Ah that's the difference, then. You equate good service with bringing the check immediately. I'm afraid not doing that isn't bad service, it's just a cultural difference that you have to get used to when you travel sometimes.

Having said that, on the occasion when I've been in places like that and I really was in a hurry, no one has looked at my funny or seem put out when I've flagged someone down to ask for the check.

The fact that you say "Europe" like it's not a block of 40+ countries each with its own language and culture is telling.

Second, what you and me consider to be good service is probably quite different.

Bringing the check immediately is associated with fast food, and overcrowded touristy places that are rushing customers to leave. Places that want to be fancy act like you're there to hang out, not to just eat and leave.

It is sometimes absurd. In the UK there's an often an extra step of "oh, you're paying by card? let me go back and bring the card reader". Some places have just one reader shared among all waiting staff, so you're not going to get it faster unless you tip enough to make the staff wrestle for it.

I like the Japanese style the best — there's a cashier by the exit.

> I care that when I want to leave, I can pay quickly. In Europe, it's incredibly slow

Maybe when you come to Europe adjust to the culture. In Europe you don't eat with the clock in your hand so you can run off too the next meeting while you're still chewing. This isn't bad service, it's part of eating out that you don't storm off and take your time.

An ordinary European restaurant doesn't work with the tempo of a McDonalds, that's a feature and not a bug.