Going out to eat is a fun way to practice English. In this lesson, you’ll learn essential vocabulary and expressions for ordering food at a restaurant. Let’s begin!
Vocabulary for Ordering Food
Learn these basic words and phrases for dining out. Listen and repeat!
Restaurant Vocabulary:
- Restaurant – A place where you eat meals.
- Menu – A list of food and drinks available.
- Waiter / Waitress – The person who serves you food.
- Table – The place where you sit to eat.
- Reservation – An arrangement to have a table at a certain time.
- Order – To ask for food and drinks.
- Appetizer – A small dish served before the main meal.
- Main Course – The primary dish of a meal.
- Dessert – A sweet dish served after the meal.
- Drink – A beverage such as water, soda, or coffee.
- Bill / Check – The statement of the amount to pay.
- Tip – Extra money given for good service.
- Specials – Daily offers or featured dishes.
- To-go / Takeaway – Food ordered to eat elsewhere.
- Buffet – A style of serving food where you help yourself.
Food Categories:
- Salads – Fresh mixed vegetables with dressing.
- Pizza – Baked dough with cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings.
- Burgers – Sandwiches with meat or veggie patties.
- Pasta – Noodles served with various sauces.
- Stews – Slow-cooked dishes with meat and vegetables.
- Sushi – Rice with fish or vegetables, often wrapped in seaweed.
- Sandwiches – Food served between slices of bread.
Beverages:
- Water – Still or sparkling water.
- Coffee – Hot brewed coffee.
- Tea – Hot or iced tea.
- Soft Drinks – Carbonated beverages like cola.
- Juice – Fresh fruit juice.
- Milkshake – A blended drink with milk and ice cream.
Desserts:
- Cake – A sweet baked dessert, often with frosting.
- Pudding – A creamy dessert.
- Ice Cream – A cold, sweet frozen dessert.
- Cookies – Small, baked, sweet treats.
- Pie – A baked dish with a filling inside a crust.
Common Phrases and Expressions:
- “Can I see the menu, please?” – Asking to view the food list.
- “I would like to order, please.” – Indicating you are ready to order.
- “Could you recommend a dish?” – Asking for a suggestion.
- “Can I have a glass of water, please?” – Requesting water.
- “What is the soup of the day?” – Inquiring about today’s special soup.
- “I’ll have the [dish name].” – Telling the waiter what you want to order.
- “Could we have the bill, please?” – Asking for the check when finished.
- “Thank you for your service!” – Expressing gratitude.
- “Excuse me, where is the restroom?” – Asking for directions.
- “Is this dish spicy?” – Asking about the flavor.
- “I would like my food to go, please.” – Indicating you want takeout.
- “I would like to order the [dish name], please.” – Stating your order clearly.
- “Could you please recommend a popular dish?” – Asking for suggestions.
- “Is there any special on today?” – Inquiring about daily specials.
- “Can I have extra [ingredient]?” – Requesting an addition or modification.
- “Could you please repeat my order?” – Confirming what you ordered.
Real-Life Dialogues: Ordering Food in a Restaurant
Here are 10 dialogues to help you practice ordering food and other restaurant conversations. Try practicing both roles!
Dialogue 1: Making a Reservation
Customer: Hello, I would like to make a reservation for two at 7:00 PM.
Receptionist: Hello! Yes, we have a table available at 7:00 PM.
Customer: Great, can I have a window seat, please?
Receptionist: Certainly. Your reservation is confirmed for two at 7:00 PM by the window.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Receptionist: Hello! Yes, we have a table available at 7:00 PM.
Customer: Great, can I have a window seat, please?
Receptionist: Certainly. Your reservation is confirmed for two at 7:00 PM by the window.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Dialogue 2: Asking for the Menu
Customer: Excuse me, can I see the menu, please?
Waitress: Of course. Here is our menu.
Customer: Thank you. I will take a look.
Waitress: Of course. Here is our menu.
Customer: Thank you. I will take a look.
Dialogue 3: Ordering Appetizer and Main Course
Customer: I would like to order an appetizer and a main course.
Waiter: Sure. What would you like for your appetizer?
Customer: I’ll have a small salad, please.
Waiter: And for your main course?
Customer: I would like the grilled chicken with vegetables.
Waiter: Excellent choice. I will put that in for you.
Waiter: Sure. What would you like for your appetizer?
Customer: I’ll have a small salad, please.
Waiter: And for your main course?
Customer: I would like the grilled chicken with vegetables.
Waiter: Excellent choice. I will put that in for you.
Dialogue 4: Asking for a Recommendation
Customer: Can you recommend a dish?
Waiter: Yes, our seafood pasta is very popular.
Customer: That sounds good. I will try the seafood pasta, please.
Waiter: Excellent. I will note that down.
Waiter: Yes, our seafood pasta is very popular.
Customer: That sounds good. I will try the seafood pasta, please.
Waiter: Excellent. I will note that down.
Dialogue 5: Confirming the Order
Waiter: So, you would like a salad, grilled chicken with vegetables, and the seafood pasta.
Customer: Yes, that is correct.
Waiter: Great, your order will be ready soon.
Customer: Yes, that is correct.
Waiter: Great, your order will be ready soon.
Dialogue 6: Requesting Special Dietary Needs
Customer: Excuse me, I am allergic to nuts. Can you please make sure there are no nuts in my dish?
Waiter: Certainly. We will prepare your food without nuts.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Waiter: Certainly. We will prepare your food without nuts.
Customer: Thank you very much.
Dialogue 7: Ordering Drinks
Customer: Could I have a glass of water and a cup of coffee, please?
Waiter: Yes, one water and one coffee. Anything else?
Customer: No, that is all for now. Thank you.
Waiter: Yes, one water and one coffee. Anything else?
Customer: No, that is all for now. Thank you.
Dialogue 8: Asking about the Specials
Customer: What are today’s specials?
Waiter: Today, we have a special offer on our seafood soup and steak.
Customer: That sounds interesting. I might order the seafood soup as an appetizer.
Waiter: Today, we have a special offer on our seafood soup and steak.
Customer: That sounds interesting. I might order the seafood soup as an appetizer.
Dialogue 9: Asking for the Bill
Customer: Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?
Waiter: Sure, I will bring the bill right away.
Customer: Thank you.
Waiter: Sure, I will bring the bill right away.
Customer: Thank you.
Dialogue 10: Expressing Gratitude and Saying Goodbye
Customer: Thank you for the delicious meal and great service!
Waiter: You’re very welcome. We hope to see you again soon.
Customer: I will definitely come back. Goodbye!
Waiter: Goodbye and have a wonderful day!
Waiter: You’re very welcome. We hope to see you again soon.
Customer: I will definitely come back. Goodbye!
Waiter: Goodbye and have a wonderful day!
