Restaurant Vocabulary

Eating out at restaurants involves specific vocabulary and phrases. This lesson covers common terms and expressions used in restaurants, from making reservations to paying the bill.

Making Reservations

Common Phrases

• Example: "I would like to make a reservation for two."
• Example: "Do you have any available tables for tonight?"

At the Restaurant

Seating

• Host/Hostess: The person who greets and seats you.
• Table: Where you sit and eat.
• Booth: A seating area with benches, usually against a wall.

Ordering Food

• Menu: The list of food and drinks available.
• Waiter/Waitress: The person who takes your order.
• Specials: Dishes that are available for a limited time.
• Appetizer/Starter: Small dish before the main meal.
  • Example: "Can I start with the salad?"
• Main Course/Entrée: The primary dish of the meal.
  • Example: "I'll have the steak for my entrée."
• Dessert: Sweet dish after the main meal.
  • Example: "What do you have for dessert?"

Asking Questions

• Example: "What do you recommend?"
• Example: "Are there any vegetarian options?"

Special Requests

• Example: "Can I have this without onions?"
• Example: "Could you bring some extra napkins?"

Paying the Bill

Common Phrases

• Check/Bill: The statement of what you owe.
  • Example: "Can I have the check, please?"
• Tip/Gratuity: Extra money given for good service.
  • Example: "Leave a 20% tip for the waiter."
• Split the Bill: To divide the cost among those dining.
  • Example: "Can we split the bill?"

Conclusion

Familiarity with restaurant vocabulary will enhance your dining experience, making it easier to order food, make special requests, and understand common practices in restaurants.