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Have you ever been impatient or in trouble because you couldn't speak well at an overseas restaurant? Although it is a part that is not usually conscious in Japan, the manners and ordering methods at restaurants differ depending on the country or region.
Therefore, this time, I will explain the standard English phrases that can be used from casual restaurants to orthodox high-class restaurants. Please refer to it so that you can enjoy delicious food without stress.
English phrase at the restaurant: From entering the store to taking a seat
First of all, I will check the flow from reservation and entering the store to getting to the seat with example sentences. There are shops that you can enter without making a reservation, but if it is a high-class restaurant, let us know the date and time and the number of people in advance.
Recently, the number of shops where you can make reservations not only by phone but also by email or from a dedicated site has increased, so I will explain how to make a reservation for each situation. At the same time, check how to convey information you want to share in advance, such as allergies and dress codes.
Book: From the phone
If you go to a high-class restaurant without a reservation, you may have to wait an hour or two, or in the worst case, you may not be able to enter. As much as possible, if the date and time and the number of people are fixed, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. Reservation over the phone may be tense and unspeakable until you get used to it. It's a good idea to keep a memo of what you want to convey.
Clerk: Hello, this is an Example restaurant. How may I help you?
Reservation person: Hello. Can I make a reservation?
Clerk: Sure. When would you like to book? / How many people do you wish to book? (Of course. When would you like to make a reservation? How many people would you like to make a reservation?)
Reservation person: For two people at 7 o'clock tomorrow.
You can also say I'd like to make a reservation for two at 7 tomorrow. (I'd like to make a reservation for two people at 7 o'clock tomorrow) at the time of the first greeting.
Book: From the restaurant site or email
If it's really difficult to contact by phone, consider contacting us by email. Information can be conveyed accurately because it is conveyed in sentences. Some restaurants also have a booking form on their site. In the details column, enter your name, contact information, seats, and food preferences.
[Requirements]
Availability of tomorrow's 7 pm reservation[Text]
Dear Example restaurants (To Example restaurants)I am writing this message to make a reservation for a table for two at 7 tomorrow. (I am writing this message to make a reservation for a table for two at 7 tomorrow.)
For more information, please see below . Please refer to.)
Make a reservation: From the reservation site
As in Japan, it is possible to make a reservation as it is from the word-of-mouth site depending on the store in English-speaking countries. Enter information such as the number of people and time according to the form. If you have any prior requests such as allergies or ingredients you want to remove, enter them in the remarks column (details on how to write them will be explained later). In addition to the number of people and time, the English expressions that you should be aware of on the reservation site are as follows.
cuisine _
The types of food offered by the restaurant, such as Chinese and Italian food.
Review Highlights, Recommended Reviews
It is often referred to in reviews from other customers.
BYO (Bring Your Own, you can bring your own)
In the case of a restaurant, it means that you can bring your own alcohol.
Make a reservation: How to communicate your request in advance
If you have any information or questions you would like to ask in advance, please contact us as soon as possible. When the reservation is completed by phone, it will be stated in the marks (remarks column) and requests (request column) in the email or reservation form.
My companion is allergic to milk. (My companion is allergic to milk.)
Some of us smoke, so can we book a smoking table? (Some of us smoke, so can we book a smoking table?)
What's the level of dress? / Is there any dress code for this restaurant ?
When entering the store: If you have made a reservation
If you have made a reservation, give the receptionist information such as your name and reservation time when you arrive at the restaurant. If there is a change in the number of people or time just before, we recommend that you contact the restaurant as soon as you know.
Clerk: Good evening. Do you have a reservation? (Good evening. Do you have a reservation?)
Customer: We have a reservation at 7 o'clock under the name of Ryosuke Suzuki. / I have a reservation at 7 o'clock. I am Ryosuke Suzuki.
When entering the store: If you have not made a reservation
Even if you do not make a reservation, you may be able to enter the store depending on the time of day and the price range of the store. Here are some example sentences that will help you check the situation at the reception.
[If there are vacant seats]
Customer: We haven't made a reservation, but is it okay to enter? / Can I still enter?
Clerk: Hello! Yes, how many? (Hello! How many people are you okay?)
Customer: For two. / Just two. (Two people.)
Clerk: OK. This way, please.
[When there are no vacant seats]
Clerk: We are full at the moment. / We are sorry but we are currently fully booked. (Sorry, but currently full.)
Would you mind waiting? (Can you wait for a while?)Customer: How long do we have to wait?
Clerk: Probably an hour or two. (Probably about 1 to 2 hours.)
Also, if you use it with a large number of people or if the number of people changes later, check in advance whether the store can handle it.
There are two now, but two more will come later. (There are two people, but two more will come later.)
We are nine, so can we all sit at one table? (There are nine people in all, can we all use the same table?)
Request the desired seat
If you would like a seat when you enter the store, let us know in advance. In Japan, customers sometimes move chairs from other seats, but in English-speaking countries, each waiter is in charge of one table, so it may be disliked.
Do you have counter tables? / Can we have counter tables?
If you want other seats, paraphrase the above examples as a table, a table by the window, or a terrace table. In addition, seats on airplanes and trains are seats (s), but seats in restaurants are generally table (s).
Also, if you cannot use it comfortably, such as "the cooler is hot/cold" or "the desk is small" even after you have been seated, ask if you can change the location.
Can I move tables? (Can I move tables?)
Do you have a larger seat available?
Ask when the store will close
Unlike Japan, it is not uncommon for shops to close immediately after dinner time. If you're heading without a reservation, make sure you know how long you can stay when you enter the store.
Customer: Excuse me, are you still open? (Excuse me, are you still open?)
Clerk example 1: Good evening. We are open until 9 pm (Good evening. It's okay until 9 pm.)
Clerk example 2: Sorry. We're closed. / We're closed for business today. (Sorry, today's business is closed.)
Customer: What time is the last order / last call?
Clerk: At 8 pm (8 o'clock)
Customer: What time are you close on weekends?
Clerk: We are open until 8 pm. (Open until 8 o'clock)
English phrase at the restaurant: when ordering
If you can place an order with a clear smile, the atmosphere with the waiter will improve and you will be able to enjoy your meal even more. Below you will find phrases that you can use when ordering. In particular, Can I have ~?, I'd like to ~, and I'll have ~ are iron plate phrases that can be used for ordering. Even if it is difficult to remember the following contents, practice these three phrases so that you can use them naturally.
Order a drink
At overseas restaurants, you may be asked for a drink right after you sit down. Also, unlike Japan, water is charged in most cases, so be careful when ordering.
Clerk: Which drink would you like?
Example 1: What would you like (something) to drink?
Example 2: Can I get you something to drink?
Example 3: Anything to drink?Customer example 1: Three beers, please. (Please give me three beers.)
Customer example 2: Can I have a glass of this wine, please?
Customer example 3: Perrier / Sparkling water, please.
Customer example 4: We haven't decided yet. Could you wait a little longer?
Get the menu
You can usually get the menu as soon as you get to your seat, but if you have a hard time coming, please feel free to ask Can I have a menu? / Could we have a menu, please.
Also, the list of wines and soft drinks may be different from the meal menu. Ask Can we have a wine list, please? Or Do you have a soft drinks / non-alcohol menu?
If you find it difficult to get an image in English, ask Do you have a menu in Japanese / with pictures?
Ask for recommendations
If you're wondering which one to order, why not ask for recommendations? If you ask What do you recommend? (Which one do you recommend?), It will tell you the menu that the shop is focusing on.
On the other hand, some clerk may return "Everything! / All!". Although it is an English-speaking response, it may be confusing for the ordering party.
Again, don't be afraid to say Well, Can you recommend a good fish dish? Or What's your favorite? This is a technique that can also be used when asking for recommended dishes for the first time.
English-speaking restaurants have one waiter per table. Unlike Japan, where you can order from any waiter, the person who receives the order and serves is decided to be "this one". Therefore, if you can create a good atmosphere through the above communication, the dining place will be fun.
Order: Ask by a la carte
Closing the menu means the order is ready, so the waiter will come soon. If you're not sure how to pronounce it, you can point to the menu and ask for this dish.
Clerk: Are you ready to order?
Customer example 1: I'd like to the Caesar salad.
Customer example 2: I'll have the grilled salmon and he'll have the sirloin steak. (Please give me a grilled salmon and he a sirloin steak.)
Customer example 3: We'll both have roasted chicken.
Ask What's your special today? Or What's soup of the day? If you have a menu that changes from day to day. Also, if you want the same menu as the one your companion asked for, say I'll have the same one.
Order: Ask for a course meal
In principle, if you are in a French restaurant or a fine restaurant, you will order a course meal. Say We decided on this set menu. And choose each item from the options. The general flow of course meals is as follows.
・Appetizer / starter
・salad / greens
・soup
・main course/entree
・desserts / sweets
Fish ass may be added before the main meat dish, or side dishes such as mashed potatoes and french fries may be added. Western food tends to be more than in Japan, so be careful about the amount. Also, when ordering wine, it is okay to ask "Which wine suits this main?" When ordering food without first asking.
Have certain foods removed
If the menu you want to eat contains ingredients that you are not good at, you may be able to get rid of them if you consult with us. However, if the menu is for allergies and vegans, the burden on the store will change, so we recommend that you consult in advance.
[Get rid of food you don't like]
Customer: Would you leave out any shrimp for me?
Clerk: Sure. Then, these dishes do not have shrimp and crab. Do you have any allergies?
Customer: Just dislike, thank you. (I just hate it.)
[Tell me that you have allergies] (Preferential consultation is better)
Customer: I have a milk allergy. / I am allergic to milk. Which is not contain milk? (I have a milk allergy. Which menu does not use milk?)
Clerk: This is a milk-free dish.
Customer: Then I'll have that.
[Ask for vegetarian menu] (Preferential consultation is better)
Customer: Do you have a vegetarian menu?
Adjust the volume of meals
It is not uncommon for overseas restaurants to receive more dishes than you can imagine. Check and adjust the amount in advance to avoid waste.
Customer: How big is this?
Clerk: The diameter is about 15 cm.
Customer: Hmm ... Can I have a smaller one? (Hmm ... Can I have one size smaller?)
Also, when you order a meat dish, you will be asked how much it is cooked. The expression of the degree of baking is as follows from the one closest to raw. Let's replace the example sentences and answer.
・Rare
・medium rare
・medium
・ half -way between medium and well done ( medium well)
・well done (weldun)
Clerk: How would you like your steak?
Customer: Well done, please.
Finish the order
When you have finished ordering, say That's all, thank you. (That's all) or We're okay for now. (It's okay for now) and return the menu. The waiter may ask (Would you like to order) anything else?
It is common to return the menu after ordering, but if you add a word, Can I keep this for a bit longer? The phrases for additional orders will be introduced in detail later.
English phrase at the restaurant: during a meal
During meals, there are problems such as something different from the food you ordered and dropping the cutlery. Below are some phrases to avoid or solve problems. There are also etiquette and rules unique to foreign countries, so please remember them as well.
Answer the server that came to see the situation
In a high-class restaurant, the waiter stops by after serving a meal and asks
How's your meal? / Is everything OK? This is a confirmation that the customer is satisfied with the service. If there is no problem, return Everything is great, thank you. / Very delicious.
At English-speaking restaurants, the waiter's salary includes a tip, so we check this. If you feel that you have received good service, give a tip to the waiter at the time of lowering the plate or at the time of checkout.
I received something different from what I ordered
If you receive a dish that is clearly different from your order, don't think it's bad ... and don't hesitate to tell it. If the waiter mistakes for someone else's order, they may be thanked.
Example 1 (simple):
I don't think this is mine. (Not what I asked for.)
Example 2 (more politely):
Excuse me. I wonder this is not what I ask for. (Sorry, it may not be what I asked for.)
If it looks good, though. I'll have it anyway., Answer It looks good, though. I'll have it anyway. It will take time to remake it, so we recommend that you take action according to the situation.
Ask for napkins and plates
If you want to share the dishes you ordered, say Can we have a dish to share? / May we have extra plates? There is no clear English for "dish", so if it is difficult to convey, it is smooth to say "to share".
Paper napkins on the table are not as frequent as in Japan, but they may be available if you ask. It is commonly called (table) napkin in American English and serviette in British English.
May I have some table napkins / serviettes, please?
Order additional
If the waiter comes to see what's going on, it's a chance to make an additional order. Could I add something more? / I would like to order some more. If you want to see the menu again, add Can I have a (drink) menu?
There are also stores in the United States where you can refill soft drinks at no additional charge. If you're the type to be poured by a clerk, ask "Could I have a refill for my coke/juice?".
For desserts and after-dinner drinks, you may be asked "Would you like some drinks or desserts?" At the end of the meal.
The amount of food was more than I expected
If you adjust the amount first but still can't eat it, many stores will allow you to take it home. If you say Could I have a box/container for this?, You will be asked to prepare a container, so pack it yourself. There are also stores that drop it in the kitchen and repack it.
If you're full early on, you can say Can I change my order? However, it may be disliked to cancel a dish once it has been cooked. If you do, add more tips and thanks after meals.
Dropped the cutlery
It is good manners not to pick up cutlery (forks, knives) that you drop at high-priced restaurants. Tell the waiter in charge Excuse me, I dropped my spoon/knife. Can I have another one?
The food I ordered doesn't come
My order hasn't arrived yet. (The food I ordered hasn't arrived yet.)
We're still waiting for our chicken roast.
If the food you ordered doesn't come, it's likely that the waiter has forgotten to tell you or the kitchen is crowded. So, adding Could you check with the kitchen? / Could you check on my order? To the above example would be more polite. If the offer is too late and there is something wrong with the store, you can clearly say I'd like to cancel my order.
I was about to lower the food I hadn't finished eating
In English-speaking countries, it is a good etiquette to quickly lower a plate that you have finished eating. If it's about to be lowered, return I'm still working on it. On the other hand, if you can't eat it anymore and don't take it home, say Could you clear the table, please?
English phrase at the restaurant: Until the meal is over and the checkout is done
When you're done with your meal, check out quickly and vacate your seat for the next customer. Below, we will explain phrases that can be used at the time of accounting and how to tip, which is often used by many people. It's easier to pay with a credit card than to pay in an unfamiliar currency, but in some situations you may not be able to use your card. Please refer to it in case of an unexpected situation.
Ask for accounting
Can I have the check / bill, please.
In English-speaking countries, it is common to pay at your seat, so ask your waiter to bring your receipt. Check is American English and bill is British English, but there is no difference in meaning. In addition, when paying at the cash register or counter, the store will instruct you. If you have a problem, you can ask Where should we pay?
Check the slip
Check the slip sandwiched between the binders, insert the specified amount, and hand it to the waiter again. At this time, make sure that the amount on the slip is correct.
If it's more or less than what you asked for, just point out Excuse me, I don't think the check is right. Tipping may be included in the accounting amount depending on the store, so be careful not to make a definitive point.
If you split the bill with your companion or pay separately, you can have the slip itself separated. Say Can we get separate / sprit checks? And make sure the re-passed slips are properly separated.
Check payment method
When handing over the voucher, the waiter may ask How would you like to pay? If you can say I'll pay in cash., There is no problem, but if you use a credit card, you may not be able to pay depending on the card company and amount.
Customer: Can I pay by credit card?
Clerk example 1: Certainly. (It's okay.)
Clerk example 2: Sorry, we don't accept XXX card payments. (Sorry, we don't accept XXX card payments.)
Clerk example 3: Sorry, the minimum payment by credit card is $ 10. (Sorry, credit card payments start at $ 10.)
Pass the tip casually
Don't give the tip a clear statement, "This is your tip," but casually say "keep the change." Or put it on the table. That will be the waiter's share.
In some stores, the tip fee (service charge/gratuity) is included in the slip. Be sure to check the slip and hand over the price in just proportion. In addition, it is better to avoid paying a large amount of money only with coins, but if you really want to pay with coins, it is better to tell a word.
Get a receipt
Please give me a receipt. / Could I have a receipt?
There is no clear distinction between receipts and receipts abroad. The waiter will give you a receipt once the checkout is complete, but if you don't, add a word as above.
Borrow a restroom during checkout
May I use the restroom? (May I use the restroom?)
Where is the lavatory?
If you want to go to the bathroom while waiting for the checkout, say something like this. From the viewpoint of crime prevention, you cannot leave your luggage overseas, so if you have a companion, say I'm going to go to the bathroom.
Communicate your impressions of the meal
After the checkout, it's best to share your thoughts on the meal with the waiter and other clerk. The compliment can be a little over, so feel free to appeal.
Clerk: Did you enjoy it? (Did you enjoy it? / Was it delicious?)
Customer: It was delicious! Thank you. (Thank you!)
Conclusion
When using an overseas restaurant, remembering a specific phrase will reduce unnecessary stress in communication and allow you to concentrate on the deliciousness of the food. Especially if you have allergies or foods that you don't like, you can share it at the time of booking so that you can enjoy it on the day.
