Getting Started: Key Vocabulary for Any Restaurant

Before you even speak to a waiter, you'll need to understand the menu. Menus are typically divided into sections to make choosing your meal easier.

• Appetizers (or Starters): These are small dishes you eat before the main part of your meal. Think of things like soup, salad, or bread.

• Main Course (or Entrée): This is the biggest part of your meal. Examples include steak, pasta, or a fish dish.

• Dessert: This is the sweet course you have at the end of your meal, like cake, ice cream, or fruit.

• Beverages (or Drinks): This section lists all the drinks, such as water, soda, juice, wine, and beer.

• Side Dishes (or Sides): These are smaller items that you can order to go with your main course, like french fries, vegetables, or rice.

Understanding these words will help you know what to expect from each section of the menu.

At a Casual Restaurant: Friendly and Simple Phrases

In a sit-down restaurant, a waiter or waitress will take your order. Here’s how a typical conversation might go, with useful phrases for each step.

Getting a Table

When you arrive, the host might ask: "Hello, how many people in your party?" You can respond: "A table for two, please." or "Just one, thank you."

When You're Ready to Order

The server will come to your table and might say: "Are you ready to order?" or "Can I get you something to start with?"

If you are ready, you can say:

• "Yes, I would like the chicken sandwich."

• "I'll have the pasta, please."

• "Could I please have the steak?"

Using phrases like "I would like...", "I'll have...", or "Could I have..." is a polite and common way to order.

Asking Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the menu. Your server is there to help.

• "What do you recommend?" (A great question if you're not sure what to get.)

• "Does this dish have any nuts in it? I have an allergy." (Very important for dietary needs.)

• "Is it possible to get the salad without onions?" (For when you want to change an ingredient.)

• "What is the soup of the day?" (To ask about daily specials.)

Didactic Example: A Restaurant Dialogue

• Server: "Hello, welcome! Are you ready to order your drinks?"

• You: "Yes, I'll have a glass of water, please."

• Server: "Excellent. And are you ready to order your meal?"

• You: "Almost. What's in the seafood pasta?"

• Server: "It has shrimp, mussels, and a light tomato sauce."

• You: "That sounds great! I would like the seafood pasta, please."

• Server: "Wonderful choice. I'll put that order in for you."

In a Coffee Shop or Fast-Food Restaurant: Quick and Clear Ordering

Ordering at a counter is usually faster. The language is more direct and simple. The person behind the counter (the cashier) will likely greet you with: "Hi, what can I get for you?" or "Next in line, please!"

Here are some clear ways to place your order:

• "Can I get a large black coffee, please?"

• "I'd like a cheeseburger and a small fries."

• "Could I have a slice of the chocolate cake?"

You will also be asked: "For here or to go?" This means, will you eat in the restaurant ("for here") or take the food with you ("to go" or "takeaway").

Didactic Example: Ordering at a Café

• Cashier: "Hi there! What can I get for you today?"

• You: "Hello. Can I get a medium latte, please?"

• Cashier: "Sure. Anything else?"

• You: "Yes, I'd also like a croissant."

• Cashier: "Okay. Will that be for here or to go?"

• You: "To go, please."

• Cashier: "Alright, your total is $7.50."

Finishing Your Meal and Paying the Bill

Once you have finished eating at a sit-down restaurant, you need to ask for the bill (or check). You can get your server's attention and say:

• "Excuse me, could we have the bill, please?"

• "We're ready for the check when you have a moment."

The server will bring you a paper with the total amount. In many countries, it is common to leave a tip (extra money for the server) for good service.

By learning these phrases, you will feel much more comfortable and prepared for your next dining experience. Practice them, be confident, and enjoy the delicious food!

Ready to see these conversations in action? For more practical English lessons, the videos on Wiki Fudgel are available in understandable English and have subtitles available in various languages, helping you learn at your own pace.