B1English

Sending Food Back & Complaints

Use these phrases to politely but firmly explain a problem with your meal and ask the restaurant staff to resolve it.

Key Phrases

Voice
Reporting the wrong order · 2 ways to say it

I think there's been a mistake. I ordered the chicken.

neutral

Clear and direct.

I'm afraid this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the salad.

polite

A soft and polite way to point out a mistake.

Reporting cold food · 2 ways to say it

My soup is completely cold.

casual

Direct and factual.

I'm sorry to bother you, but my meal is quite cold.

polite

Very polite, useful for formal restaurants.

Reporting undercooked food · 2 ways to say it

This burger is still pretty pink inside.

casual

Points out the problem without directly demanding anything.

This chicken looks a bit undercooked. Could you take it back?

neutral

States the issue clearly and offers a solution.

Reporting a missing item · 2 ways to say it

Excuse me, we are still missing a side dish.

neutral

A common way to remind the server.

I don't think we've received our drinks yet.

polite

Softens the complaint by sounding slightly unsure.

Asking for a solution · 2 ways to say it

Could you heat this up for me, please?

neutral

Used when the food just needs to be warmed.

Would it be possible to get a fresh one, please?

polite

Used when the food needs to be completely remade.

Refusing a replacement · 2 ways to say it

Don't worry about it, I'll just share with my friend.

casual

A friendly way to say you don't want to wait.

No thank you, I've lost my appetite.

neutral

A firm but acceptable response if you are upset.

Asking for the manager · 2 ways to say it

Can I speak to the manager, please?

neutral

Direct; usually means there is a serious problem.

I'd like to speak with the manager when they are available.

polite

A calmer, more reasonable way to escalate the issue.

Removing an item from the bill · 2 ways to say it

Could you take this off the check, please?

neutral

US - 'check' is standard American English.

Would it be possible to remove this from the bill?

polite

UK - 'bill' is standard British English.

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Excuse me, I think there's a problem with my burger.
Server
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. What's wrong with it?
Customer
It's a bit undercooked. It's still pretty pink inside.
Server
Right, I see that. Let me take it back to the kitchen for you.
Customer
Thanks. Actually, could you just take it off the check instead? My friends have almost finished eating.
Server
Absolutely, I can do that. I'm really sorry about the trouble.
Customer
No worries. It happens.
Server
I'll bring you the updated check right away.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B1)

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