B1English

Making a Restaurant Reservation

Use these phrases to book a table, update your plans, and make sure the restaurant knows what you need.

Key Phrases

Voice
Booking a table · 2 ways to say it

Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for tonight.

neutral

US

Hi, I'd like to book a table for tonight.

neutral

UK

Specifying details · 2 ways to say it

We need a table for two at 8:00.

neutral

It's a party of four for 7:30.

casual

Very common in North America

Checking availability · 3 ways to say it

Do you have any openings for tonight?

neutral

US

Do you have any tables free this evening?

neutral

UK

Can you fit us in at seven?

casual
Dietary notes · 2 ways to say it

One of us has a severe nut allergy.

neutral

Could you make sure there are gluten-free options?

polite
Seating preference

We'd prefer to sit outside if possible.

neutral
Changing the time · 2 ways to say it

I need to change the time of my reservation.

neutral

Can we push our reservation back by half an hour?

casual
Changing party size · 2 ways to say it

Actually, there will be six of us now instead of four.

casual

Is it possible to add two more people to our table?

polite
Confirming a booking · 2 ways to say it

I'm calling to confirm my reservation for tomorrow.

neutral

Just checking you still have us down for eight.

casual

Practice Dialogue

Host
Grazie Italian Restaurant. How can I help you?
Customer
Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for tomorrow night.
Host
Sure. For how many people?
Customer
It's a party of four for 7:30.
Host
Let me check... We don't have anything at 7:30, but I can fit you in at 8:00.
Customer
Eight works for us. Oh, and one of us has a nut allergy.
Host
No problem, I'll make a note of that. What's a good name for the reservation?
Customer
It's Miller.
Host
Great. You're all set for tomorrow at 8:00, Mr. Miller.
Customer
Perfect, thank you.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B1)

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