Mastering Common Questions in Restaurants
Dining out can be a delightful experience, especially when you feel confident interacting in English. For ESL and TEFL learners, mastering common questions used in restaurants is essential for seamless and enjoyable dining experiences. This lesson explores the top 100 most used questions and their answers in restaurant settings, providing clear meanings and practical examples to boost your conversational skills.
By the end of this lesson, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of these essential questions, enabling them to navigate restaurant interactions naturally and confidently. These questions help to order food, clarify details, and engage with restaurant staff. This lesson will guide you through the meanings and usages of each question, ensuring you can incorporate them effortlessly into your dining conversations.
Throughout this lesson, you will find detailed explanations and numerous examples for each question. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your English proficiency, this lesson will equip you with the knowledge needed to make your restaurant visits more enjoyable and stress-free.
Comprehensive Guide to the Top 100 Questions in Restaurants
- Do you have a reservation? – Asked by restaurant staff to confirm a booking.
- Yes, it’s under the name Smith.
- No, we don’t. Do you have a table available?
- We reserved a table for four at 7 PM.
- I booked online, it should be under Jones.
- How many in your party? – Asked by restaurant staff to determine the number of guests.
- There are two of us.
- We are a party of six.
- Just myself.
- We have three people.
- Would you like to sit inside or outside? – Asked by restaurant staff to determine seating preference.
- We’d like to sit outside, please.
- Inside, near the window would be great.
- Outside, if it’s not too cold.
- Inside, away from the kitchen, please.
- Can I see the menu? – Used by customers to request the menu.
- Could you bring us the menu, please?
- May I see the drinks menu as well?
- Do you have a dessert menu?
- Could we have a kids’ menu, please?
- What are today’s specials? – Used by customers to inquire about special dishes.
- Today’s specials are on the board.
- We have a special on the seafood platter.
- The chef’s special today is lamb shank.
- Our special today is grilled salmon.
- Do you have any vegetarian options? – Used by customers to ask about vegetarian dishes.
- Yes, we have several vegetarian dishes.
- Our vegetarian options are marked with a ‘V’ on the menu.
- We have a delicious vegetable lasagne.
- Yes, we also have a vegan menu available.
- Can I have the bill, please? – Used by customers to request the check.
- Could you bring the bill, please?
- May we have the check?
- Can we get the bill when you have a moment?
- We’d like the bill, please.
- Do you take credit cards? – Used by customers to inquire about payment methods.
- Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
- No, we only take cash.
- We accept credit and debit cards.
- Yes, you can pay with Visa or MasterCard.
- What would you like to drink? – Asked by restaurant staff to take drink orders.
- I’ll have a glass of red wine.
- Just water for me, please.
- Can I get a Coke?
- We’ll have two coffees, please.
- Is there a dress code? – Used by customers to inquire about appropriate attire.
- No, we don’t have a dress code.
- Yes, smart casual is required.
- We ask for no beachwear in the dining area.
- Yes, jackets are required for men.
- Do you have any gluten-free options? – Used by customers to inquire about gluten-free dishes.
- Yes, we have several gluten-free items on the menu.
- Our gluten-free options are marked with a ‘GF’.
- We can modify some dishes to be gluten-free.
- Yes, we have a separate gluten-free menu.
- Can you make a recommendation? – Used by customers to ask for suggestions.
- The chef recommends the grilled chicken.
- Our most popular dish is the steak.
- I suggest trying the pasta special.
- The seafood platter is a customer favourite.
- Do you have a high chair for my child? – Used by customers to request a high chair.
- Yes, we do. I’ll bring one right over.
- We have high chairs available.
- Sure, let me get that for you.
- Yes, we’ll set it up for you.
- Is there a corkage fee? – Used by customers to inquire about a fee for bringing their own wine.
- Yes, our corkage fee is £10 per bottle.
- No, we don’t charge a corkage fee.
- The corkage fee is £15.
- Yes, it’s £5 per bottle.
- Can I get this to go? – Used by customers to request a takeaway.
- Sure, I’ll pack it up for you.
- Would you like a takeaway box?
- Yes, we can wrap that up for you.
- Of course, we’ll prepare it to go.
- Are there any nuts in this dish? – Used by customers to check for allergens.
- No, this dish is nut-free.
- Yes, it contains almonds.
- We can make it without nuts if you prefer.
- Yes, there are some cashews in the sauce.
- Do you have a kids’ menu? – Used by customers to ask about children’s options.
- Yes, we do. Here’s the kids’ menu.
- We have several dishes for children.
- Yes, we offer smaller portions for kids.
- Here’s our menu for the little ones.
- Can we get a refill, please? – Used by customers to request more of a beverage.
- Sure, I’ll bring another round.
- Yes, would you like more water or soda?
- Of course, I’ll refill that for you.
- Let me get that for you right away.
- Is the service charge included? – Used by customers to inquire about tipping.
- Yes, the service charge is included in the bill.
- No, it’s not. Tips are at your discretion.
- The service charge is added for parties of six or more.
- No, but gratuity is appreciated.
- Can I see the wine list? – Used by customers to request the wine menu.
- Certainly, here’s the wine list.
- Yes, we have a great selection of wines.
- Here’s our wine menu.
- Let me bring the wine list for you.
- What’s the soup of the day? – Used by customers to inquire about the daily soup.
- Today’s soup is tomato basil.
- We have chicken noodle soup today.
- The soup of the day is minestrone.
- Today, we’re serving potato leek soup.
- Do you have any vegan dishes? – Used by customers to inquire about vegan options.
- Yes, we have a vegan section on the menu.
- Our vegan dishes are marked with a ‘V’.
- We can make any dish vegan upon request.
- Yes, we offer several vegan choices.
- Can I get some extra napkins? – Used by customers to request more napkins.
- Sure, here you go.
- Of course, I’ll bring some more.
- Yes, let me get those for you.
- Here are some extra napkins.
- Can we move to another table? – Used by customers to request a different table.
- Sure, where would you like to sit?
- We can move you to that table over there.
- Of course, let me arrange that for you.
- Yes, we can switch your table.
- What’s the house speciality? – Used by customers to inquire about the restaurant’s special dish.
- Our house speciality is the ribeye steak.
- We’re known for our seafood platter.
- The chef’s special is the roasted duck.
- Our signature dish is the truffle pasta.
- Do you offer free Wi-Fi? – Used by customers to ask about internet access.
- Yes, the Wi-Fi password is on the menu.
- We have complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.
- Yes, the network is ‘RestaurantGuest’.
- The Wi-Fi code is available upon request.
- Can I get a side of fries? – Used by customers to request an additional side dish.
- Sure, would you like a small or large?
- Yes, I’ll add that to your order.
- Of course, we have regular and sweet potato fries.
- I’ll bring those right out for you.
- Do you have a specials board? – Used by customers to inquire about a specials display.
- Yes, it’s over by the entrance.
- We list our specials on the board near the bar.
- The specials are written on the chalkboard.
- Yes, please check the board for today’s specials.
- Is there a time limit on tables? – Used by customers to inquire about dining duration.
- No, you can stay as long as you like.
- We ask for a 90-minute limit during peak hours.
- There’s no time limit today.
- Yes, we need the table back in two hours.
- Can you split the bill? – Used by customers to request separate bills.
- Yes, how would you like to split it?
- Of course, I can divide it for you.
- Would you like to split it evenly?
- Yes, I’ll bring separate bills for each of you.
- Do you offer student discounts? – Used by customers to inquire about discounts.
- Yes, we offer a 10% student discount.
- No, we don’t have any student discounts.
- We have discounts for students with ID.
- Yes, students get 15% off the bill.
- Is this dish spicy? – Used by customers to inquire about the spiciness of a dish.
- Yes, it’s quite spicy.
- No, it’s mild.
- We can make it less spicy if you prefer.
- It has a little kick but isn’t too hot.
- Do you have any dairy-free options? – Used by customers to inquire about dairy-free dishes.
- Yes, we have several dairy-free options.
- Our dairy-free dishes are marked on the menu.
- We can make this dish dairy-free.
- Yes, we have a separate dairy-free menu.
- Can I get a doggy bag? – Used by customers to request a container for leftovers.
- Sure, I’ll bring one for you.
- Yes, would you like it packed now?
- Of course, let me get that for you.
- I’ll bring a box for your leftovers.
- Do you have live music? – Used by customers to inquire about entertainment.
- Yes, we have live music on weekends.
- No, we don’t have live music.
- We have a live band on Fridays.
- Yes, live music starts at 7 PM.
- Can you make this dish without salt? – Used by customers to request a modification.
- Yes, we can prepare it without salt.
- Of course, we’ll make it without salt for you.
- Yes, I’ll inform the chef.
- We can do that, no problem.
- Is this dish suitable for children? – Used by customers to inquire about child-friendly meals.
- Yes, it’s a popular choice for kids.
- It might be too spicy for children.
- We have a kids’ version of this dish.
- Yes, children usually like it.
- Do you offer a tasting menu? – Used by customers to inquire about a multi-course sampling.
- Yes, we have a tasting menu available.
- No, we don’t offer a tasting menu.
- Our tasting menu is five courses.
- Yes, it’s a great way to try multiple dishes.
- What’s the wait time for a table? – Used by customers to inquire about the waiting period.
- It’s about 20 minutes right now.
- The wait is approximately 30 minutes.
- We can seat you in 10 minutes.
- There’s no wait at the moment.
- Do you serve alcohol? – Used by customers to inquire about alcoholic beverages.
- Yes, we have a full bar.
- No, we don’t serve alcohol.
- We have a great selection of wines and beers.
- Yes, our drink menu is extensive.
- What’s your house wine? – Used by customers to inquire about the restaurant’s standard wine.
- Our house wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon.
- We serve a Chardonnay as our house white.
- The house red is a Merlot.
- Our house wine is a locally produced Shiraz.
- Can we get a table by the window? – Used by customers to request specific seating.
- Sure, let me see if one is available.
- Yes, we have a table by the window.
- I’ll arrange that for you.
- The next available window table is yours.
- What’s included in this dish? – Used by customers to inquire about the dish components.
- It includes rice, vegetables, and chicken.
- The dish comes with a side salad.
- It’s served with a garlic sauce.
- The meal includes a starter and dessert.
- Do you have a bar area? – Used by customers to inquire about a separate bar.
- Yes, our bar is at the back.
- We have a bar area near the entrance.
- The bar is located upstairs.
- Yes, you can wait at the bar.
- Is there a service charge? – Used by customers to inquire about added fees.
- Yes, a 10% service charge is included.
- No, we don’t add a service charge.
- The service charge is 12.5%.
- Yes, it’s already added to your bill.
- Do you have a loyalty programme? – Used by customers to inquire about rewards.
- Yes, we offer a points system for regulars.
- No, we don’t have a loyalty programme.
- Our loyalty programme offers discounts.
- Yes, sign up to earn rewards.
- Can I get a glass of water? – Used by customers to request water.
- Sure, would you like still or sparkling?
- Of course, I’ll bring it right over.
- Yes, would you like ice with that?
- I’ll get you a glass of water.
- Do you offer any non-alcoholic cocktails? – Used by customers to inquire about alcohol-free drinks.
- Yes, we have a variety of mocktails.
- Our non-alcoholic cocktails are listed here.
- We have some great virgin drinks.
- Yes, we offer non-alcoholic options.
- Can I substitute the side dish? – Used by customers to request a different side.
- Yes, what would you like instead?
- Of course, we can change that for you.
- We can substitute the chips for a salad.
- Yes, feel free to choose another side.
- Do you offer group discounts? – Used by customers to inquire about discounts for large parties.
- Yes, we offer discounts for groups of 10 or more.
- No, we don’t have group discounts.
- Our group discount is 15%.
- Yes, please ask for details when booking.
- Can I get this dish without garlic? – Used by customers to request a modification.
- Yes, we can make it without garlic.
- Of course, we’ll leave out the garlic.
- I’ll inform the kitchen to omit garlic.
- Yes, no garlic for you.
- Do you have any seasonal dishes? – Used by customers to inquire about seasonal specials.
- Yes, our seasonal dishes are listed here.
- We offer several seasonal specials.
- Our menu changes with the seasons.
- Yes, today’s seasonal special is pumpkin soup.
- Can you recommend a dessert? – Used by customers to ask for dessert suggestions.
- Our chocolate fondant is very popular.
- I recommend the lemon tart.
- The cheesecake is a favourite.
- Try our apple crumble, it’s delicious.
- Do you have any spicy dishes? – Used by customers to inquire about spicy food.
- Yes, our curry is quite spicy.
- We have a few spicy options.
- The spicy chicken wings are very hot.
- Yes, our menu indicates the spicy dishes.
- Can I get an extra plate? – Used by customers to request an additional plate.
- Sure, here’s an extra plate.
- Of course, I’ll bring one right over.
- Yes, would you like another plate?
- I’ll get you an extra plate.
- Do you have any special offers? – Used by customers to inquire about promotions.
- Yes, we have a two-for-one deal on drinks.
- Our special offers are listed on the board.
- We have a discount on the main courses today.
- Yes, ask your server for details.
- Can I make a reservation for next week? – Used by customers to book a future table.
- Yes, let me take your details.
- Of course, what date and time?
- We can book you in for next week.
- Yes, do you have a preferred time?
- Is this dish dairy-free? – Used by customers to check for dairy.
- Yes, it’s completely dairy-free.
- No, it contains cheese.
- We can make it dairy-free if you prefer.
- Yes, it doesn’t have any dairy.
- Can I see the dessert menu? – Used by customers to request the dessert options.
- Sure, here’s the dessert menu.
- Of course, I’ll bring it right over.
- Yes, we have some great desserts.
- Let me get the dessert menu for you.
- Do you offer takeaway? – Used by customers to inquire about takeaway options.
- Yes, we do takeaway.
- Our takeaway menu is available online.
- We offer all our dishes to go.
- Yes, you can order for takeaway.
- Can I get a decaf coffee? – Used by customers to request decaffeinated coffee.
- Yes, we have decaf coffee.
- Of course, I’ll bring you a decaf.
- We offer decaf espresso and Americano.
- Yes, would you like a decaf latte?
- Do you have any sugar-free desserts? – Used by customers to inquire about sugar-free options.
- Yes, we have a sugar-free chocolate mousse.
- Our sugar-free options are listed here.
- We offer a sugar-free cheesecake.
- Yes, we have a few sugar-free desserts.
- Can we pay separately? – Used by customers to request separate payments.
- Yes, how would you like to split it?
- Of course, we can divide the bill.
- We’ll bring separate checks for you.
- Yes, I can split the bill for each of you.
- Is this table wheelchair accessible? – Used by customers to inquire about accessibility.
- Yes, this area is accessible.
- No, but we can move you to an accessible table.
- We have accessible seating over there.
- Yes, we ensure all our tables are accessible.
- Can I get a glass of house red wine? – Used by customers to request a specific wine.
- Sure, I’ll bring a glass of house red.
- Of course, would you like a small or large glass?
- Yes, our house red is very good.
- Let me get that for you.
- Do you offer free refills on coffee? – Used by customers to inquire about coffee refills.
- Yes, we offer free refills.
- No, each refill is charged.
- We have free refills on filter coffee.
- Yes, enjoy unlimited refills.
- Can I see the allergy information? – Used by customers to check for allergens.
- Yes, here’s our allergy information.
- Of course, we have it listed here.
- Yes, let me bring it to you.
- Our allergy information is on the menu.
- Do you have a children’s play area? – Used by customers to inquire about play facilities.
- Yes, we have a small play area.
- No, we don’t have a play area.
- We offer colouring books and toys.
- Yes, it’s located at the back of the restaurant.
- Can you adjust the air conditioning? – Used by customers to request temperature changes.
- Sure, I’ll turn it down/up for you.
- Of course, let me adjust that.
- Yes, I’ll make it more comfortable.
- Let me take care of that for you.
- Do you have any low-carb options? – Used by customers to inquire about low-carb dishes.
- Yes, we have several low-carb options.
- Our low-carb dishes are marked on the menu.
- We can suggest some low-carb meals.
- Yes, here are our low-carb choices.
- Can I make a special request for a dish? – Used by customers to ask for custom orders.
- Yes, what would you like?
- Of course, we’ll do our best to accommodate.
- Yes, just let us know your requirements.
- We’ll make sure it’s just as you like.
- Is there an outdoor seating area? – Used by customers to inquire about outdoor dining.
- Yes, we have a lovely patio.
- Our outdoor seating is around the corner.
- We offer seating in our garden area.
- Yes, we have tables outside.
- Do you have a happy hour? – Used by customers to inquire about discounted times.
- Yes, happy hour is from 5 to 7 PM.
- No, we don’t have a happy hour.
- Our happy hour specials are on drinks and appetisers.
- Yes, every day from 4 to 6 PM.
- Can I book a table for a large group? – Used by customers to make group reservations.
- Yes, how many people?
- Of course, we can accommodate large groups.
- We have a private dining area for large parties.
- Yes, let’s book your group reservation.
- Do you have a set menu? – Used by customers to inquire about fixed-price meals.
- Yes, our set menu is available all day.
- We offer a set menu for lunch and dinner.
- Here’s our set menu with several options.
- Yes, it’s a great value.
- Can you make a dish less spicy? – Used by customers to request spice adjustments.
- Yes, we can make it milder for you.
- Of course, we’ll tone down the spice.
- Yes, just let us know your preference.
- We can adjust the spiciness to your taste.
- Do you offer a buffet? – Used by customers to inquire about buffet service.
- Yes, we have a buffet on Sundays.
- No, we don’t offer a buffet.
- Our buffet is available during lunch hours.
- Yes, it includes a wide variety of dishes.
- Can you recommend a good wine pairing? – Used by customers to ask for wine suggestions.
- I recommend the Sauvignon Blanc with your fish.
- The Merlot pairs well with the steak.
- Try the Pinot Noir with your dish.
- The Chardonnay complements the chicken nicely.
- Do you have a non-smoking area? – Used by customers to inquire about non-smoking zones.
- Yes, this entire area is non-smoking.
- We have a designated non-smoking section.
- Yes, smoking is not allowed inside.
- Our restaurant is fully non-smoking.
- Can I get a table away from the kitchen? – Used by customers to request quieter seating.
- Sure, we have a table available in the corner.
- Of course, we’ll seat you further from the kitchen.
- Yes, we can move you to a quieter spot.
- Let me arrange a table for you.
- Do you offer organic dishes? – Used by customers to inquire about organic food.
- Yes, we use organic ingredients in many dishes.
- Our organic options are marked on the menu.
- We have several organic meals available.
- Yes, we prioritise organic produce.
- Can I bring my own wine? – Used by customers to inquire about BYOB policies.
- Yes, but we charge a corkage fee.
- Of course, there’s a small fee for corkage.
- Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own wine.
- We allow BYOB with a corkage charge.
- Is there parking available? – Used by customers to inquire about parking.
- Yes, we have a parking lot behind the restaurant.
- Street parking is available nearby.
- We offer valet parking.
- There’s a car park next door.
- Do you have any low-fat options? – Used by customers to inquire about low-fat dishes.
- Yes, our menu includes several low-fat options.
- We have a separate section for low-fat meals.
- Yes, our grilled dishes are low in fat.
- Here are some healthy, low-fat choices.
- Can you adjust the portion size? – Used by customers to request portion changes.
- Yes, we can serve a smaller portion.
- Of course, we’ll adjust the size for you.
- We offer both small and large portions.
- Yes, just let us know your preference.
- Do you offer any meal deals? – Used by customers to inquire about promotions.
- Yes, our meal deals are listed here.
- We have a great lunch deal available.
- Our meal deals include a drink and dessert.
- Yes, today’s special is a meal deal.
- Is there a children’s menu? – Used by customers to inquire about kids’ options.
- Yes, we have a menu specifically for children.
- Our children’s menu is right here.
- Yes, we offer several kid-friendly dishes.
- Here’s the menu for the little ones.
- Can I get a half portion? – Used by customers to request smaller servings.
- Yes, we can do half portions.
- Of course, we’ll serve a smaller portion.
- We offer half portions on most dishes.
- Yes, half portions are available.
- Do you have any fresh juices? – Used by customers to inquire about beverage options.
- Yes, we offer freshly squeezed juices.
- Our fresh juice options are listed here.
- We have orange, apple, and carrot juice.
- Yes, would you like to try our mixed juice?
- Can I change my order? – Used by customers to modify their order.
- Yes, what would you like to change?
- Of course, we can update your order.
- Let me amend that for you.
- Yes, I’ll inform the kitchen.
- Do you have a fireplace? – Used by customers to inquire about ambiance.
- Yes, we have a fireplace in the main dining area.
- No, we don’t have a fireplace.
- Our fireplace is lit in the evenings.
- Yes, it’s over in the corner.
- Can you make this dish without onions? – Used by customers to request modifications.
- Yes, we can make it without onions.
- Of course, we’ll leave out the onions.
- I’ll inform the chef to omit onions.
- Yes, no onions for you.
- Is this table reserved? – Used by customers to check table availability.
- No, it’s available for you.
- Yes, it’s reserved for a party at 8 PM.
- We can seat you here until 7 PM.
- Yes, this table is reserved.
- Do you offer private dining? – Used by customers to inquire about private rooms.
- Yes, we have private dining rooms available.
- Our private dining area is perfect for events.
- Yes, please ask for details.
- We offer private rooms for special occasions.
- Can I get a fresh napkin? – Used by customers to request a clean napkin.
- Sure, here’s a fresh napkin.
- Of course, I’ll bring you a new one.
- Yes, let me get that for you.
- Here’s a clean napkin.
- Do you have any herbal teas? – Used by customers to inquire about tea options.
- Yes, we have a variety of herbal teas.
- Our herbal tea selection is listed here.
- We offer chamomile, mint, and more.
- Yes, would you like to see the tea menu?
- Is this dish suitable for vegans? – Used by customers to inquire about vegan suitability.
- Yes, it’s completely vegan.
- No, it contains dairy.
- We can make it vegan if you prefer.
- Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly.
- Can I get a loyalty card? – Used by customers to request a loyalty card.
- Yes, let me get you one.
- Of course, here’s your loyalty card.
- Yes, we offer loyalty cards for regulars.
- Please sign up to receive a loyalty card.
- Do you offer room service? – Used by customers to inquire about in-room dining.
- Yes, we provide room service.
- No, we don’t offer room service.
- Our room service menu is available 24/7.
- Yes, just call us to place your order.
- Can I get a receipt? – Used by customers to request a bill copy. - Sure, I’ll bring you a receipt. - Of course, here’s your receipt. - Yes, would you like it itemised? - I’ll get a receipt for you.
Summary and Takeaways:
- Lesson Overview: In this lesson, we explored the 100 most used questions in restaurants, providing detailed answers and over 110 examples to help learners understand and use these questions effectively.
- Key Phrases Learnt: Learners discovered key restaurant questions such as "Do you have a reservation?", "How many in your party?", "What are today’s specials?", and many more, essential for dining interactions.
- Practice Exercises: To reinforce learning, practice using these questions and answers in sentences, write short dialogues, and engage in conversations with peers to naturally incorporate these expressions into your language.
- Tips for Remembering: Remembering restaurant questions can be easier if you create flashcards, use them in daily conversations, and read books or watch shows where these questions are frequently used.
- Further Lessons: Explore more lessons on our website to continue building your English vocabulary and grammar skills. Each lesson is designed to enhance your understanding and usage of the English language.
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- Contact Information: For any questions or additional support, contact us via our Facebook page. We are here to help you on your journey to mastering English.