Gordon Ramsay spills secrets of the restaurant trade

Ramsay has lifted the lid on what not to order and the day of the year you should avoid dining out altogether. Photo / Getty

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has revealed that you should be wary of ordering the "soup du jour" at a restaurant - because it may not have been made that day.

The renowned Michelin-starred chef, 50, also explained why you never dine out on Valentine's Day if you want a good restaurant experience and says it's much more romantic to cook for your loved one instead.

The father-of-four, who has homes in Malibu, London and Cornwall, shared the advice as he dished out industry secrets ahead of the US launch of his hit TV show The F Word later this month.

As a highly talented chef, you'd be surprised if there were any dishes to be wary of ordering at one of Ramsay's exclusive restaurants around the world.

Be wary of a restaurant serving up yesterday's soup of the day. Photo / Getty

But when it comes to other establishments, the chef has warned that diners should be careful when it comes to ordering the soup of the day.

He says that you should always ask what yesterday's soup du jour was as well as today's flavour - to see if it's the same. If it is, it's probably not freshly made.

He told Town & Country magazine: "Ask what yesterday's soup du jour was before today's special. It may be the case that it's the soup du month."

Ramsay also warned not to be taken in by cheap Valentine's Day offers at restaurants as he believes it's the worst day of the year to dine out.

He explained: "Valentine's Day is the worst day of the year to go out.

"Busy kitchens with tons of diners means you don't get the true feeling of the restaurant.

"You should be cooking on Valentine's. What's more romantic than a meal cooked for your partner with good bottle of wine?"

The chef also revealed he wouldn't mind if someone was satisfied with their meal at one of his restaurants because "the customer is king".

But he says it's just as important to let the staff know when you've really enjoyed a meal, as well as when it hasn't been up to scratch.

Ramsay was speaking ahead of the launch of the US The F Word, which is based on the hugely popular UK series, with one crucial difference: he won't be swearing.

And instead of the chef cooking a three-course meal for 50 guests, which often included celebrities, instead families will compete in a cook-off competition, with VIP guests judging their efforts.