After eating out in Kolding, Hamburg, Munich, Amsterdam, Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Tafalla, Barcelona, Roma, Rho, Milano, Luzern, and Copenhagen, I'll consider myself an expert in European dining. Here are my generalizations:
1. Europeans do not like to dine quickly. They take their time with their meals and do not expect quick service.
2. Servers do not expect you to want quick service and don't expect to be rewarded for quick, or even good service, so they simply don't care. Consequently, I don't tip much...thus, the vicious cycle continues.
3. Food quality is generally great, but limited. Italian food in Italy is great. They don't have much else though. San Sebastián was the worst...they basically have nothing but Tapas. Not sure about you, but I am not a big fan of eating food that's been sitting at a bar under people's noses and mouths all night. Switzerland probably has the most variety, but I don't think they really have food of their own.
Bottom line: I really like the American dining experience. I'm not looking for my lunch to be an event that lasts 2 hours. I'm there to eat, maybe have a quick discussion and go on with my life. The level of service my server gives me directly correlates to how much they make...no standard service charges like they have in Italy. At least in Southern California, we have access to any type of food. Plenty of variety close to home. I will be very happy to get home to Mexican food and a good margarita.