ADVERTISEMENT

The competition in the restaurant industry is brutal. So, it's only natural that establishments want to offer people something the joint down the street still doesn't have on its menu. But if the sole purpose of standing out is simply to stand, it can quickly lead to something hilarious. Or ridiculous. Or even worse, both.

Bored Panda already wrote about restaurants trying to impress their customers too hard here, here, and here but people continue posting pictures of absurd food servings, so we continue covering them. From eating spaghetti off the fricking table to receiving your starter in a sink, continue scrolling to check out the newest batch of Gordon Ramsay's nightmares.

More info: wewantplates.com | Reddit | Facebook | Instagram |Twitter

Most of these pics were featured on We Want Plates, a community of regular people and dedicated foodies who came together to get restaurants to serve food on actual plates, not on “bits of wood and roof tiles, chips in mugs and drinks in jam jars.”

“I started the campaign in 2015 after a friend posted a picture of an average-sized steak on Facebook, which had been served to him on a large chopping board," Ross McGinnes, the founder of the We Want Plates said in an earlier Bored Panda interview. "It was captioned, unironically, 'That is a big meal!' It wasn't a big meal — he'd fallen for all this style-over-content hipster gastropub nonsense. I searched Twitter for an account which would allow me to vent my spleen with like-minded people, but found nothing. We Want Plates was born. Four years later we have over 150,000 followers on Twitter, and three quarters of a million across all social media platforms."

#2

This Whole Thing Is Just Wrong!

This Whole Thing Is Just Wrong!

"So I went on a date today and we went to a nice restaurant before going to the movies and I ordered the “iced grape popsicles” for dessert because I love grape Popsicles so why not right?…..so the waiter brings out the “iced grape popsicles” aND THEY WERE LITERALLY 3 FROZEN GRAPES ON STICKS…..I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE OFFENDED IN MY LIFE…SINCE WHEN ARE 3 [FRIGGIN] FROZEN GRAPES IN A [FRIGGIN] VASE AN ACCEPTABLE SINGLE DESSERT ORDER..ITS NOT EVEN FROZEN GRAPE JUICE OR SOMETHING ITS LITERALLY JUST A 0.02$ GRAPE THAT WAS PUT ON A STICK THEN FROZEN…LIKE SOMEONE ACTUALLY WROTE THIS DOWN ON THE MENU THINKING “OH YEAH PEOPLE [FRIGGIN] LOVE COLD GRAPES” AND SOME OTHER ASSHAT SAID “BRAH. HEAR ME OUT, HOW ABOUT WE PUT THEM ON STICKS AND SERVE THEM IN A VASE WITH NOTHING ELSE” LIKE YOU COULDNT EVEN SERVE IT WITH A [FRIGGIN] SECOND FRUIT OR EVEN [FRIGGIN] LEAVES OR WHATEVER… IM SO MAD. [FRIGGIN] FROZEN GRAPES ON A STICK.
AND THEY WERENT EVEN SEEDLESS GRAPES…"

Garden_Faery Report

Add photo comments
POST
applepieschool avatar
The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you read the fine print under the description of the item you ordered? That was the exact fricken comment I got from a waiter once.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

As We Want Plates continues to grow, McGinnes said the worst food serving he has ever encountered was when he got a piece of cake on a table tennis bat in Barcelona around 2008. "It still gives me sleepless nights," he said.

It's style over content, and McGiness thinks too much time is spent faffing around balancing six chips in a mini wheelbarrow. When these stunts become the focus, the flavour becomes secondary. And that's not a good thing.

#4

Most Expensive Restaurant I've Ever Been. Chef Literally Made The Starter In Our Hand

Most Expensive Restaurant I've Ever Been. Chef Literally Made The Starter In Our Hand

Zero_Boss Report

#5

My Friend Was Served A Single Potato On A Tiny Chair

My Friend Was Served A Single Potato On A Tiny Chair

lu-ne Report

#6

The One Vegetarian Entrée At This Restaurant Is Served Inside The Shell Of A Dead Sea Creature

The One Vegetarian Entrée At This Restaurant Is Served Inside The Shell Of A Dead Sea Creature

Nephelus Report

#8

Saw This On A Friend’s Instagram. The Horror

Saw This On A Friend’s Instagram. The Horror

SwaggerWaggon123 Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliajuhas avatar
JuJu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flying spaghetti monster decided to land on your table to convert you?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Saw A Bird Nest Post Here And Thought This Was Comparable

Saw A Bird Nest Post Here And Thought This Was Comparable

konigswagger Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

Spaghetti Bolognese In A Bread Cone

Spaghetti Bolognese In A Bread Cone

Cyclonekmb Report

Add photo comments
POST
bagladyele avatar
EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is it possible to make one of the best meals to eat, universally loved, look SO unappealing...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

Our Sharing Starter Came In A Sink

Our Sharing Starter Came In A Sink

cwsphotographer Report

#12

It’s Getting Out Of Hand

It’s Getting Out Of Hand

psburton Report

#13

“Don’t Eat The Rocks” - Waiter Upon Serving

“Don’t Eat The Rocks” - Waiter Upon Serving

swflmeli Report

Add photo comments
POST
natclemency avatar
Natalie Scott
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be better if the waiter whispered 'they're not rocks' after his warning, then walked away and left you guessing what they are.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

The Jello Tasted Alright, Nothing Special

The Jello Tasted Alright, Nothing Special

CTU-24 Report

#15

Not Shown: The Sauce Proceeding To Spill Onto My Lap

Not Shown: The Sauce Proceeding To Spill Onto My Lap

ecapstone Report

#17

Not A Plate, But An Actual Glass Would Be Nice

Not A Plate, But An Actual Glass Would Be Nice

soseidel79 Report

Add photo comments
POST
khairunisaasyikinnoordin avatar
nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's what you get for a few cents from a street hawker, not in a fancy a*s restaurant where you pay extra for dine in service.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Cheese Served On A Mouse Trap

Cheese Served On A Mouse Trap

the_avo_89 Report

#19

We Demand Plates

We Demand Plates

Top_pilots Report

Add photo comments
POST
gmadams avatar
Blackheart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This literally is box mac and cheese with dinosaur chicken nuggets. You can do this at home with a plate.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#20

I'm Gonna Swing From The Chandelier, From The Chandelier

I'm Gonna Swing From The Chandelier, From The Chandelier

coup_detat_21 Report

#21

Steak And Mashed Taters In A Sombrero

Steak And Mashed Taters In A Sombrero

issyababymamma Report

#22

This Broccoli On Barbed Wire

This Broccoli On Barbed Wire

oldfashioned24 Report

Add photo comments
POST
applepieschool avatar
The Emerald Triangle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just 4 pieces? That better be gold flakes on the sh*t if I got to pry it off of Bob wire.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Sorbetto With Foam Served In A Lightbulb On A Bed Of Dried Grass

Sorbetto With Foam Served In A Lightbulb On A Bed Of Dried Grass

mightgooutside Report

#24

Dinner At A Corporate Christmas Party. Mashed Potatoes, Roast Beef, And Peas In A Martini Glass

Dinner At A Corporate Christmas Party. Mashed Potatoes, Roast Beef, And Peas In A Martini Glass

nolawsdrinkclaws Report

Add photo comments
POST
gmadams avatar
Blackheart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a friend who cannot stand it when her food touches each other. This is her nightmare.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Didn't Expect My Appetizer To Be Served Inside A Dresser But Ok

Didn't Expect My Appetizer To Be Served Inside A Dresser But Ok

kiwimeli Report

#26

The Syrup Is Already Going Down His Arm

The Syrup Is Already Going Down His Arm

ZebraBoat Report

#27

My Friend's Ramen Was Served In A Beer Mug

My Friend's Ramen Was Served In A Beer Mug

Mo1s7 Report

#28

Gordon Got Served A Steak On A Roof Tile

Gordon Got Served A Steak On A Roof Tile

bigppman2 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#31

$500 Tasting Menu, And This Is How Dessert Was Served...

$500 Tasting Menu, And This Is How Dessert Was Served...

krazy4001 Report

#32

At A Conference In Houston

At A Conference In Houston

bwelnicki Report

#33

Not In Need Of A Plate, But A Bowl Would Have Been Nice As Opposed To This Wine Glass For My Soup, Which Was Poured At The Table Out Of A Wine Bottle

Not In Need Of A Plate, But A Bowl Would Have Been Nice As Opposed To This Wine Glass For My Soup, Which Was Poured At The Table Out Of A Wine Bottle

frysause- Report

#34

This Is Not Acceptable.

This Is Not Acceptable.

horfor Report

#35

Scrolling Through Instagram This Morning And Found This

Scrolling Through Instagram This Morning And Found This

lavrenmc Report

#36

Frozen On A Cactus

Frozen On A Cactus

Benetton_Cumbersome Report

Add photo comments
POST
samlomb avatar
Samantha Lomb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So you kill a plant that too years to grow ( cause cutting into it like this will kill it) for a one use dessert? its not a cactus to eat, the spines stab you and you can't clean it. What a waste of a life

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Cheese Foam That Is Spooned Onto The Back Of Your Hand By The Waiter And Then You Have To Lick It Off

Cheese Foam That Is Spooned Onto The Back Of Your Hand By The Waiter And Then You Have To Lick It Off

secroothatch Report

#38

My Friend Got Served This Grilled Cheese Monstrosity

My Friend Got Served This Grilled Cheese Monstrosity

universal_cynic Report

#39

My Tiramisu Came In A Moka Pot, Scraping The Food Out Of There Made The Most Awful Sounds

My Tiramisu Came In A Moka Pot, Scraping The Food Out Of There Made The Most Awful Sounds

Madidom Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#40

The Ridiculously Stacked Bloody Mary Trend Seems To Have Taken Over Milkshakes As Well... (Photo Not Mine)

The Ridiculously Stacked Bloody Mary Trend Seems To Have Taken Over Milkshakes As Well... (Photo Not Mine)

ButtsMagoob Report

Add photo comments
POST
imbriuminarian avatar
Bunzilla
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just how do they expect anybody to eat this without it all falling apart?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

Friend Of Mine Just Posted This From His Dinner Out. Rope As A Plate. Some Sort Of Fruit Roses.

Friend Of Mine Just Posted This From His Dinner Out. Rope As A Plate. Some Sort Of Fruit Roses.

pibond80 Report

#44

Finally Happened To Me!

Finally Happened To Me!

RedRob93 Report

#45

Steaks On A Bell

Steaks On A Bell

NotScottK Report

#47

Just Some Food Served On Unedible Dead Fish

Just Some Food Served On Unedible Dead Fish

wintersundontcare Report

Add photo comments
POST
bl4ket4ylor avatar
Blarrg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So would I rather eat the fish heads or the caterpillar?

View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Truffled Caviar Bumps At Grant Achatz's Next Restaurant In Chicago

Truffled Caviar Bumps At Grant Achatz's Next Restaurant In Chicago

rcl1221 Report

#49

These Artful Potatoes

These Artful Potatoes

beigeblancmange Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Sauce In A Cup Of Ice Cream On A Rock. Better Eat It Fast

Sauce In A Cup Of Ice Cream On A Rock. Better Eat It Fast

jgl2832 Report

#52

This Is Just A Whole New Level Of Laziness

This Is Just A Whole New Level Of Laziness

GuaveGummyBear Report

Add photo comments
POST
crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not think serving in pans is bad per se. It fits cozy, old-style restaurants. However, this looks like 50 cent pasta with generic tomato souce...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#53

When You Have Lunch At 12:00 And Tennis At 12:05

When You Have Lunch At 12:00 And Tennis At 12:05

ImMisterBrightside Report

#54

My Appetizer Came Locked In A Box

My Appetizer Came Locked In A Box

Marco-Calvin-polo Report

#55

Steak On A Rock With Pebbles Underneath

Steak On A Rock With Pebbles Underneath

syko-hntr Report

#56

Digging For Chicken In A Shovel Full Of Peppers

Digging For Chicken In A Shovel Full Of Peppers

tumuchpaper Report

#58

I Don’t See Any Birds In This Cage

I Don’t See Any Birds In This Cage

bivian Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#60

Main Course On A Picture Frame, The Dessert Came In A Wooden Box

Main Course On A Picture Frame, The Dessert Came In A Wooden Box

ciongyik Report

#62

Mmmm... Community Table Salad?

Mmmm... Community Table Salad?

earthboundhellion37 Report

Add photo comments
POST
gmadams avatar
Blackheart
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a trough.Seriously, and this is a pig trough at that.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

Condiments For Bread Served On Baking Paper

Condiments For Bread Served On Baking Paper

Fickle_Locksmith Report

Add photo comments
POST
damonrn avatar
Damon Gates
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see an irate customer strangling a chef in this particular Rorschach image.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#64

Maple Bacon Wings. This Was After The Waitress Went To “Clean It Up” When We Told Her It Had Been Pouring Off The Board As She Was Walking Across The Restaurant And It Almost Got All Over My Boyfriend

Maple Bacon Wings. This Was After The Waitress Went To “Clean It Up” When We Told Her It Had Been Pouring Off The Board As She Was Walking Across The Restaurant And It Almost Got All Over My Boyfriend

notyouraveragedogmom Report

Add photo comments
POST
pablosimmo avatar
Pablo Simmo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why they insist on serving dripping food on a flat board. That's just stupid

#65

Not Sure If This Belongs Here But My Friend Got Her Smoothie In A Lightbulb

Not Sure If This Belongs Here But My Friend Got Her Smoothie In A Lightbulb

SharpestOfAll Report

#66

Drink Served In A Bag With A Rubber Duck

Drink Served In A Bag With A Rubber Duck

shlippshlopp Report

#67

Choo Choo! All Aboard The Impractical Train.

Choo Choo! All Aboard The Impractical Train.

ayup_duck Report

#68

Asked For A Bowl For My Yoghurt - We Don’t Want Plates!

Asked For A Bowl For My Yoghurt - We Don’t Want Plates!

C4r0l1n3 Report

#69

I Refuse To Eat Off Of The Three Seashells!!!

I Refuse To Eat Off Of The Three Seashells!!!

Lorax1987 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#70

This Is An Interesting Way To Serve Food. First Drink Then Eat Out Of The Same Bottle

This Is An Interesting Way To Serve Food. First Drink Then Eat Out Of The Same Bottle

IsabelleRomy Report

#71

Bacon On The Move

Bacon On The Move

Jamerman123 Report

#72

Meat On A Silver Ox Skull

Meat On A Silver Ox Skull

timbo54 Report

Add photo comments
POST
getsuyoubi avatar
Monday
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Biryaniholic ... The problem is it's bloody impractical to reach your food with those horns in the way.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#73

Tacos. In Shot Glasses. All Of The Filling Slid To The Bottom

Tacos. In Shot Glasses. All Of The Filling Slid To The Bottom

jenesmall Report

Add photo comments
POST
lyuboiv avatar
Vorknkx
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weird, it's almost as if there is some omnipresent force on this planet that makes everything fall or slide down. Who would have thought? :D

View more commentsArrow down menu
#74

Fries In A Little Car... Yes, The Price Label Is Still On It (And All Other Cutlery Too)

Fries In A Little Car... Yes, The Price Label Is Still On It (And All Other Cutlery Too)

Vini-B Report

#75

Got My Chocolate Cake Served On This Old Tile Today

Got My Chocolate Cake Served On This Old Tile Today

0m4x Report

Add photo comments
POST
liverpoolroze avatar
Rose the Cook
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is illegal to use chipped tableware in most countries and where it isn't it should be. Bacteria breed in the crevices.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#76

Dessert, Waiter Instructed Us To Make Sure We Licked Our Hands Clean. In Their Defense It Was Delicious

Dessert, Waiter Instructed Us To Make Sure We Licked Our Hands Clean. In Their Defense It Was Delicious

Monkey917 Report

#77

My Boyfriend Ordered Nachos And We Thought This Would Fit Here

My Boyfriend Ordered Nachos And We Thought This Would Fit Here

linerys Report

#78

Spaghetti Juice Leaked All Over The Table And Me

Spaghetti Juice Leaked All Over The Table And Me

kittyinthecouds Report

Add photo comments
POST
nadinebamberger avatar
Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The juice of the spaghetti fruit is notoriously hard to get out of cotton.

See Also on Bored Panda
#80

Grilled Cheese Served On A Hook, Dripping Into The Soup Below

Grilled Cheese Served On A Hook, Dripping Into The Soup Below

Tommithy1686 Report

#81

Trash Can Kids For The Big Game At Fuzzy's

Trash Can Kids For The Big Game At Fuzzy's

imgur Report

#82

Waitress Asked If We Wanted Another Plate For The Tacos We Were Splitting. I Assumed She Meant A Small Round Piece Of Ceramic. Not Another Chunk Of Wood.

Waitress Asked If We Wanted Another Plate For The Tacos We Were Splitting. I Assumed She Meant A Small Round Piece Of Ceramic. Not Another Chunk Of Wood.

PartyAmericaBeer Report

#83

Syrup Running Through The Thumb Hole

Syrup Running Through The Thumb Hole

gochujangface Report

Add photo comments
POST
zrgoldstein8 avatar
MadDawg
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really don't see anything wrong with this... That waffle looks incredible

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#84

My Friend Snapped Her Dessert In A Tree

My Friend Snapped Her Dessert In A Tree

Trolllullul80 Report

#85

Onion Rings On A Funnel

Onion Rings On A Funnel

Kl0wn91 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jksimm515 avatar
Koalamonster
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know where this picture is from but I've seen this thing done in the Midwest at a couple places... I feel like they can give you fewer onion rings than they would give you on a plate while still making it look like they've given you a lot.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#86

Margarita In An Old Hubcap Anyone?

Margarita In An Old Hubcap Anyone?

bigfatguy64 Report

Add photo comments
POST
juliajuhas avatar
JuJu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You won't care in a few minutes if it's strong enough

View more commentsArrow down menu
#89

My First Restaurant Meal In Jaipur, India. I Had No Idea Why They Put A Toolbox With A Plastic Syringe On My Table

My First Restaurant Meal In Jaipur, India. I Had No Idea Why They Put A Toolbox With A Plastic Syringe On My Table

FearlessTravels Report

Add photo comments
POST
elia84631 avatar
elia 84631
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the owner of the restaurant is some drug addict collector

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#90

Soup Has Been Served In A Flower Pot

Soup Has Been Served In A Flower Pot

dwauctioneer Report

Add photo comments
POST
wh4ok avatar
Jon S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a bowl shaped like a flower pot rather than an actual flower pot. Flower pots have holes at the bottom. At least this one is appropriately themed for a garden centre.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#91

Indoor Snowboarding Place Cafe Serves Pizza On Real Snowboard

Indoor Snowboarding Place Cafe Serves Pizza On Real Snowboard

tsunx4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
getsuyoubi avatar
Monday
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This seems fine. Fits the theme of the place and a snowboard is a decent enough plate.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#92

The Nacho Cone

The Nacho Cone

00glim00glee Report

Add photo comments
POST
anne-karina avatar
Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is pretty clever.. (it's a chili cone..) no waste, you can eat it all

View more commentsArrow down menu
#93

A Balkan Breakfast

A Balkan Breakfast

snizzlephritz Report

#94

Shrimp Served This Thing And The Server Immediately Asked “I Assume You’re Going To Need A Plate For This?”

Shrimp Served This Thing And The Server Immediately Asked “I Assume You’re Going To Need A Plate For This?”

Baltimoron50 Report