Side Plates
Side plates are small plates, typically 15-18cm in diameter, used for bread, side dishes and condiments alongside a main course in pubs, cafés, hotels and care homes. The key buying consideration is diameter appropriate to bread or side portions and a matching finish to the venue’s dinner plate range for a consistent table setting. “Side plates” is the plain buyer term.
Key specifications
Side plates are small, typically 15-18cm, for bread, sides and condiments alongside a main. Vitrified porcelain is the workhorse for chip resistance and dishwasher durability, with bone china for fine dining and stoneware for a rustic look. Because they sit beside the dinner plate, matching the finish and glaze to the main range is the priority for a consistent table setting. A modest rim keeps bread and sides contained, and a stackable footprint saves storage space in busy pubs, cafés, hotels and care-home dining rooms.
Side Plates — FAQs
What size is a standard side plate?
Most commercial side plates run 15-18cm, sized for bread rolls, butter, chips or a small side salad without taking up excessive table space.
Should side plates match the dinner plate range exactly?
Yes — most operators buy side plates from the same collection as their dinner plates to keep table settings visually consistent, since glaze tone and rim design vary between manufacturers.