Get the right table
Book a table on the phone or ask for a table by saying “We’d like a table for 5, please.” This will let the waiter know how many people to expect. The waiter might ask “How many people are in your party?” In this question ‘party’ means ‘group’ not ‘celebration’. If you’re in a country where people are allowed to smoke in restaurants, the waiter might ask if you’d like to sit in the smoking or non-smoking section. If you’re in a hot country, the waiter may ask if you’d prefer to sit indoors or outdoors. Make it clear exactly where you want to sit for a perfect meal.
Order drinks
Having a drink is a great way to pass the time while you are deciding what to order. The waiter might ask “Would you like to start with a drink?” and you can reply “Yes, we’d like (type of drink) while we decide on our food.” If you order a bottle of wine, the waiter might ask “Would you like to taste the wine?” when he opens the bottle for you. If you like it, you can reply “Yes, that’s fine.”
Order food
When the waiter asks “Are you ready to order?” or “Can I take your order?” If you are ready, you can give your order. Use “I’d like…” or “I’ll have…” to introduce your order and expression “for starter/appetizer” to talk about the first course and “for main course” to talk about the second course of food you will eat.
If you are not sure what to order, ask the waiter “What would you recommend?” to get some advice or “What are the specialities?” to find out what the most famous dishes are at that restaurant. You could also ask “What are today’s specials?” to find out if there are any dishes being served today that are not usually on the menu.
If you want to order wine with your main course, you can use the waiter’s expert knowledge to help choose something great. Ask the waiter “What wine goes well with this?” or “What wine matches this?” to make sure they taste great together.
Special considerations
If you cannot eat certain things because of your religion or health, check the menu carefully. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are usually marked but if not you can point at the dish on the menu and ask the waiter “Does this contain meat/nuts/dairy?” to find out if it’s OK for you to eat. Or, when the waiter gives you the menu, you can say “I can’t eat _____, which dishes would you recommend for me?”
Pay the bill
Catch the waiter’s attention and ask “Can we have the bill, please?” or “Check, please.” to see how much you need to pay. The waiter might ask if you want to pay separately or as a group. Check the bill to see if a service charge or tip has been added. This is money that is given to the waiting staff for good service. If this hasn’t been added, it’s common in most English speaking countries to leave some extra money (usually 10-15% of the bill) for the waiter.
So, now you know how to order food at a restaurant in English, all that’s left to do is enjoy your food and have a great time!
How to ask for something in English, and the replies you might recieve
There is a traditional way to do this in Britain. In large shops, assistants will usually wear some kind of uniform.
Approach an assistant:
Excuse me, do you sell (washing up liquid)?orExcuse me, I am looking for (washing up liquid).
If the shop is large, such as a supermarket, and they do sell it, these are some of the words you may hear in response:
Aisle (pronounced ‘I-yull) – This is one of the long lines of shelving on which items are stacked. (Example: ‘It’s in Aisle 12.’).
Counter – The long shelf on which the till is based.
Department – a part of a larger shop which sells items of a particular kind, such as the television department.
Display – A collection of items shown in a way to make you want to buy them, such as a plastic model of a human (called a mannequin) wearing a suit, shirt and tie so that you can see what they look like when worn.
Window Display – A display in a window of a shop.
Phrases an Assistant or Sales Person Might Use
If you are browsing (looking at the goods in a shop) an assistant might approach you.
Can I help you?or Are you looking for something in particular?are the sort of phrases they will use. They are hoping to start a conversation that will lead to a sale.
If you would like help, then the sort of responses you can give are:
Yes please, I am looking for…or Yes please, how much are…?(if you wish to know the cost of an item).
If you do not want their help, then a polite way of sending them away is to say:
I’m fine thanks, just browsing.Some sales people find it hard to give up a chance of a sale.
Another phrase that can be used to send them away is:
I’m only looking today.
Conversation Endings
In most smaller shops, the shopkeeper will often make conversation as they deal with your purchase. Often, this will be about the goods you are buying.
We sell a lot of these.
A good choice.
Is this a present for someone?
This is called ‘small talk’ and is not usually that important. A smile and a nod are good responses to small talk.
Once your purchases are complete, there are a number of questions that you may be asked.
Would you like a bag?– Usually, a charge of five to ten pence (depending on the bag size) is made for this.
Would you like a receipt?– Unless it is just for a bar of chocolate or cup of coffee, it is best to take a receipt in case there is a problem with your purchases. The receipt (reeseet) is the piece of paper that comes with the purchase. See below for more details on this.
Most conversation endings, though, are just made up of a polite remark.
Take care.
Hope you have a good day.
See you later.Which doesn’t necessarily mean that they will!
Thanks, Thank you or Goodbye.
Your rights
In the case of new items, the goods you buy must be suitable for the task they are designed to do, and be in good working order. If they are not, you are entitled to your money back, or a replacement. With larger items, such as a car, you have to give the seller a chance to fix the problem.
These are called your statutory rights. Most electrical and mechanical items usually come with a guarantee as well. The receipt you receive is often the guarantee.
If you do have a problem with something you buy, you should take it back to the shop from which you purchased it. Bigger stores will have a returns or customer service desk.
Excuse me, the kettle I purchased doesn’t work.
Excuse me, this shirt has a tear in it.
Excuse me, I bought these shoes a week ago and the bottom (or sole) is coming off.
Then hand over the goods and the receipt proving that you purchased them. The shop will then exchange or offer a refund. If you have a problem, and cannot find the words to take the argument further, then most towns have a ‘Citizens Advice Bureau’ who will help you out.