universal comfort food—whether it’s crusty baguettes, soft rolls, or warm pita. Offering bread makes the restaurant feel…