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One of my favourite ways to teach English is through scenario-based dialogue, and restaurants are the perfect setting. In my ESL classes, we practice ordering, asking for the bill, and politely requesting things — all skills students need for real-world situations. What I’ve noticed is that many learners know individual words (“water,” “menu,” “coffee”) but don’t know the complete phrases and expressions native speakers actually use. You’ll covers the full arc of a restaurant experience, from booking to paying, with the exact phrases you need to sound natural and confident.
I’ve organised expressions into five stages: booking a table, ordering and asking about the menu, getting the bill, paying, and handling special situations. Each section shows both what you say as a customer and what restaurant staff typically say, so you’ll recognise the language from both sides of the conversation.
Key Takeaways
- Booking phrases: “I booked a table for two,” “It’s under the name of…,” “Do you have a reservation?”
- Ordering essentials: “Are you ready to order?”, “What would you like?”, “I’ll have the…”, “Can I have…”
- Asking for help: “What do you recommend?”, “Does this have…?”, “What’s the difference between…?”
- Paying naturally: “Could I have the bill please?”, “Do you accept credit cards?”, “Can we have separate checks?”
- Politeness matters: These expressions use polite forms (would you, could I) rather than direct commands, especially in formal restaurants.
Booking a Table at a Restaurant
What You Say (Customer)
When you arrive at a restaurant with a reservation (or want to request a table):
I booked a table for two for 7 pm — confirming your reservation
Example: Hi, good evening. I booked a table for two for 7 pm. Is everything ready?
It’s under the name of… — providing the name your reservation is registered under
Example: It’s under the name of Johnson. We have a reservation for 8:00.
A table for two, please — requesting a table for a specific number of people
Example: Good evening. A table for two, please. Do you have anything available right now?
May we sit at this table? — politely asking if you can use a particular table
Example: May we sit at this table by the window? It looks lovely.
Reservation vs. walk-in: A reservation is when you book in advance. A walk-in is when you just show up. Always say “I have a reservation” or “I booked a table” if you reserved ahead; if not, say “Do you have a table available?”
What Restaurant Staff Say (Host/Hostess)
What can I do for you? — standard greeting to a customer
Example (host): Good evening! What can I do for you?
Do you have a reservation? — asking if you booked a table
Example (host): Welcome! Do you have a reservation with us tonight?
How many are you? — asking the size of your party
Example (host): Good evening. How many are you this evening?
Would you like to wait in the bar? — offering a comfortable place while a table is prepared
Example (host): Your table isn’t quite ready yet. Would you like to wait in the bar? It will be about 10 minutes.
We’re fully booked at the moment. Could you come back a bit later? — the restaurant is at capacity
Example (host): I’m sorry, we’re fully booked at the moment. Could you come back at 9 pm?
If you wait, there’ll be a table for you free in about 20 minutes. — offering a wait time estimate
Example (host): We do have a short wait, but if you sit at the bar, there will be a table for you in about 20 minutes.
Smoking or non-smoking? — asking about your preference (less common now due to smoking bans)
Example (host): Smoking or non-smoking? Actually, we’re entirely non-smoking now.
Of course. Please come this way. — directing you to your table
Example (host): Perfect. Of course. Please come this way. Your table is ready.
Would you follow me, please? — politely asking you to follow to your table
Example (host): Would you follow me, please? I’ll show you to your table.
Ordering and Asking About the Menu
What Restaurant Staff Say (Server/Waiter)
Hi, I’m Sue. I’ll be your server for tonight. — introducing themselves
Example (server): Hi, I’m Sarah! I’ll be your server for tonight. Can I start you with some drinks?
Can I take your order? — asking if you’re ready to order food
Example (server): Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?
Are you ready to order yet? (We’re not ready yet) — checking on your progress
Example (server): Have you had a chance to look at the menu? Are you ready to order?
Example (customer): No, we’re not ready yet. Could we have a few more minutes?
What would you like to start with? — asking about appetizers/starters
Example (server): What would you like to start with? We have some wonderful appetisers today.
What would you like for a starter? — British way of asking about the first course
Example (server): What would you like for a starter, or shall we go straight to the main course?
What do you want for the main course? — asking about the main dish
Example (server): And what do you want for the main course?
How would you like your steak? (rare, medium, well done) — asking about doneness level for meat
Example (server): How would you like your steak cooked? Rare, medium, or well done?
Do you want vegetables with it? — offering side dishes
Example (server): The steak comes with fries. Would you like any vegetables on the side?
What kind of dressing? — asking about salad dressing preference
Example (server): For your salad, what dressing would you like? We have ranch, vinaigrette, and Caesar.
The burgers are very good. — recommending a dish
Example (server): I’d recommend the burgers — they’re very popular and made fresh daily.
Sorry, the hamburgers are off. — a dish is no longer available
Example (server): I’m sorry, the sea bass is off tonight. Would you like to try something else?
Why don’t you try the pizza? — suggesting a popular option
Example (server): If you like Italian, why don’t you try the pasta? It’s our chef’s special.
It’ll take about 20 minutes. — giving an estimate on cooking time
Example (server): That dish takes about 15 to 20 minutes to prepare. Is that okay?
Would you like chips with that? — asking if you want fries as a side
Example (server): Would you like fries or a salad with that?
What would you like for dessert? — asking about sweet courses
Example (server): Can I interest you in any of our desserts today?
Would you like any coffee? — offering hot beverages after the meal
Example (server): Would you like coffee, tea, or anything else?
What would you like to drink with your meal? — asking about beverages
Example (server): What can I get you to drink? We have wine, beer, or soft drinks.
Red or white? — asking about wine colour preference
Example (server): Would you like red or white wine with your meal?
Can I get you a drink while you’re waiting? — offering drinks before the food arrives
Example (server): Your food will be about 15 minutes. Can I get you anything to drink while you wait?
What You Can Say (Customer)
Could you bring us the menu, please? — politely requesting the menu
Example: Excuse me, could you bring us the menu, please?
The menu, please. — direct but still polite
Example: We’re ready to order. The menu, please.
What’s on the menu? — asking about available options (informal)
Example: What’s on the menu today? Any specials?
Do you have a set menu? — asking if there’s a fixed-price menu option
Example: Do you have a set menu, or is it à la carte only?
What’s …exactly? — asking for clarification about a dish
Example: What’s the “bouillabaisse” exactly? Is it a soup or a stew?
Is this served with… (salad)? — asking what comes with a dish
Example: Is the steak served with vegetables, or do I need to order them separately?
Does this have any… (Seafood) in it? — checking for allergens or ingredients
Example: Does this sauce have any nuts in it? I have an allergy.
What do you recommend? — asking the server’s opinion
Example: What do you recommend? What’s your favourite dish?
Server: Hi! Are you ready to order?
Customer: What do you recommend? I’m a bit lost.
Server: The salmon is excellent today. It’s fresh and comes with seasonal vegetables.
Customer: Does it come with a salad?
Server: Yes, a side salad. What dressing would you like?
Customer: Lemon vinaigrette, please. I’ll have the salmon.
I’ll have… — stating your choice
Example: I’ll have the chicken, please.
I’d like… — polite form of stating your choice
Example: I’d like the pasta primavera, please.
Can I have… — requesting a specific dish
Example: Can I have the grilled fish, please?
We’d like to order… — group ordering
Example: We’d like to order now. I’ll have the steak, and she’ll have the chicken.
Could you bring us the salt / pepper / ketchup / vinegar, please? — requesting condiments
Example: Could you bring us some salt and pepper, please?
I’ll have the soup as a starter. — ordering a first course
Example: I’ll have the tomato soup as a starter.
I’ll have the steak for the main course. — ordering the main dish
Example: I’ll have the ribeye steak for the main course.
I’ll have it rare / medium rare / medium / well done, please. — specifying meat doneness
Example: I’ll have it medium rare, please. Not too pink, not too brown.
That’s all, thank you. — indicating you’ve finished ordering
Example: That’s all for now, thank you. We’ll let you know if we need anything else.
Politeness tip: Always use “Could you…”, “Would you…”, or “Can I have…” rather than direct commands like “Bring the menu!” This is especially important in formal or upscale restaurants. Politeness costs nothing and often results in better service.
Getting the Bill
What You Say
Could I have the bill, please? — most polite way to request the bill
Example: When you’re ready, could I have the bill, please?
Can we have the bill please? — direct but still polite
Example: Excuse me, can we have the bill please?
Could we get the bill? — informal and common
Example: Could we get the bill? We need to get going.
Could we pay please? — direct request
Example: We’d like to pay whenever you’re ready.
What Restaurant Staff Say
Are you paying together? — asking if it’s one bill or separate bills
Example (server): Are you paying together, or would you like separate checks?
Did you enjoy your meal? — polite question after dining
Example (server): Did you enjoy your meal? Can I get you anything else?
Paying at a Restaurant
What You Can Say
Could I have the check, please? — American English way of requesting the bill
Example: Could I have the check, please?
Can I have the check, please? — direct way (American)
Example: When you get a moment, can I have the check?
We’ll take the check. — casual way to request the bill
Example: We’re done. We’ll take the check whenever you’re ready.
Do you accept credit cards? — asking about payment methods
Example: Do you accept credit cards, or is it cash only?
Can we have separate checks? — requesting divided bills
Example: Can we have separate checks? I’ll pay for my meal, and they’ll pay for theirs.
We’re going to split the bill. — indicating you’ll divide the cost
Example: We’re going to split the bill three ways. Can you divide it up for us?
Tipping culture: In the US, it’s customary to tip 15–20% on the pre-tax bill. In the UK, tipping is often 10–15% and is optional. Always check the local custom. Some restaurants add tip automatically, so check the bill first.
Handling Special Situations
If There Are Problems with the Order
I don’t think we have anymore… (steak) left. I’ll check with the kitchen. — server checking availability
Example (server): I’m sorry, I don’t think we have any more of that dish. Let me check with the kitchen.
I’m sorry, but the king prawn soup is finished. — dish is no longer available
Example (server): I’m sorry, but the special is finished. Would you like something else?
Common Customer Requests
Could we have a table by the window? — requesting a specific location
Example: We’re celebrating an anniversary. Could we have a table by the window, if possible?
This dish is too salty. Could I have something else? — politely complaining
Example: I’m sorry, but this isn’t what I ordered. Could I send it back?
Could I have the manager, please? — requesting to speak with management
Example: I’ve had a problem with the service. Could I speak with the manager, please?
Do you have a kids menu? — asking about children’s options
Example: Do you have a children’s menu? My daughter is quite picky.
Can you make this dish without… (nuts)? — requesting dietary modifications
Example: I have a peanut allergy. Can you make this dish without the peanut sauce?
Common Mistakes with Restaurant Expressions
✗ Incorrect: “Bring me a water!” (too direct, impolite)
✓ Correct: “Could you bring me a water, please?” or “Can I have a glass of water?”
Why: Requests in restaurants should use polite forms. “Could you” and “Can I have” are standard polite patterns.
✗ Incorrect: “I’ll get the fish.” (too casual for formal settings)
✓ Correct: “I’ll have the fish, please.” or “I’d like the grilled fish.”
Why: “Have” is the standard verb for ordering food in restaurants; “get” is too informal for formal dining.
✗ Incorrect: “The menu!” (commanding tone)
✓ Correct: “Could we have the menu, please?” or “The menu, please.”
Why: Even single-word requests should include “please.” Adding “Could we have” makes it polite and natural.
Practice Quiz: Restaurant Expressions
- You arrive at a restaurant with a reservation. What do you say? (a) “I’m here!” (b) “I booked a table for two.” (c) “Give me a table!”
- The server asks what you want for the main course. Which response sounds most natural? (a) “I’ll have the salmon.” (b) “Give me salmon.” (c) “Salmon please now.”
- You want to know if a dish contains nuts. What do you ask? (a) “Does this have nuts?” (b) “Are there nuts?” (c) “Does this have any nuts in it?”
- You want to request the bill at the end of the meal. Which is most polite? (a) “Bill!” (b) “Could I have the bill, please?” (c) “I want the bill.”
- The server hasn’t brought your water yet. What do you say? (a) “Where’s my water?” (b) “Could you bring me some water, please?” (c) “I need water now!”
Answers: 1. (b) · 2. (a) · 3. (c) · 4. (b) · 5. (b)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “I’ll have” and “I’d like” when ordering?
Both are correct and commonly used. “I’ll have” is straightforward and casual. “I’d like” is slightly more polite and formal. In restaurants, either works fine. Use “I’d like” in upscale restaurants; “I’ll have” in casual settings.
Should I say “bill” or “check”?
It depends on your region. “Bill” is standard in British English and many other countries. “Check” is standard in American English. Both are understood everywhere, so use whichever is natural for you or matches the country’s convention.
How do I politely send food back if it’s wrong?
Use phrases like: “I’m sorry, but this isn’t what I ordered,” “Could I send this back?”, or “This isn’t cooked right — could I have another one?” Be polite and specific about what’s wrong. Most restaurants will happily replace a wrong order.
Is it rude to ask the server for a recommendation?
No, not at all! Servers expect this question and usually enjoy recommending their favourite dishes. Asking “What do you recommend?” or “What’s your favourite?” shows you trust their opinion and often results in a great meal.
What should I do if the bill seems too high?
First, check if tip or tax is included. If the price is genuinely wrong, politely ask: “Could you check this? This seems higher than the menu price.” Don’t be accusatory — it’s often an honest mistake. If there’s a real error, the restaurant will correct it.
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