B2English

Ordering at a Restaurant

These essential phrases will help you navigate a restaurant visit naturally, from asking for more time with the menu to handling incorrect orders and paying the check.

Key Phrases

Voice
Getting a table

Hi, do you have a table for two?

neutral
Asking for more time · 2 ways to say it

Could we have a couple more minutes, please?

neutral

We're still deciding, if that's okay.

casual

A natural way to soften the delay

Asking for recommendations

What would you recommend for a main course?

neutral
Reacting to recommendations

That sounds amazing; I might actually get the same thing since I can't decide.

neutral

Useful when agreeing with a server's favorite dish or a companion's choice

Ordering food · 3 ways to say it

I would like to order the grilled salmon, please.

polite

Could I get the steak, medium rare?

neutral

I'll just grab the chicken salad, thanks.

casual
Reporting an issue

I actually asked for no onions on this, I think.

neutral

Hedging with 'I think' makes the complaint sound less confrontational

Declining dessert · 2 ways to say it

I think we're completely full, so we'll just skip dessert tonight, thanks.

neutral

Nothing else for us, thanks. We're all set.

casual
Asking for a takeaway box · 2 ways to say it

Could I get a box for this to go, please?

neutral

US variation - standard phrasing in American restaurants

Could I get a container to take this away, please?

polite

UK variation - standard phrasing in British restaurants

Asking to pay · 2 ways to say it

Can we get the check whenever you have a chance?

casual

US variation - 'check' is used instead of 'bill'

Could we have the bill, please?

neutral

UK variation - 'bill' is used instead of 'check'

Practice Dialogue

Server
Hi, how's everything tasting over here?
Diner
Really good, thanks. Although, I actually asked for no onions on this, I think.
Server
Oh, I'm so sorry about that! Let me take it back to the kitchen and get a fresh one started for you.
Diner
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Server
Alright, here's your new salad. Can I get you anything else right now?
Diner
No, I think we're completely full, so we'll just skip dessert tonight, thanks.
Server
Sure thing. Would you like me to clear these plates out of your way?
Diner
Yeah, that'd be great. And could I get a box for this to go, please?
Server
Absolutely. I'll bring that right out for you.
Diner
Thanks. And can we get the check whenever you have a chance?

More Eating & Drinking Out (B2)

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