50 Phrases for Dining Out

A request to book a table at a restaurant.

Asking if there is an available table for two people.

A request to sit at a table close to the window.

Asking about the restaurant’s featured dishes for the day.

A question to ask if there are meals without meat.

Asking for the waiter’s suggestion on what to eat.

Asking if the food is hot or contains strong spices.

Asking about the estimated time to get a table.

A question to ask if the restaurant has tables outside.

Asking if the restaurant has meals without gluten.

A way to indicate you want to order the same dish as someone else.

Asking about the featured soup for that day.

Asking the kitchen to reduce the spice level in your dish.

Informing the waiter that you’re ready to place your order.

Specifying how you want your steak cooked.

Asking for the bill to be split between diners.

Asking if the restaurant has special meals for children.

Asking about the side dishes that are served with the main dish.

Asking to take leftover food home in a container.

Asking if the restaurant has specific clothing requirements.

Letting the waiter know you’re ready for dessert.

Asking to replace one side dish with another.

Asking if gratuity is part of the total bill.

Asking if the restaurant takes card payments.

Asking for additional plates for sharing food.

Asking if a dish has nuts, often for allergy reasons.

Asking about the serving size of the dishes.

Asking if the menu has meals without animal products.

Asking if you can get more drinks at no extra cost.

A polite way to ask for a refill of water.

Asking about unique dishes or discounts available.

Asking if it’s possible to modify your order after placing it.

Asking how much time it will take for your order to be ready.

Requesting the bill to be divided equally among diners.

Asking for a dish to be prepared without certain ingredients.

Asking if there’s an additional fee for service.

Asking whether the water served is from the tap or bottled.

A polite way to compliment the meal and show appreciation.