B2English

Making a Restaurant Reservation

Use these phrases to secure a table, negotiate the time, and communicate any special requests when calling a restaurant.

Key Phrases

Voice
Requesting a table · 3 ways to say it

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

neutral

US — this is the standard, everyday phrasing used to secure a table.

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

neutral

UK — this is the standard British equivalent for securing a table.

Could I possibly reserve a table for this evening?

polite

More formal — this option is highly suitable for upscale or fine-dining restaurants.

Checking availability · 2 ways to say it

Do you have anything open around eight?

neutral

This is a very natural way to ask if they are fully booked.

I was wondering if you had any availability around eight o'clock.

polite

This phrase uses the past continuous to sound slightly more deferential and polite.

Providing details · 2 ways to say it

It'll be for four people at 7:30.

neutral

This is direct and efficient when the host asks for your booking details.

We are a party of four, hoping to come in at half past seven.

polite

This offers a slightly softer, more elevated phrasing for specifying your party size.

Requesting specific seating · 2 ways to say it

Can we get a booth, if possible?

neutral

This is a common request when dining in casual or mid-range American restaurants.

Would it be possible to be seated by the window?

polite

This uses polite hedging for requests that might be difficult to accommodate immediately.

Stating dietary needs · 2 ways to say it

Just a heads-up, we have a vegan in our group.

neutral

This is a friendly, conversational way to warn the staff in advance.

Please be aware that one of our guests has a severe peanut allergy.

polite

You should use clear, formal language when reporting serious allergies or health concerns.

Changing a booking · 2 ways to say it

I need to push my reservation back by half an hour.

neutral

This uses a standard phrasal verb to indicate you must delay your appointment.

I was hoping to delay our booking slightly, if that's alright.

polite

This phrasing elegantly softens the inconvenience caused by changing your plans last minute.

Confirming details · 2 ways to say it

So that's a table for four tonight at eight under the name Smith, right?

neutral

This provides a natural way to summarize and double-check the agreed booking information.

Just to confirm, we have a reservation for four at eight under Smith.

polite

This sounds slightly more professional, and it is often used to close the conversation.

Canceling a booking

I'm really sorry, but I need to cancel my reservation for tonight.

neutral

This is a standard, courteous way to inform the restaurant that your plans changed.

Practice Dialogue

Host
Thank you for calling The Rustic Spoon, this is Alex speaking.
Customer
Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for two tonight, please.
Host
Sure thing. What time were you looking at?
Customer
Do you have anything open around eight?
Host
Let me check... We're actually pretty booked up at eight, but I do have a table at eight-thirty.
Customer
Yeah, eight-thirty works fine. It'll be under the name Davis.
Host
Great. Are there any allergies or special requests for the kitchen?
Customer
Just a heads-up, my wife is vegetarian. And could we get a booth, if possible?
Host
I've noted the vegetarian preference. I can't guarantee a booth, but I'll certainly put in a request.
Customer
Sounds good. So that's a table for two tonight at eight-thirty under Davis, right?
Host
That's exactly right. We'll see you tonight!
Customer
Perfect, thanks so much. Bye.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B2)

← All English survival phrases