Restaurant Vocabulary

The person who welcomes guests at the entrance of a restaurant and assigns tables

The staff member who takes orders, serves food and drinks, and answers questions

A seating area with benches and a table, usually along a wall

A bar-like seating area, often in cafés or fast-food restaurants

An arrangement made in advance to secure a table

A chair designed for small children to sit at the table safely

Tables set outside for dining in open-air areas

A small dish served before the main course

Food sensitivities a customer may have, e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten

Restrictions in diet, e.g., vegetarian, vegan, low-sodium

Cloth or paper used to wipe hands and mouth while eating

Additional flavorings, e.g., ketchup, mustard, soy sauce

Extra money given to staff for good service

Paying using a card, phone, or smartwatch without physical contact

A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes

Ordering individual dishes from the menu rather than a set meal

The mood, feeling, or environment of the restaurant