Ordering Food in English!

Enjoy dining out but struggle to communicate with the servers? Here are some tips to assist you.

Whether you love to cook or don't know your way around the kitchen, eating out is something we all tend to enjoy. Maybe you're a foodie (someone who loves to try new food), or perhaps you just enjoy the social aspect of eating out with friends and family and take pleasure in catching up in a different environment.

Have you ever felt that you just point to the menu but don't really know how to ask the right questions or explain what it is you want or need?

Perhaps you can get by in a restaurant, but you feel you're not as polite as you want to be and would usually act in your native language.

It can be hard understanding social norms in a second language; we may come off as rude without ever meaning to, simply because we don't have the experience or vocabulary.

If this sounds like you, then read on to find out our useful tips for eating out.

How to sound more polite?

Let's be honest: "please," "thank you," and a smile go a long way in any language. However, if you want to take that to the next level, here are some useful phrases you can use in a restaurant or café setting.

Instead of 'I want' or 'give me', try using 'I would like.......please' or 'Could I have........please'. These ways of ordering your food are much more courteous and respectful. Here are some examples: 'I would like the salad, please?' , 'Could I have some water please?'
A waiter (male) or waitress (female) is someone who serves you and brings your food and drink in a restaurant or cafe. However, we don't tend to use this to get their attention, it can sound a little rude or abrupt to say 'waiter'. So, try just raising your hand slightly and using 'excuse me'.
'Do you have........?', this is a great phrase to use when you perhaps don't see something you need on the menu. For example: 'Do you have any balsamic vinegar please?'

General phrases you may need.

So, now we know how to sound more polite, but what are some useful phrases that you can use during your dining experience?

When you first arrive at a restaurant, typically someone will come to greet you. It's helpful for them to know how big your group is so that they can find you the best table. Instead of just telling them the number, try to use this phrase. 'Can we have a table for two please?' Of course you can change this depending on the size of you party/group.
Usually, when a waiter takes you to your table, they will give you a menu. However, this doesn't always happen. So, a useful phrase to know is 'Could I see a menu please?'. This is both polite and clear. You can also adapt it to ask for the wine list, desert menu or maybe even a kids menu.
'What specials do you have today?' or 'Do you have a specials board?' The 'specials' are dishes that are not available everyday. Perhaps the chef's signature dishes or an interesting dish that the restaurant may be trying out. These meals are often more expensive, but tend to be quite delicious. They will often be written on a board or you will be given a separate menu. Why not try it out next time you're dining out.
Lots of meals come with sides such as rice, chips/fries, salad or even vegetables. However, sometimes you need to order this separately and pay extra. So, a useful thing to ask is, 'Does this come with fries?' and you can change 'fries' for whatever side dish you may want or is appropriate in this restaurant. You could also ask 'Does this come with any sides?'
'Enjoy your meal.' You may hear this from your server and often your other guests too. In fact, we don't just use it when we go out for a meal. We can use it at home, at a friends house, wherever. The meaning is quite straight forward. You're wishing everyone a pleasant meal.
Need something from the other side of the table, but can't quite reach? Maybe you want water, salt or ketchup. Use this simple question to politely ask someone who is closer to it, help get it for you. 'Can you pass the salt please?'
It's the end of the meal and you're waiting to pay. Once you have the waiters/waitresses attention, ask 'Can we have the bill please?' Then they will bring you the receipt for the meal and you can pay.
Eating with a group and want to share the cost of the meal? Try using 'Can we split the bill, please?'. They then will be able separate the cost of your meal into smaller amounts or each individual can pay for themselves. However, not every restaurant likes doing this, but there is no harm in asking.

Things you may see or hear and how to respond.

Please wait to be seated. You might see this on a sign at the door in some places when you dine out. If so, wait for the servers to greet you and show you to a table.
Reserved. You might see this sign on the table when you eat out. If so, you shouldn't sit there. The table is being held for people who have booked in advance.
'Would you like some water for the table?' Your waiter may ask you this when you sit down or when you order your meals. 'water for the table', just means, to share with your group. It tends to be in addition to alcohol or other, shorter drinks you may have ordered.
If you've said yes to water, the next thing you'll be asked is: Still or sparkling? In other words, water with gas (bubbles) or water without gas. So, tell them your preference.
Finished your meal? Still feeling a little hungry or fancy a treat? The servers will likely ask you. 'Would you like to see the desert menu?' If you would like some desert, then take a look.
Service included/not included. You may see this written in the menu. Some restaurants charge a small amount of money for their 'service', the price may also include things like bread and olives. Although, this is not always the case and your may have to pay a 'tip' on top of the bill. This is very common in America.
Do you have any allergies? If you're asked this by your server, make sure you tell them about any allergies you may have such as: nut allergies. Tell them 'I am allergic to..........', and they will be able to assist you.
Reservations only. You may see this sign on the door or be told this when you call the restaurant. If so, it means you need to book in advance. You can't just walk up and choose to eat there.

Dietary Requirements.

If you do have allergies or there is something you don't eat for religious purposes or lifestyle preferences, the phrases below may help you.

Does this contain............? If you have a specific food item that you're allergic too then ask this phrase. The waiter will tell you if it is included in the dish and you can decide to have something else if need be. For example: 'Does this contain nuts?', 'Does this contain pork?'
Are you vegetarian or vegan? If so, ask 'What vegetarian or vegan options do you have?', depending on your preferences. That way, the waitress can point you in the direction to find something suitable.
Is there a particular thing you don't like? Personally, I hate mushrooms, but sometimes I like everything else about the dish, yet notice it includes mushrooms. So, what do you do in this situation? Well, you can ask 'Is it possible to have the pasta, but without mushrooms please?' Although, it is not always possible for them to take certain ingredients out of the dish, but at least you'll know what to expect, or be able to choose something else.

Booking a table.

Sometimes the place you want to eat at is 'reservations only', or is very popular and you just want to be sure you'll get a table. So, you can book in advance. Use these phrases to help you make a reservation.

'Hello, what time do you open?' and 'What time do you close?', These phrases are fairly self explanatory. You can use them if you're unsure about the venues opening times.
When you call to book, they will want to know the day, time and how many people will be joining you. You can say something like: 'Can I book a table for six people at seven o'clock this evening, please?'
It is also good to tell them in advance if you have children, especially babies as you may need things like a highchair. Make sure the restaurant knows by saying, 'We will need a highchair please'.

Complaints and expressing disappointment.

Now for the tricky part. Unfortunately not everything goes to plan and sometimes you're unhappy with your meal. So, here are some useful phrases to explain your issues. We will keep this part short and sweet.

Firstly, your server will say: 'Was everything okay with your meals?'. Our typical response to this is 'Yes, great thank you'. Or something to that effect, but of course this may not be the case.
Is your food cold? Try saying: 'Excuse me, this is cold?' Perhaps there is a difference kind of problem. You may want to say: 'Excuse me, there is a hair in my food'.
Of course, we hope you don't have to use such phrases and that you always enjoy eating out.

So, there you go.

We hope that helped, don't forget to use these next time you eat out. We hope you have a great time and of course, 'Enjoy your meal'!