We Were Vacationing in Croatia. I Refused to Go to a Steakhouse Just to Eat a Side Salad.

There are certain unspoken rules of friendship, and one of the most important is making sure everyone feels included. When you plan an outing, especially a special meal on a long-awaited vacation, the goal is for everyone to share in the experience. It’s about more than just food; it’s about camaraderie and making memories together.

However, one woman recently took to the internet to share a story about a time her friends seemed to forget this simple courtesy. Her dilemma sparked a fascinating debate about accommodating others and the true meaning of consideration.

The Incident

Imagine this: you’re on a beautiful vacation in Croatia with a group of seven dear friends. You’ve all been staying in a house together, cooking your own meals, and have decided to treat yourselves to just one special dinner out for the entire trip. It’s the highlight you’ve all been looking forward to.

For the woman who shared this story, the excitement quickly faded. She has been a vegan for three years, a fact all her friends are well aware of. When the group decided on a restaurant—a traditional steakhouse—and shared the menu in their group chat, her heart must have sunk. She scanned the options, searching for anything she could eat.

The result? Nothing. Not a single vegetarian dish, let alone a vegan one. The only item on the entire menu that fit her diet was a “small side salad.” Can you imagine? Sitting at a table, watching your friends enjoy a multi-course feast while you nibble on a few leaves of lettuce? It’s humiliating.

She handled the situation with grace, telling her friends she would simply stay home. As she explained, “I don’t want to be sat there with nothing to eat while they were eating a full menu of meats.” Still, she couldn’t help but feel slighted. “Personally, I think since they are all aware of my dietary choices, it would have been fair from them to look for a restaurant that would have at least some vegetarian options,” she wrote.

It wasn’t a huge fight—in fact, she later updated that another friend spoke up for her, and they ended up rescheduling for a more suitable place. But the initial lack of thought left a sting.

The Internet Reacts

Online, her story struck a chord, and people were quick to weigh in. The reactions fell into a few distinct camps.

First, there was the “Absolutely Not” Crowd, who were appalled on the woman’s behalf. These commenters felt the friends were completely out of line. One person summed it up perfectly: “Personally I don’t think it is very nice or inclusive to chose a restaurant with no vegetarian or vegan options. It is a bit inconsiderate.”

Another added, “I am a huge lover of steak but would never expect my vegan friend to join me at a steakhouse.” For this group, it was a simple matter of good manners and friendship; you don’t knowingly exclude one person from the group’s only special event.

Then came the “Devil’s Advocate” camp. These folks believed the responsibility fell on the vegan woman, not her six friends. They argued that the majority shouldn’t have to change their plans for one person’s dietary choice. One commenter was particularly blunt, stating she was wrong “by expecting the majority (6) to cater to you (1) because of your chosen, optional diet.”

Another agreed, writing, “You being a vegan is very limiting and that’s your choice, not theirs.” They saw it as a simple case of numbers—why should six people miss out on a steak dinner for one person?

Finally, there was the “No Drama” Crowd”. This group didn’t see any villains in the story at all. They felt everyone was entitled to their choices and that the situation didn’t need to be a big deal. “Your friends are allowed to enjoy a steak, even if you can’t,” one person reasoned. “You’re also not obligated to join them at the steakhouse.”

Another offered a practical solution that many of us have probably considered: “If you feel like you don’t want to miss out you can always eat before hand and just have drinks.” For them, it was a simple logistical issue, not a friendship crisis.

The Etiquette Verdict

While it’s wonderful that this particular situation was resolved peacefully, the friends were absolutely guilty of poor etiquette. Planning a group event, especially on vacation, is about creating a shared, happy experience. Choosing a restaurant where you know one of your friends cannot eat is the opposite of inclusive. It sends a clear message: “We want to do this, and your participation is not a priority.”

True friendship and good manners require a little thought. It’s not about bending over backward for every single preference, but it is about ensuring everyone feels wanted and welcome. A five-minute search for a restaurant with one decent vegetarian option would have solved everything and made sure the entire group could enjoy their one special night out together.

Your Take

So, what do you think? Were the friends being inconsiderate by picking a restaurant their friend couldn’t eat at, or should the vegan woman have just accepted the situation for the sake of the group?