We go to local favorite restaurants a few times a week, and are on a first name basis with many of the owners and staff. It’s not unusual for someone to tell us that the salmon is meh, but the new ravioli dish is amazing. I don’t remember ever being disappointed by recommendations like this.
As far as the server running up the bill, I’ve never had this happen. Although one time I was on a Caribbean cruise, solo. I met a Polish sommelier and discussed wines during his time off. At dinner he made recommendations, but he always gave me cheap, mid-range, and ridiculously expensive suggestions along with why I might want to go with a specific wine.