At the Restaurant: How to Order in English

Spending time abroad means using English for everyday things. Booking somewhere to stay and ordering a meal are situations nobody can avoid, so it pays to learn the vocabulary that lets you feel relaxed and talk without embarrassment. Typical phrases for a situation are one of the best ways to break through the language barrier: once you know them, the stress goes and you can talk naturally.

Imagine you have just left the airport, collected your luggage and are heading to your destination. After hours on the plane you're hungry, so you stop at a restaurant on the way. You want to order, but how do you do it when nobody speaks your language? Your irritation grows with your hunger. You point at the menu, feeling completely helpless, as if the staff think you have no idea about the world.

Can you picture it? Scary, but quite possible. Let's make sure it never happens. Below is a sample dialogue between a customer and a waiter. Read it carefully and listen to the recording below. Try to remember the phrases and repeat them out loud a few times, which makes them much easier to learn.

Useful phrases: the first dialogue

Waiter: Good morning, how can I help you?

You: Hello, we'd like a table for two, please.

Waiter: Smoking or non-smoking?

You: Non-smoking, please. Can we sit outside?

Waiter: Yes, of course. Please come this way.

A moment later.

Waiter: Hi, can I take your order?

You: What would you recommend?

Waiter: I highly recommend the dish of the day. How about a vegetable soup to start?

You: Sounds great! What are the ingredients? Is there any garlic in it? I'm allergic to it.

Waiter: No, there isn't.

You: Wonderful. I'll have that.

Waiter: Would you like something to drink?

You: Two glasses of water, please.

Waiter: Of course. Sparkling or still?

You: Still, please.

Waiter: No problem. Would you like anything for dessert?

You: No, thanks. That's all for now.

Waiter: Okay, thank you.

Now practise: fill in the gaps

Listen carefully to the second recording and use it to complete the dialogue. Ready, steady, go!

Waitress: Good evening, how can I help you?

Customer: Hi, I would like ……………… (a table for two people).

Waitress: Of course. Come with me. You can sit here.

Customer: Thank you. What do you ……………… (suggest)?

Waitress: We have a delicious tomato ……………… Would you like to try it?

Customer: Sounds ……………… (very good)!

Waitress: Would you like ……………… (a drink)?

Customer: Yes, of course. ………………, please. (two glasses of water)

Waitress: No problem. Would you like anything ……………… (after the main course)?

Customer: No, thanks. ……………… (nothing more) for now.

Now it's your turn. Play the third recording, answer the waiter's questions out loud, then check the transcript in the PDF below.

Useful vocabulary

Ready-made phrases make ordering seem simple, but they aren't quite enough. It also helps to know the words for things like dishes and cutlery, so the conversation goes your way and you don't end up with a fiery sauce that ruins your favourite meal. Study this mini glossary.

The menu

• •I'd like to order the dish of the day.
• •Which salads, sandwiches or burgers would you recommend?
• •I'd highly recommend the tuna, the salmon or the prawns.
• •Do you have any sides?
• •This dish is gluten-free / home-made.
• •I'd like the meat with an orange juice.
• •Could you bring me a beer, please?

Crockery and cutlery

• •Could I have another napkin / knife / fork / spoon / set of cutlery, please?
• •I'd like another bottle of wine / water.

Tastes

• •How does it taste?
• •Is this dish sweet / salty / bitter / sour / spicy / mild?

How the dish is prepared

• •I like it when the dish is baked / boiled / fried / grilled / smoked.

Choosing a table and checking availability

• •What kind of food do you like best?
• •I love Italian / French / Polish food.
• •I'd like to book a table for two for tonight / tomorrow at five.
• •Do you have a free table?
• •Can we sit here / there / outside?
• •Your table is by the window / in the shade / in the sun.
• •There are no free tables in the beer garden.
• •Where are the toilets?

Special requirements

• •I don't eat burgers.
• •I don't drink wine.
• •I'm allergic to nuts.
• •I'm vegetarian.
• •I'm vegan.

Exercise: reporting a problem

Match the questions to the answers.

• •How does it taste?
• •Is there a problem?
• •What's wrong with this dish?
• •Sorry, can I report something to you?

• •Yes, of course. How can I help you?
• •It's too salty.
• •Yes, there is. The soup is too cold.
• •I'm disappointed. It isn't what I ordered.

These phrases give you a solid base for any restaurant abroad. With them you can talk without stress or a language barrier and order exactly what you want, with no rising frustration. All that's left is to taste your meal. Enjoy your meal!