Introduction
If you're planning on visiting a restaurant soon, it's essential to have a basic understanding of common English phrases that are used in restaurants. This guide includes 100 essential phrases that will help you navigate dining conversations with ease.
Before You Arrive
1. Do you have a reservation?
2. Can you recommend any good restaurants in the area?
3. What is the dress code?
4. Are there any dietary restrictions that the restaurant can accommodate?
Seating and Ordering
5. May I have a table for two, please?
6. Can we sit by the window / in a quieter area?
7. Could you please bring us the menu?
8. What do you recommend from the menu?
9. Can we get some bread and butter to start?
10. Can we get some water, please?
Placing Your Order
11. I will have the steak, medium rare.
12. Could I have the chicken with a side salad instead of fries?
13. Can you make that gluten-free / vegan / vegetarian?
14. How spicy is the dish?
15. How long is the wait for our food?
Table Manners and Etiquette
16. Could you please pass the salt and pepper?
17. May I have another napkin, please?
18. May I take your plate?
19. Could you please split the bill?
20. Do you accept credit cards?
Compliments and Complaints
21. This dish is delicious.
22. The service is outstanding.
23. I appreciate your help with my special dietary request.
24. This is not what I ordered.
25. The food is cold / overcooked / underseasoned.
Payment and Tipping
26. Can I have the check, please?
27. Could you split the bill, please?
28. Is it okay to pay with a credit card?
29. What is the total with tax and tip?
30. How much should I leave for the tip?
After the Meal
31. Can we get some coffee and dessert, please?
32. Do you have any after-dinner drinks?
33. Can you recommend a good dessert wine?
34. Could we get the leftovers boxed up?
35. Thank you for the wonderful meal and service.
Small Talk and Conversation Starters
36. How long has this restaurant been open?
37. Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in the area?
38. What do you think of the local cuisine?
39. Have you tried any of the dishes on the menu?
40. What is your favorite type of cuisine?
41. Have you been to any interesting places lately?
42. Are you from the local area?
43. Do you have any travel plans coming up?
44. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
45. Do you have any hobbies or interests?
Special Occasions and Celebrations
46. It's our anniversary tonight.
47. Could we get a special dessert for our celebration?
48. It's my friend's birthday; can we get a candle on her dessert?
49. We're celebrating a promotion tonight.
50. Can you recommend a good bottle of champagne for our celebration?
Food and Drink Vocabulary
51. Appetizers / Starters
52. Entrées / Main Courses
53. Side dishes
54. Desserts
55. Beverages / Drinks
56. Cocktails / Mixed Drinks
57. Beer / Ale
58. Wine / Red, White, Rosé
59. Non-alcoholic drinks
60. Coffee / Tea
Common Restaurant Phrases
61. Chef's special
62. House-made
63. Please enjoy your meal.
64. What can I get for you?
65. Is everything to your satisfaction?
66. Excuse me, may I clear your plate?
67. Thank you for dining with us tonight.
Food Preparation Preferences
68. Rare
69. Medium rare
70. Medium
71. Medium well
72. Well-done
73. Lightly seasoned
74. Heavily seasoned
75. Gluten-free
Food Allergies and Restrictions
76. Nut allergy
77. Shellfish allergy
78. Dairy allergy / lactose intolerance
79. Vegan
80. Vegetarian
Questions About the Restaurant
81. Are there any specials today?
82. Can we see the wine list?
83. What kind of beer do you have on tap?
84. Can we see the dessert menu?
85. What time do you close tonight?
86. Is there outdoor seating available?
Requests for More Service
87. Could you bring us some more water?
88. May I have another glass of wine, please?
89. Could you bring us the dessert menu?
90. Can we get some more bread, please?
More Complex Requests
91. Could we have separate checks?
92. Can you bring us a booster seat for our child?
93. Do you have any recommendations for a wine to pair with our meal?
94. Could you make a recommendation for a vegetarian entrée?
95. Can I substitute the fries for a side salad?
Handling Difficult Situations
96. I'm sorry, but this isn't what I ordered.
97. I found a hair in my food.
98. This dish is undercooked/overcooked.
99. Can I speak to a manager, please?
100. I'm allergic to this ingredient; can you make me a dish without it?
Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with these 100 essential restaurant phrases, you'll be able to navigate dining conversations with ease. Remember to always be polite and respectful to your server, and don't hesitate to ask for help or clarification if needed. Enjoy your meal!