“I booked a table for two for … (8pm).
“It’s under the name of …”
“A table for two please.”
What the restaurant staff say:
“Of course. Please come this way.”
Or…
“Your table isn’t quite ready yet.”
“Would you like to wait in the bar?”
“We’re fully booked at the moment. Could you come back a bit later?”
These are phrases you can ask the waiter if you aren’t sure of something on the menu.
“What’s … exactly?”
“Is this served with … (salad)?”
“Does this have any … (seafood) in it?”
“What do you recommend?”
What the waiter says:
“Are you ready to order?”
“Can I take your order?”
“Anything to drink?”
“Would you like … (chips) with that?”
What the customer says:
“I’ll have…”
“I’d like…”
“Can I have …”
“We’d like to order …”
If there are problems with the order, the waiter can say:
“I don’t think we have any more … (lobster) left. I’ll check with the kitchen.”
“I’m sorry, but the king prawn soup is finished.”
The customer can say:
“Excuse me, but I didn’t order this.”
“I’m sorry, but this is cold.”
“Can I change my order please?”
The waiter can say:
“I’m so sorry about that…”
“Let me take it back for you.” (take it back = return it to the kitchen)
“Let me change it for you.”
“Can we have the bill please?”
“Could we get the bill?”
“Could we pay please?”
(“bill” in British English; “check” in American English.)
Now listen to six conversations in a restaurant. You can also read the tapescript as you listen.
Conversation 1
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Hello. Are you ready to order?
We’d like a little longer, please.
OK.
Conversation 2
Audio Player
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Can I take your order?
Is there anything you recommend?
The chef’s special is very popular.
Conversation 3 – Dealing with a problem
Audio Player
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Excuse me, but this is cold.
Let me take it back for you Madam.
Thank you.
Conversation 4 – Dealing with a problem
Audio Player
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Excuse me, but this isn’t what I ordered.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll change it for you straightaway.
Thank you.
Conversation 5 – Changing your order
Audio Player
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I’m sorry, but can I change my order?
Of course. What would you like instead?
The chicken salad.
Conversation 6 – Getting the bill
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Can I help you?
Yes, could we have the bill?
Of course.