Bringing a birthday cake to a restaurant is generally not a common practice and can depend on the specific policies and preferences of the restaurant in question. Here are some factors to consider:
Restaurant Policy: Some restaurants may have strict policies against outside food and beverages being brought in, including birthday cakes. This is often due to health and safety regulations or to ensure that customers order desserts from their own menu.
Call Ahead: If you're considering bringing a birthday cake to a restaurant, it's a good idea to call the restaurant in advance and inquire about their policy. They may be accommodating on special occasions, or they may offer to provide a dessert from their menu with a candle or some other celebratory gesture.
Reserved/Private Dining: If you have a reservation for a private dining area or have booked a special event space within the restaurant, they might be more flexible about bringing in a birthday cake. However, it's still polite to ask in advance.
Corkage Fee: Some restaurants may allow you to bring in a cake but charge a "cakeage" or "corkage" fee for the service. This fee would cover the restaurant's time and effort in serving the cake and providing plates, utensils, and cleanup.
Surprise Factor: If you plan to surprise the birthday person with the cake, it's essential to communicate your intentions with the restaurant. The staff might be able to assist you in making the moment more special and seamless.
Respect Other Diners: If the restaurant allows you to bring a cake, be mindful of the other diners. Keep the celebration relatively low-key, and avoid disrupting the dining experience of others.
If bringing a birthday cake to the restaurant is not feasible or allowed, consider celebrating the birthday at home, or choose a restaurant that offers desserts and birthday celebrations as part of their services. Ultimately, it's best to communicate with the restaurant and follow their guidelines to ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for everyone involved.