Conversations at a Restaurant

At the Restaurant

Waiter: Can I help you?

Lisa: A table for two please.

Waiter: This way.

Ordering

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Lisa: Yes, we'll have the chicken with vegetables, and the vegetable
pasta please.

Waiter: Anything to drink?

Lisa: Just some water please.

After the Meal

Waiter: Can I get you anything else? Coffee? Dessert?

Lisa: No, just the bill please.

Making a Reservation

Mike: I'd like to make a reservation for 2 people on Friday night.

Waiter: What time would you like?

Mike: 8:00.

Waiter: We don't have anything available at 8:00. Is 7:30 ok?

Mike: Yes, that's fine.

Waiter: Your name please?

Mike: Mike Smith.

Waiter: Ok, Mr Smith. We'll see you at 7:30 on Friday.

Mike: Thank you. Bye.

Waiter: Goodbye.

At a Restaurant
You Say

A table for two please.

Can I see the menu please?

I'd like to order. = I'm ready to order.

I'll have the ... please.

Can we have some ... (water/sauce/salt) please?

Can I have the bill please?

You Hear

Would you like drinks? = Can I get you a drink?

Are you ready to order? = What will you have?

Can I get you anything else?

Problems

I'm sorry, that's not available today. = We don't have that today.

Booking

"I booked a table for two for (8pm).

"It's under the name of "

"A table for two please."

What the restaurant staff say:

"Of course. Please come this way."

Or

"Your table isn't quite ready yet."

"Would you like to wait in the bar?"

"We're fully booked at the moment. Could you come back a bit later?"
Asking about the menu

"What's exactly?"

"Is this served with (salad)?"

"Does this have any (seafood) in it?"

"What do you recommend?"

Ordering

What the waiter says:

"Are you ready to order?"

"Can I take your order?"

"Anything to drink?"

"Would you like (chips) with that?"

What the customer says:

"I'll have the "

"I'd like"

"Can I have "

"We'd like to order "

If there are problems with the order, the waiter can say:

"I don't think we have any more (lobster) left. I'll check with the kitchen."

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

Dealing with problems

The customer can say:

"Excuse me, but I didn't order this."

"I'm sorry, but this is cold."

"Can I change my order please?"

The waiter can say:

"I'm so sorry about that"

"Let me take it back for you."

"Let me change it for you."

Getting the bill

"Can we have the bill please?"

"Could we get the bill?" ("bill" in British English; "check" in American English.)

"Could we pay please?"

Asking About a Dish.

Lisa: What exactly is ?

Waiter: It's one of the most popular local dishes. Its a flat noodle soup with
vegetables and meat.

Lisa: Sounds delicious. Is it a starter?

Waiter: Its sometimes eaten as a whole meal. But you can have it as a starter if
you split it.

Lisa: Is there any fish in it?

Waiter: No, but theres lamb.

Lisa: Aah. Well, I want a fish based dish today. Let me order something else.

Todays Special.
Waitress: Good evening. Are you ready to order?

Emily: What are todays specials?

Waitress: Today we have grilled tuna and New York strip steak served with
creamy Italian herb sauce.

Emily: I think Ill have the grilled tuna.

Waitress: It is served with a choice of rice, baked potatoes, or French fries.

Emily: Rice, please.

Waitress: Anything to drink?

Emily: A glass of lemonade, please.

Waitress: Ok. Your order will be served soon.

Asking for Extra Sauce.

Laura: Excuse me, could you please bring me some tomato sauce?

Waitress: Sure! How many serves would you like to have?

Laura: Is the extra sauce charged?

Waitress: Yes, Maam.

Laura: It should be complimentary! Anyways. Get me two serves, please.

Ordering the Dessert.

Waiter: Can I get you anything else? Dessert or coffee?

Lisa: Id like to have some dessert. Any suggestions?

Waiter: The brownie served with vanilla ice cream is often ordered.

Lisa: Hmm...excellent! Please, bring me one.

Waiter: Sure. Ill be right back.

Fast Food

Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order?"

"I'll take a Big Mac and a small coke."

"One Big Mac and one small coke. Will that be all?"

"Yes."

"Will that be for here or to go?"

"For here please."

"The total comes to $3.87."

In most fastfood restaurants, it is even easier to order. They have value meals and
you just have to say a number.

"I'll take number 2."

But the difference is that there are sizes.

"Would you like medium, large, or super size?"

"Medium please."

Regular Restaurant Ordering

When you sit down to eat at a restaurant remember to leave a tip. The average you
should leave is 15 percent.

After you are seated, the first thing they ask is if you want something to drink.

"Can I get you a drink?"

"Can I get a drink for you?"

"Would you like to order a drink now?"

"Can I get a drink started for you?"

"What would you like to drink?"

"I'll take a coke."

"I'll have an orange juice."

"Water will be fine."

"Can I have a glass of water?"

After they bring out your drinks, they will take your order. The reason they do this is
because most people know what they want to drink, but want a few minutes to
decide what to eat.

"May I take your order?"

"What would you like to order?"

"Are you ready to order?"

"What would you like today?"

If you need more time, you can simply say, "Can I have a couple more minutes?"

When you are ready to order, just read off what you want.

"I'll take the Salisbury steak with hash browns."

Depending on what you order, they will have side options they will ask you about.
Listen carefully to your choices and choose one. You should prepare yourself by
reading the menu carefully. It should indicate what your options are.
Regular Restaurant Eating and Requesting Bill

Most places will come by once when you are eating and ask how everything
is. This is a chance for you to order something else, complain about
something, or get a refill on your drink. Some of the things they might say
are:

"How is everything?"

"Is everything ok?"

"How is your dinner?"

"How is your lunch?"

"Are you guys doing ok?"

"Do you need anything else?"

When you are almost done with your meal, they might ask if you want some
dessert.

"Would you like dessert today?"

"Would you like our dessert menu?"

"Would you like to order any dessert?"

"Any dessert for you today?"

"Would you like to hear our dessert special?"

If you are finished and want your bill, you can look for the server, make eye
contact, and raise your hand. When they come by, ask them for the bill.

"Can I have my check?"

"Can I have my bill?"

"I'm ready for my bill."

"I would like my check please.

Fine Dining

The process of fine dining is very similar to the previous example. I'll list a
couple of additions for fine dining that I didn't include above.

If you order wine, they will pour a tiny bit into your glass. You should
immediately take a drink of it and shake your head yes. After you approve,
they will pour your glass and other glasses full of the wine.

Some restaurants need to prepare dessert 20 minutes in advance. That means

they will ask you if you are going to have dessert while you are eating instead
of waiting for you to complete.

Finally, these types of restaurants take reservations. Here is an example of

making a reservation through the phone.

"Hello, McCormick's. How may I help you today?"

"I would like to make a reservation."

"What day did you want to come in?"

"This Friday at 7:00pm."

"We have a table at 7:15. Will that be acceptable?"

"Yes."

"May I have your name?"

"Rich Yu. That's Y U."

"I have reserved a table for Mr. Yu on Friday at 7:15. Is there anything else I
can do for you?"

"That will be all."

"Thank you for calling."

"Thank you. Good Bye."

"Good Bye."

When you come in, you can tell them that you have a reservation.

"Hi, I have a reservation at 7:15 for Rich Yu."

"Oh, yes. Mr. Yu, your table will be ready in just a moment. You can wait right
over there."
At the Restaurant -

A: "Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order?"

B: "I'll take the number one."

A: "What size would you like?"

B: "Medium please."

A: "Will that be for here or to go?"

B: "Here please."

A: "The total comes to $4.89. We'll have that right out for you."

A: "Can I get a drink for you?"

B: "I'll take a coke."

A: "One coke. I'll be right out with your coke."

"Here's is your coke. Are you ready to order?"

B: "Can I have one more minute?"

A: "Sure. I'll be back in a little bit." --Pause-- "Do you need more time?"

B: "I'm ready now. I'll have the Patty Melt with fries."

A: "Do you want regular fries or steak fries?"

B: "Steak fries please."

A: "I'll have that out for you in a few minutes."

"Here you go. Do you need anything else?"

B: "Can I have a bottle of ketchup?"

A: "I have one right here."

B: "Great. Thanks."

A: "Is everything ok here?"

B: "Yes. Thank you."

"Excuse me. Can I have my bill?"

A: "Sure. Here you go."

Waitress: Good evening, are you ready to order?
Laura: Can you give us a few more minutes?
[]
Emily: What are todays specials?
Waitress: Today we have vegetarian lasagna, New York strip steak, and baked salmon
with a creamy herb sauce.
Emily: That sounds good Ill have the salmon.
Waitress: That comes with a choice of rice, baked potato, or french fries.
Emily: Baked potato, please.
Waitress: And for you, maam?
Laura: Ill have the grilled chicken and a small Caesar salad.
Waitress: Anything to drink?
Laura: Two glasses of red wine, please.
Waitress: OK. Ill be back with your drinks in a minute.
The waitress brings the food to the table.
Waitress: Here you go! Can I get you anything else?
Laura: Yes, could you bring us some ketchup?
Waitress: Sure!
[]
Waitress: Would you like to see the dessert menu?
Emily: No, thanks. Could we have the check please?
Conversation about arriving at a restaurant and ordering food
At the Restaurant
Waitress: Good evening sir, welcome to Stanley House, can I help you?
Jason: Can we have a table for two please.
Waitress: Please come this way please.

Ordering food
Waitress: Are you both ready to order now?
Jason: Yes, we are. Can we have the Sunday roast with vegetables and Chicken salad
please?
Waitress: Would you like anything to drink with your meal?
Jason: 2 glasses of white wine please.

After the Meal

Waitress: Would you like to see the dessert menu
Jason: No thanks, can we have the bill please.

Conversation between 3 people ordering food in a restaurant

Waitress: Hello, I will be your waitress today. Can I get you both any drinks?
Paul: Yes. I would like an iced coffee, please.
Jane: And I will have the same please.
Waitress: OK 2 iced coffees, here you are. Are you now ready to order your, or would
you like a few more minutes?
Paul: I think we are ready to order. I will have the chicken soup to start, and the steak
with fries and the mixed vegetables.
Waitress: How do you want the steak cooked rare, medium, or well done?
Paul: I would like it well done, please.
Jane: I do not want a starter. I would like to have the fried chicken with fries and a
side salad please.
Waitress: Your meals will be here shortly.
Waitress: Here are your meals. If you need anything else just ask. Have a nice meal.
Order in a restaurant.

Waiter: Hello, Can I _____ you?

Kim: Yes, _____ to have some lunch.

Waiter: _____ a starter?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, .

Waiter: And what _____ for a main course?

Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.

Waiter: Would you like _____ to drink?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.

Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?

Kim: No thank you. Just the _____.

Waiter: Certainly.

Kim: I don't have my glasses. _____ is the lunch?

Waiter: That's $6.75.

Kim: . Thank you very much.

Waiter: You're _____. Have a good day.

Kim: Thank you, the _____.

Answers

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?

Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.

Waiter: Would you like a starter?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.

Waiter: And what would you like for a main course?

Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.

Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?

Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.

Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?

Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.

Waiter: Certainly.

Kim:I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch?

Waiter: That's $6.75.

Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.

Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.

Kim: Thank you, the same to you.

Restaurant Cloze

Fill in the blanks with words from the box:

appetizer chef fancy smoking

bar cook fast-food soup

breakfast dessert lunch tip

brunch dinner non-smoking waiter

buffet dishwasher salad

People Who Work in a Restaurant:

The person who serves your food is called a ___________________.

The person who cooks your food is called a ____________________ if
it is a cheap restaurant or a _____________________ if it is an
expensive restaurant. A ___________________ is somebody who
washes dishes. If the food and service is good, people usually leave a
__________________.

Meals and the Time of Day:

Most people eat ____________________ after they wake up. Around

noon people have their midday meal, or _____________________. And
___________________ is the meal that people eat in the evening.
However, sometimes, especially on Sunday, people like to sleep in, so
instead of having breakfast, they eat a meal between breakfast and lunch
called ______________________.

Parts of a Meal:

At lunch or dinner sometimes people order a snack before the meal called
an ________________________. A __________________ or a
___________________ is often served alongside the main meal. After
dinner, people sometimes treat themselves to ___________________.
Types of Restaurants:

Its nice to eat at a ___________________

restaurant, but that can be expensive. Sometimes, if you
are short on time or short on money, you might go to a
______________________ restaurant because the
food is cheaper and served faster. Some restaurants
have a ________________________, which means you
take a plate up to a table loaded with food and you can
put as much food as you want on your plate. Other
restaurants have a ___________________ where you
can get an alcoholic drink while you are waiting for your
table. Most restaurants these days have a
_________________ and a _________________
section.
Waitress: Hello sir. Welcome to Jakes. Have you eaten here before?
Customer: No. This is my first time here. A friend of mine from work suggested this place the
other day.
Waitress: Oh. Well, would you like to hear about todays specials?
Customer: Sure, why not?
Waitress: Ok. We have three items on special. The first is the managers special. It is baked cod
served with rice and a vegetable medley. The second is fried shrimp with fries on the side. The
last one is my favorite. It is a 10 oz. rib eye with a choice of two sides.
Customer: They all sound good. I guess bring me the rib eye with a baked potato and green
beans as my sides.
Waitress: Good choice. How would you like your steak?
Customer: Medium rare.
Waitress: Sounds good. What would you like to drink?
Customer: Ill take a glass of your house red.
Waitress: Do you want to start off with an appetizer like some fried calamari or chicken wings?
Customer: No. Im good. Thanks.
Waitress: Ok. That will be out in about 10 minutes.
(10 minutes later)
Waitress: OK sir. Here is your rib eye. Can I get you anything else? Would you like another glass
of wine?
Customer: This looks great. No more wine for me. Im going to switch to soda. What kind of
soft drinks do you have?
Waitress: We have Coke, Sprite and Dr. Pepper.
Customer: Bring me a Coke please.
Waitress: OK. Coming right up.
(10 minutes later)
Waitress: How was it?
Customer: The steak was great. No complaints.
Waitress: Great. Can I clear your plate?
Customer: Sure.
Waitress: Do you have any room for dessert?
Customer: No, just bring the check please.
Waitress: Ok sir. Ill be right back with that.
At a restaurant

These phrases will help you to make a reservation at a restaurant and order your
meal. On arrival it is customary to wait to be seated. On paying it is customary to
leave a tip unless a service charge is included or the service has been poor.

Booking a table

do you have any free tables?

a table for , please

I'd like to make a reservation

I'd like to book a table, please

when for?

for what time?

this evening at

tomorrow at

noon

twelve thirty

one o'clock

one thirty

for how many people?

I've got a reservation

do you have a reservation?

Ordering the meal

could I see the menu, please?

could I see the wine list, please?

can I get you any drinks?

are you ready to order?

do you have any specials?

what's the soup of the day?

what do you recommend?

what's this dish?

I'm on a diet

I'm allergic to (wheat / dairy products / nuts / shellfish)

I'm a vegetarian

I don't eat (meat / pork)

I'll have the (chicken breast / roast beef / pasta)

I'll take this

I'm sorry, we're out of that

for my starter I'll have the soup, and for my main course the steak

how would you like your steak?

Rare / medium-rare / medium / well done

is that all?

would you like anything else?

nothing else, thank you

we're in a hurry

how long will it take?

it'll take about twenty minutes

During the meal

If you'd like to get the waiter's attention, the most polite way is simply to say:
excuse me!

Here are some other phrases you may hear or wish to use during your meal:
enjoy your meal!

bon appe tit!

would you like to taste the wine?

could we have ? (another bottle of wine / some more bread / some more milk /
a jug of tap water / some water)

still or sparkling?

would you like any coffee or dessert?

do you have any desserts?

could I see the dessert menu?

was everything alright?

thanks, that was delicious

Problems

this isn't what I ordered

this food's cold

this is too salty

this doesn't taste right

we've been waiting a long time

is our meal on its way?

will our food be long?

Paying the bill

the bill, please

could we have the bill, please?

can I pay by card?

do you take credit cards?

is service included?

can we pay separately?

I'll get this

let's split it

let's share the bill

Things you might see

Please wait to be seated

Reserved

Service included

Service not included

Naturally Speaking

Booking a Table

I'd like to reserve / book a table for four at 8pm, please.

I'd like to reserve / book a table for a party of six at 8pm, please. I'd like to book a
table for two at 8 in the name of Hand, please.

Could we have a table by the window, please?

Could we have a non-smoking table, please?

Could we have a table away from the kitchen/toilets, please?

Could we have a booth, please? Could you make sure it's a quiet table, please?

Placing Your Order

I'd like the .............., please.

For starters I'll have the soup and for the main course I'd like the roast beef.

Could I have chips instead of new potatoes, please?

What is the house special today?

Is there anything you would recommend?

Could I see the wine menu, please?

I'll have a bottle of the South African Cabernet Sauvignon.

I'll have a glass of house red/white, please.

Which wine would you recommend?

Complaining

Excuse me, but my meal is cold.

Excuse me, we've been waiting for over half an hour for our drinks.

I'm sorry but I ordered the side salad not the vegetables.

Excuse me this steak is over done, I ordered rare.

I'm afraid this wine tastes corked.

Excuse me this wine isn't chilled properly.

Arriving at the Restaurant

Good evening, the name is Hand. I have a table booked for six.

Do you have the menu in English/German/French ..., please? Do you have a high
chair for young children, please?

Could we have a table over there, please?

During/After the Meal

I'm sorry but I asked for a table by the window.

Could we have an extra chair, please?

Could we have some more bread, please?

Do you have a pepper mill?

Could I have some dressing, please?

Could you pass me the salt, please?

That was delicious. My compliments to the chef.

Paying

Could I have the bill, please?

Do you take Visa?

We'd like separate bills, please.

Is service included?

No, please. This is on me. (When you wish to pay for everyone.)
Dialogue
Mr and Mrs Smith are out celebrating their wedding anniversary. It's
8pm. Mr Smith (Jack) and Mrs Smith (Jill) are celebrating their 10th
wedding anniversary. They have just arrived at the restaurant.
Mr Smith: Well here we are. What do you think?
Mrs Smith: It's lovely Jack. Are you sure we can afford it?
Mr Smith: Well I may have to do some washing up, but you're worth it.
The waiter arrives. Waiter: Good evening sir, madam.
Mr Smith: Good evening. We have a reservation for a table for two in
the name of Smith.
Waiter: Yes sir. May I take your coats?
Waiter takes their coats and hangs them up.
Mr & Mrs Smith: Thank you.
Waiter: Your welcome. Would you like to come to the table or would
you prefer to order in the bar?
Mr Smith: I wouldn't mind an aperitif. We'll order in the bar.
Waiter: Please follow me, I'll bring you the menu in a moment.
Mr & Mrs Smith order their drinks at the bar and sit down to look at
the menu.
Mrs Smith: Oh dear Jack, it's all in French!
Mr Smith: Well that's what we're paying for. Don't worry I've got an
idea.
Waiter: Are you ready to order sir?
Mr Smith: Not really. Could you recommend something?
Waiter: Certainly sir. The fresh lobster is particularly good this evening,
and for starters may I recommend a light consomm?
Mr Smith: Sounds lovely, what do you think dear?
Mrs Smith: Oh yes, I love lobster. Waiter: So, that's two consomme and
two lobsters. Would you like to look at the wine menu?
Mr Smith: Why don't you bring us what you think will go best. Nothing
too expensive though.
Waiter: No problem sir. I'll call you as soon as your table is ready. (The
waiter walks away.)
Mrs Smith: You are clever Jack, but what about dessert.
Mr Smith: Don't worry, they bring round a sweet trolley, so we just
point at what we fancy!
A while later Mr & Mrs Smith have finished eating and are drinking
their coffee.
Waiter: Was everything to your satisfaction?
Mr & Mrs Smith: Yes, lovely thank you.
Mr Smith: The whole meal was delicious, our compliments to the chef.
Unfortunately we have to be back for the baby-sitter so could we pay
now?
Waiter: Certainly sir, I'll bring you the bill. Would you like me to order
you a taxi.
Mr Smith: Yes that would be great, thank you.
Mrs Smith: What a nice man, we must leave him a good tip.
Mr Smith: Yes of course.

1. The customer

A table for two, please.

May we sit at this table?

The menu, please.

What's on the menu?

What's Irish Stew like?

We're not ready yet.

The steak for me, please.

Can you bring me the ketchup, please?

A salad, please.

I'll have the same.

That's all, thank you.

Can I have the bill (AmE: check), please?

This is on me.

Here you are.

Do you have wine by the glass?

I'd prefer red wine.

Please bring us another beer.

Could I have chips (AmE: French Fries) instead of salad?

What do you recommend?

Please bring me the bill (AmE: check) with my coffee.

I think you've made a mistake.

2. The waiter

Hi, I'm Sue, I'll be your server for tonight.

What can I do for you?

Can I help you?

Can I take your coat?

Have you booked a table?

How many are you?

Would you follow me, please?

Can I take your order, sir/madam?

What would you like to start with?

What would you like to drink?

What would you like for dessert?

How would you like your steak? (rare, medium, well done)

Do you want a salad with it?

What kind of dressing?

Anything to drink?

Do you want a dessert?

The burgers are very good.

Is everything all right?

Did you enjoy your meal?

Are you paying together?

May I show you to a table?

If you wait, there'll be a table for you free in a minute.

Do you want vegetables with it?

Why don't you try the pizza?

It'll take about 20 minutes.