English lesson | How to order food in a restaurant?

Food vocabulary exercises

1. How to order food in a restaurant?

2. How to discuss dietary preferences or restrictions?

3. How to comment on dishes?

4. How to ask for the bill after finishing your meal?

5. Food and restaurant vocabulary

6. Cultural norms

1. How to order food in a restaurant?

Here are some commonly used questions you might find useful when ordering food in a restaurant.

Could I see the menu, please?
I’d like to order the [dish name], please.
Could you recommend a dish for me?
Can I have a [beverage] with that, please?
Are there any daily specials?
Can I substitute [ingredient] for [another ingredient]?
How big are the portions?
What’s the most popular dish here?
How is the [dish name] prepared?
Can I get a side of [side dish] with that?

2. How to discuss dietary preferences or restrictions?

Below are some phrases that can help you discuss dietary preferences or restrictions with your server.

I’m a vegetarian/vegan.
I have an allergy to [specific food].
Can this dish be made without [ingredient]?
Is there a gluten-free option available?
Does this contain any nuts/dairy/soy?
Can you suggest any vegetarian/vegan options?
What are the ingredients in this dish?
Can I get this dish without any added salt?
Are there any sugar-free desserts available?
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this dish?

3. How to comment on dishes?

When you like or dislike a meal, it's OK to say something about it. Here are some easy phrases to help you tell your friends or server what you think about the food:

This dish is delicious!
The flavours are really well-balanced.
I love the presentation.
This is a bit too spicy for me.
Can I have some more [sauce/condiment], please?
I appreciate the use of fresh ingredients.
The dish is a little too salty for my taste.
Can I get some extra [spice/herb] on the side?
The combination of flavours is really unique.

4. How to ask for the bill after finishing your meal?

When you're ready to leave the restaurant, you'll need to ask for the bill to pay for your meal. Here are some ways to request the bill and ask about the different payment options.

Could we have the bill, please?
Is the service charge included?
Do you accept credit cards?
Can we pay separately?
Do you take contactless payments?
Can I pay with a combination of cash and a card?

5. Food and restaurant vocabulary

appetizer a small dish served before the main course.

entrée the main course of a meal.

dessert a sweet dish served at the end of a meal.

beverage a drink, such as water, soda, tea, or coffee.

menu a list of dishes and drinks offered at a restaurant.

special a dish that is not usually on the menu, often available for a limited time.

a la carte ordering individual dishes from the menu, rather than a set meal.

set menu a pre-selected combination of dishes offered at a fixed price.

table reservation booking a table at a restaurant in advance.

service charge an additional fee added to the bill for the service provided by the staff.

tip a voluntary amount of money given to the staff for their service.

cutlery utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons used for eating.

condiments additional sauces or spices to enhance the flavour of the food, such as ketchup, mustard, or salt.

vegetarian a person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products.

vegan a person who does not eat or use any animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs.

gluten-free a diet that excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

allergy an adverse reaction to a specific food or ingredient.

cooked to order food prepared specifically for each customer, often allowing for customization.

takeaway food ordered and picked up from a restaurant to be eaten elsewhere.

leftovers food that remains uneaten and can be taken home or stored for later consumption.

6. Cultural norms

When dining out in the UK, there are certain cultural norms and etiquette that you need to be aware of. Reservations are recommended, and you should wait to be seated upon arrival. Good table manners are expected, and you should feel free to ask your server for recommendations or clarify menu items. Dietary preferences or restrictions should be communicated politely, and tipping is customary, typically around 10-15%. Splitting the bill is common, but you can request separate checks if needed. Maintain a reasonable noise level during conversation and leave the table tidy when you're finished. By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll enjoy a smooth and pleasant dining experience in the UK.