Restaurant English is one of the most practical examples of daily conversation. Many small but important expressions, such as asking for menu options, asking for allergen information, thanking the waiter or asking for the bill, make your communication easier. Therefore, knowing frequently used phrases and keywords will allow you to order with confidence.

What to Say in English at a Restaurant?

You can communicate effectively by using these expressions, especially in touristic areas or international chain restaurants. Moreover, even knowing just the basic sentences is enough for the other person to understand you. Now, let's reinforce this information with the most practical English phrases and dialogue examples that you can use in a restaurant environment.

English Restaurant Dialogue Examples

1. Entering the Restaurant and Requesting a Table

Waiter: Good evening! Do you have a reservation?

Waiter: Good evening! Do you have a reservation?

Customer: No, we don’t. Do you have a table for two?

Customer: No, we don’t. Do you have a table for two?

Waiter: Yes, right this way please.

Waiter: Yes, this way please.

2. Requesting a Menu and Ordering

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Customer: Can we have a few more minutes, please?

Customer: Can we have a few more minutes, please?

(5 minutes later)

Customer: I’ll have the grilled chicken, and a lemonade, please.

Customer: I’ll have the grilled chicken, and a lemonade, please.

Waiter: Sure. Would you like anything on the side?

Waiter: Sure. Would you like something on the side?

3. Asking About the Food

Customer: What’s in the pasta primavera?

Customer: What’s in the pasta primavera?

Waiter: It’s made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.

Waiter: It’s made with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.

Customer: Sounds great, I’ll take that.

Customer: Looks great, I'll take it.

4. Expressing an Allergies or Special Requests

Customer: I'm allergic to peanuts. Is there any in this dish?

Customer: I'm allergic to peanuts. Is there any in this dish?

Waiter: Let me check with the kitchen.

Waiter: Let me check with the kitchen.

Customer: Also, can I get it without cheese?

Customer: Also, can I get it without cheese?

5. Asking for the Bill and Saying Thank You

Customer: Could we get the check, please?

Customer: Can we get the bill, please?

Waiter: Of course. Here you go.

Waiter: Of course. Here you go.

Customer: Thank you. Everything was delicious!

Customer: Thank you. Everything was delicious!

Waiter: I'm glad you enjoyed it. Have a great day!

Waiter: Glad you liked it. Have a nice day!

When you eat abroad or go to a restaurant in an English-speaking environment, using the right expressions is often important. When ordering, trying to understand the menu, or having a simple conversation with the waiter, if your English knowledge is insufficient, you may have difficulty expressing yourself. However, by learning some basic phrases, you can easily overcome such situations.

In this article, we will share with you English expressions suitable for common situations you may encounter in a restaurant environment. You will learn with examples how to form sentences when asking for a drink in a cafe or making a special request in a restaurant. If you want to improve your English and communicate more easily, let's start together!