Hi! Do you have a table for two?
A natural greeting and table request.
On arrival.Speak at the table · English-speaking destinations
Restaurant English
These are natural phrases rather than formal textbook English. The glossary highlights differences that can surprise even advanced learners.
Restaurant survival kit
Eight phrases that do the work
Could we see the menu, please?
A polite request for the menu.
Before ordering.I’ll have the…
The most natural simple order.
When you have chosen.What’s the local specialty?
Ask for something typical of the place.
For a local recommendation.What does that come with?
Ask about included sides.
Useful in the US and Britain.Could I get that without…?
Remove an ingredient politely.
Customizing an order.Could we get the bill, please?
British and international English.
In the US, “check” is more common.Everything was excellent, thank you.
A natural compliment.
When leaving.Frequent culinary words
Read the menu with confidence
Watch out
starter / appetizer
first course (UK / US)
Watch out
entrée
main course in the US
Watch out
main course / entrée
principal dish (UK / US)
Watch out
chips / fries
fried potato strips (UK / US)
Watch out
crisps / chips
thin packaged potato slices (UK / US)
aubergine / eggplant
the same vegetable (UK / US)
courgette / zucchini
the same vegetable (UK / US)
rocket / arugula
the same peppery leaf (UK / US)
grilled
cooked over heat; in Britain may also mean broiled
roasted
cooked with dry oven heat
on the side
served separately
house special
a restaurant signature dish
tap water
non-bottled drinking water
still / sparkling
water without / with carbonation
Watch out
bill / check
amount to pay (UK / US)
service charge
fee added for service
The one rule