Let's Practice: Ordering Food at a Restaurant

Ordering food in English is one of the most common situations you will encounter. Here is a realistic dialogue between a customer and a waiter.

Useful Vocabulary

| Term | Meaning | |------|---------| | Menu | The list of food and drinks available | | Appetizer | A small dish served before the main meal | | Main course | The primary dish of the meal | | Dessert | A sweet dish eaten after the main course | | Check / Bill | The document showing what you owe | | Reservation | An arrangement to have a table ready |

Dialogue: At a Restaurant

Waiter: Good evening, welcome to Cafe Milano. Do you have a reservation?

Customer: Yes, I do. Under the name Chen. Table for two at 7:30.

Waiter: Let me check. Yes, Mr. Chen. Right this way. Here is your table.

Customer: Thank you. Could we see the menu?

Waiter: Of course. I will be right back with the menus.

A few minutes later.

Waiter: Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?

Customer: I think we are ready. I will have the grilled salmon as my main course.

Waiter: Good choice. Would you like any appetizers to start?

Customer: No, thank you. Just the main course.

Waiter: And for you, madam?

Second Customer: I will have the pasta carbonara, please.

Waiter: Excellent. I will put that in right away.

After the meal.

Customer: Could we have the check, please?

Waiter: Certainly. Here you are.

Customer: Thank you. I will pay by card.

Key Phrases

• "I have a reservation under the name [name]."
• "Could we see the menu, please?"
• "I will have the [dish]."
• "Could we have the check, please?"
• "I will pay by card / cash."

Variations

For a casual restaurant: - "Just one burger and a Coke, thanks." - "Can I get the check?"

For a formal restaurant: - "I would like to start with the Caesar salad, followed by the steak." - "Could you recommend a wine to pair with the fish?"