I always eat a small meal before I go to dinner with anyone
Why do you eat a meal before going out for a meal?
I want to enjoy the taste of the food I eat. If I'm too hungry, I can't enjoy the taste at all.
Well, it's understandable that you wouldn't want to look like you overeat. Just don't eat too much before your dinner that you don't eat later at all, you may offend your friends that way.
The food needs to be good. All my friends know that I'm the fussy one when it comes to food.
It seems like you and your friends don't have any issues with your system. They know you're a fussy eater, and your extra meal helps you enjoy going out more.