B1English🍽️

Ordering at a Restaurant

You can use these useful phrases when you eat out at a restaurant and need to order food.

Key Phrases

Could we have a table for two near the window, please?

💡 This is a polite way to ask for a table when you arrive at the restaurant.

Could you give us a few more minutes to look at the menu, please?

💡 You can say this if the waiter has come to your table before you have decided.

What would you recommend for someone who has never tried this local food before?

💡 This phrase helps you to ask the server for their advice if you are undecided.

To start with, I would like to order the tomato soup, please.

💡 Use this common expression when you want to choose the first course of your meal.

For my main course, I would like the grilled chicken with vegetables.

💡 This is a simple sentence structure that you can use to order your main dish.

Does this dish contain any nuts, because I have a serious food allergy?

💡 It is important to ask this question if you must avoid certain ingredients for health.

Could I please have a glass of still water instead of sparkling water?

💡 You might want to specify which kind of water you prefer when you order drinks.

Could we have some extra napkins and a bottle of tap water, please?

💡 This is a useful request that you can make during the middle of your meal.

Could you bring us the bill when you have a free moment, please?

💡 You should use this polite question when you are ready to pay and want to leave.

Practice Dialogue

Staff
Good evening, have you decided what you would like to order tonight, or do you need more time?
Traveler
Could you give us a few more minutes to look at the menu, please?
Staff
Of course, take your time, and I will return to your table when you are ready.
Traveler
Thank you, and what would you recommend for someone who has never tried the local food before?
Staff
I recommend the chef's special, which has won awards and features fresh grilled chicken with vegetables.
Traveler
That sounds excellent, so for my main course, I would like the grilled chicken with vegetables.
Staff
Excellent choice, and would you like to order any starters or drinks to go with that?
Traveler
To start with, I would like the tomato soup, and please bring a glass of still water.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B1)

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