Essential English for Ordering at Restaurants

Navigating Restaurant Menus with Confidence

Eating out at restaurants can be a delightful experience, but it can also pose language challenges for ESL learners. This guide focuses on equipping you with the necessary English vocabulary and phrases to order food confidently in restaurants. By mastering these expressions, you will enhance your dining experiences, understand menu options better, and communicate your dietary preferences effectively. This lesson will guide you through various scenarios from asking for the menu to handling issues with your order.

Useful Vocabulary for Restaurant Ordering

The ability to order food clearly and correctly in English is essential for ensuring that your dining experiences are enjoyable and that your orders meet your expectations. This section will provide you with practical phrases that cover every stage of the meal, from starters to desserts.

Key English Phrases for Restaurant Ordering

1. Could you bring us the menu, please?

   • Politely asking for the menu.
   • Example: "Could you bring us the menu, please? We'd like to start choosing our dishes."

2. Yes, can I see the dessert menu please?

   • Requesting to view the dessert menu after finishing the main meal.
   • Example: "Yes, can I see the dessert menu please? We're thinking about having something sweet."

3. No, thanks. I am full after the meal.

   • Politely declining further service or food items.
   • Example: "No, thanks. I am full after the meal, so I won’t be having dessert."

4. The menu, please.

   • A direct request for the menu.
   • Example: "The menu, please. We need a couple more minutes to decide."

5. What's on the menu?

   • Inquiring about the available dishes.
   • Example: "What’s on the menu today? Any special dishes?"

6. Do you have a set menu?

   • Asking if there is a fixed menu option available.
   • Example: "Do you have a set menu for lunch?"

7. Could you bring us the salt/pepper/ketchup/vinegar, please?

   • Requesting condiments.
   • Example: "Could you bring us the salt and vinegar, please? Our chips need a bit more flavour."

8. I'll have the soup as a starter.

   • Ordering a first course.
   • Example: "I'll have the soup as a starter, followed by the chicken salad."

9. I'll have the steak for the main course.

   • Selecting a main dish.
   • Example: "I'll have the steak for the main course, medium rare, please."

10. That's all, thank you.

    • Indicating that you have finished ordering.
    • Example: "That's all, thank you. We'll wait for the dishes now."

11. May I have some water, please?

    • Asking for water.
    • Example: "May I have some water, please? It's quite warm today."

12. May I get an order of barbecue wings?

    • Requesting a specific dish.
    • Example: "May I get an order of barbecue wings to start with?"

13. That'll be all for now.

    • Indicating that you have finished ordering for the moment.
    • Example: "That'll be all for now, but we might order dessert later."

14. I would like a Coke.

    • Expressing a preference for a beverage.
    • Example: "I would like a Coke, please. No ice."

15. Yes, please. May I get a glass of lemonade?

    • Politely accepting an offer and specifying a drink.
    • Example: "Yes, please. May I get a glass of lemonade?"

16. I would like to order my food now.

    • Signaling readiness to place your meal order.
    • Example: "I would like to order my food now. I’ll start with the tomato soup."

17. We'd like to order a cheeseburger and some fries.

    • Placing an order for specific items for the group.
    • Example: "We'd like to order a cheeseburger and some fries to share."

18. We'll have the chicken and the vegetable pasta, please.

    • Ordering main courses for the group.
    • Example: "We'll have the chicken for me and the vegetable pasta for my friend, please."

19. Just some water, please.

    • Requesting only water to drink.
    • Example: "Just some water, please. We're not ready for other drinks yet."

20. Let's have 4 coffees, please.

    • Ordering multiple coffees for the table.
    • Example: "Let's have 4 coffees, please, as we finish up our meal."

21. We would like 2 coffees and 2 teas.

    • Specifying a drink order for a group.
    • Example: "We would like 2 coffees and 2 teas. Could you bring sugar and milk as well?"

22. We'd like a little longer, please.

    • Requesting more time before placing an order.
    • Example: "We'd like a little longer, please, to decide on our desserts."

23. I don't think we have anymore steak left. I'll check with the kitchen.

    • Informing the customer about a potential unavailability and offering to confirm.
    • Example: "I don't think we have anymore steak left. I'll check with the kitchen and let you know."

24. I'm sorry, but the king prawn soup is finished.

    • Apologizing for an item that is no longer available.
    • Example: "I'm sorry, but the king prawn soup is finished. May I suggest the lobster bisque instead?"

25. Sorry, the hamburgers are off.

    • Informing that a menu item is no longer being served.
    • Example: "Sorry, the hamburgers are off the menu today due to a supply issue."

26. Can we get some extra napkins, please?

    • Requesting additional napkins.
    • Example: "Can we get some extra napkins, please? It's a bit messy here."

27. Could you please split the bill?

    • Asking for separate checks for the group.
    • Example: "Could you please split the bill among us? There are four of us."

28. Is this dish spicy?

    • Inquiring about the spice level of a dish.
    • Example: "Is this dish spicy? I prefer something mild."

29. Does this contain nuts?

    • Asking if a dish includes nuts, important for allergies.
    • Example: "Does this cake contain nuts? I have an allergy."

30. Can I have this to go?

    • Requesting food to be packaged for takeaway.
    • Example: "Can I have this pizza to go? I'd like to take it home."

31. Is there a vegan option?

    • Asking about vegan dish alternatives.
    • Example: "Is there a vegan option available for the burger?"

32. Could we have a table by the window?

    • Requesting a specific seating preference.
    • Example: "Could we have a table by the window? We'd enjoy the view."

33. Can I see the wine list?

    • Requesting to view the selection of wines.
    • Example: "Can I see the wine list? We'd like to order a bottle."

34. Is service included?

    • Asking if a service charge is automatically added to the bill.
    • Example: "Is service included in our bill, or should we tip separately?"

35. Can you recommend a dish?

    • Asking the server to suggest a menu item.
    • Example: "Can you recommend a dish? I'm not sure what to order."

36. Can this be made gluten-free?

    • Inquiring if a dish can be prepared without gluten.
    • Example: "Can this pasta be made gluten-free?"

37. I need a few more minutes, please.

    • Requesting additional time to decide on the order.
    • Example: "I need a few more minutes, please. The menu has so many good options!"

38. Can we have some fresh pepper on this?

    • Asking for fresh pepper to be added at the table.
    • Example: "Can we have some fresh pepper on this salad?"

39. Is there a house speciality?

    • Inquiring about the restaurant’s signature dish.
    • Example: "Is there a house speciality that you would recommend?"

40. Can I substitute the fries for a salad?

    • Asking to replace one side dish with another.
    • Example: "Can I substitute the fries for a salad? I'm looking for something lighter."

Summary and Takeaways

Practicing these phrases can be as simple as role-playing ordering scenarios with a friend or tutor. This lesson aims to provide you with the vocabulary needed for a smooth restaurant experience in English-speaking countries. Utilize these expressions in real-life dining situations to become more confident in your language skills. For effective learning, consider writing down new phrases after each restaurant visit to build a personal cheat sheet. For more resources and community interaction, remember to check our Facebook page at Learning English Free.