Ordering at a restaurant in English: what to say
When you order at a sit-down restaurant in the US, a server looks after your table. Here is what the server says and what to say back, in simple English: a table for two, drinks, how to say you need more time, how to order politely, a side salad, how you want your steak cooked, a check on your meal, dessert and the check.
There is a fast food and coffee shop part: a combo, a drink size, oat milk, no onions, for here or to go, a name for the order, and what to say when your order is wrong. The last part is for problems and paying: how to say your food is cold, how to tell the server about a food allergy, separate checks, a tip, and "keep the change". Listen to each line, then practice with Maya in the game.
Useful phrases
Table for two, please.
Say how many people are with you when the server meets you at the door.
Could we sit by the window?
A polite question if you want a special table.
Just water for me, please. And a lemonade for my friend.
Say what each person wants to drink. Water is usually free.
We need a few more minutes, please.
Use it when you are not ready to order. The server comes back later.
I'm ready. I'll have the steak, please.
"I'll have ..." is the normal polite way to order.
What do you recommend?
Ask the server what is good. It is a normal question.
A salad, please. Dressing on the side.
Many meals come with a side. "On the side" means in a separate small cup or plate.
Medium, please.
Say how you want a steak cooked: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well or well done.
Everything is great, thank you. We're fine for now.
Answer when the server checks on you. Say if you need anything.
Could we have some more water, please?
Ask for something extra. "Could we have ..." is polite.
The apple pie sounds good. We'll share one.
Two people can share a dessert. Say yes and which one.
Could we have the check, please?
Ask for the bill when you are done. In the US the check is the bill.
OK, thanks. I'll pay by card.
Say how you will pay. Paying by card or with cash both work.
Can I get a cheeseburger, please?
At a counter, "Can I get ...?" is the normal way to order. You order and pay first.
Yes, please. Make it a combo.
A combo is a main dish with fries and a drink for one price.
A medium iced coffee, please. With oat milk.
Say the size first (small, medium or large), then the drink, then what to change.
No onions, please. And extra cheese.
"No ..." takes something off. "Extra ..." means more of it.
For here, please.
"For here" means you eat in. Say "To go, please" to take it with you.
That's everything, thanks. My name is Alex.
The cashier asks "Is that everything?" and your name for the cup or bag.
Excuse me, this isn't what I ordered. I asked for a cheeseburger.
Be polite, say what you got and what you ordered. The server will fix it.
That's fine. Thank you for fixing it.
Stay friendly when they say sorry. It makes things go faster.
Sorry to say this, but my pasta is cold.
A calm, polite way to tell the server about a problem with your food.
Could you heat it up, please?
Ask for a fix. You can also say "Could I have a new one?"
I'm allergic to nuts. Does this dish contain nuts?
Say your allergy clearly. Ask "Does this contain ...?" before you order.
It's perfect now. Thank you.
Thank the server when the problem is fixed.
A box would be great. I'll take the rest home.
A to-go box holds the food you did not finish.
Separate checks, please.
Say this if each person pays for their own food. Or say "Together, please."
I see. I will add a tip.
Say you understand and add a tip if you like. A tip is usually not on the check.
Keep the change, please.
The server keeps the money you do not need back. It works as a tip.
Level 1 (A2): Order at a restaurant
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hi, welcome! How many people are in your party?”
Good answer: “Table for two, please.”
Why: A server asks how many people are with you. Say the number: "Table for two, please."
Avoid: “Two.” (too short) · “Hmm. Two or three?” (too vague)
“Right this way. Here are your menus. Can I start you with something to drink?”
Good answer: “Just water for me, please. And a lemonade for my friend.”
Why: Drinks come first in the US. Water is free. Say what each person wants.
Avoid: “Water. And please bring the food fast.” (too rude) · “Do you have Wi-Fi here? What's the password?” (off topic)
“Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”
Good answer: “I'm ready. I'll have the steak, please.”
Why: Say if you are ready. "I'll have ..." is a polite way to order. If you need time, say "We need a few more minutes."
Avoid: “Maybe the steak, or maybe the chicken. Hmm.” (too vague) · “Steak.” (too short)
“Our dinners come with a side. Would you like fries or a salad?”
Good answer: “A salad, please. Dressing on the side.”
Why: Many meals come with a side. "Dressing on the side" means the sauce comes in a small cup, not on the salad.
Avoid: “Salad? That's boring. I want fries and more fries.” (too rude) · “Whatever comes with it. I don't really mind.” (too vague)
“How would you like your steak cooked? Rare, medium or well done?”
Good answer: “Medium, please.”
Why: Rare is red inside, medium is pink, well done is brown all the way. Pick one word.
Avoid: “Cooked, but not burned. You decide.” (too vague) · “Hot, please.” (too short)
“How is everything so far? Can I get you anything else?”
Good answer: “Everything is great, thank you. We're fine for now.”
Why: Servers check on you in the middle of the meal. Say how it is, then say if you need anything.
Avoid: “The table is small, and it's very loud here.” (too negative) · “Fine.” (too short)
“How about some dessert? We have apple pie and ice cream.”
Good answer: “The apple pie sounds good. We'll share one.”
Why: You can say yes or no. "We'll share one" means two people eat one dessert.
Avoid: “Dessert? You just want me to spend more money.” (too negative) · “What time does the restaurant close?” (off topic)
“Here's your check. There's no rush. I'll come back whenever you're ready.”
Good answer: “OK, thanks. I'll pay by card.”
Why: In the US the server brings the check to your table. Put your card in the little folder, and she takes it.
Avoid: “Pay now? I'm not done yet. I wanted more coffee first.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. Just leave it there.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Fast food and coffee shops
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hi, welcome! What can I get started for you today?”
Good answer: “Hi. Can I get a cheeseburger, please?”
Why: At a counter you order first and pay right away. "Can I get ...?" is a normal, polite way to order.
Avoid: “Um, I'm not sure. Something with meat, I think.” (too vague) · “A burger. And don't take too long, OK?” (too rude)
“Would you like to make that a combo? It comes with fries and a drink.”
Good answer: “Yes, please. Make it a combo.”
Why: A combo (or a meal) is a main dish with fries and a drink, and it costs less than buying each one alone.
Avoid: “No, a combo is too expensive. Just the burger.” (too negative) · “A combo? I don't know. What is that?” (too vague)
“What size drink would you like? Small, medium or large?”
Good answer: “A medium iced coffee, please. With oat milk.”
Why: Sizes are small, medium and large. You can ask for oat milk, almond milk or no sugar. Say it after the drink.
Avoid: “Medium.” (too short) · “Large. Why is everything so small here?” (too rude)
“Do you want anything different on your burger?”
Good answer: “No onions, please. And extra cheese.”
Why: To customize your food, say "No ..." for what you do not want and "extra ..." for more of something.
Avoid: “Whatever is normal. I don't mind.” (too vague) · “Is there a bank near here?” (off topic)
“Is that for here or to go?”
Good answer: “For here, please.”
Why: "For here" means you eat at the restaurant. "To go" means you take your food with you.
Avoid: “Here, or maybe to go. Both are fine.” (too vague) · “What difference does it make? Just give me the food.” (too rude)
“Is that everything? And can I get a name for the order?”
Good answer: “That's everything, thanks. My name is Alex.”
Why: Fast food places call your name when the food is ready. "Is that everything?" is the last question before you pay.
Avoid: “Why do you need my name? That's private.” (too negative) · “Yep. Just call out the number or something.” (too casual)
“Here's your order. One chicken sandwich, nice and hot.”
Good answer: “Excuse me, this isn't what I ordered. I asked for a cheeseburger.”
Why: If your order is wrong, be polite. Say "Excuse me," what you got, and what you ordered.
Avoid: “This is wrong! Can't you read the order?” (too rude) · “Oh, that's fine. I'll just eat the chicken sandwich.” (gives the wrong idea)
“I'm so sorry about that. I'll make you a new cheeseburger right now. It will take about five minutes.”
Good answer: “That's fine. Thank you for fixing it.”
Why: A good server says sorry and fixes it fast. You can say "That's fine" and "Thank you" to keep it friendly.
Avoid: “Five minutes? That's too long. I want my money back.” (too rude) · “OK. Just hurry up, I'm hungry.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Fix a problem and pay
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Is everything all right? You have not eaten much of your pasta.”
Good answer: “Sorry to say this, but my pasta is cold.”
Why: If something is wrong, say it in a calm, polite way. "Sorry to say this, but ..." is a soft start.
Avoid: “This pasta is cold! How can you serve food like this?” (too rude) · “Hmm, it's not so good.” (too vague)
“I'm so sorry. I'll make you a new plate. Do you have any food allergies?”
Good answer: “Yes, I'm allergic to nuts. Please keep them out of my food.”
Why: Say clearly what you are allergic to: "I'm allergic to nuts." To ask about a dish, say "Does this contain nuts?"
Avoid: “Nuts.” (too short) · “Yes, some foods make me sick. I don't know which.” (too vague)
“Here is your new pasta, hot this time. Is it better?”
Good answer: “It's perfect now. Thank you.”
Why: When a problem is fixed, say thank you. It keeps the mood friendly.
Avoid: “Well, it took a long time. I'm still not happy.” (too negative) · “Yeah, it's fine, I guess. Whatever.” (too casual)
“Would you like a box for any food you did not finish?”
Good answer: “A box would be great. I'll take the rest home.”
Why: A to-go box holds the food you did not finish. Many people in the US take leftovers home.
Avoid: “Yes.” (too short) · “Leftovers from this place? No way. Throw them away.” (too rude)
“Are you paying together, or would you like separate checks?”
Good answer: “Separate checks, please.”
Why: Servers ask this before they bring the check. Say "together" or "separate checks".
Avoid: “Either way is fine. Whatever is easier for you.” (too vague) · “Together. Can you also tell me a good hotel nearby?” (off topic)
“Please note, a tip is not included on the check. You can add one if you'd like.”
Good answer: “I see. I will add a tip.”
Why: A tip is extra money for the server. In the US it is usually not on the check, so you add it yourself. For a large group it may be added already, so look first.
Avoid: “Not included? That's a strange rule.” (too rude) · “OK.” (too short)
“Here is your change: seven dollars and fifty cents.”
Good answer: “Keep the change, please.”
Why: "Keep the change" means the server keeps the money as a tip. A usual tip in the US is 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax: on a $40 bill, $6 to $8.
Avoid: “Is that all? Count it again. I think it's wrong.” (too rude) · “Thanks. Maybe I should leave a little, I'm not sure.” (too vague)
“Thank you for your patience tonight. I hope you come back soon!”
Good answer: “You fixed everything so fast. We will come back soon.”
Why: End the night on a friendly note. Say what went well, then say you will come back.
Avoid: “Come back? I doubt it. The pasta was cold.” (too negative) · “Yeah, maybe. See you.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you order food at a restaurant in English?
First, tell the server how many people you are ("Table for two, please"). Order drinks first. When the server asks "Are you ready to order?", say "I'll have the chicken sandwich, please." Answer the questions about sides and how you want your food cooked. At the end, ask for the check.
What does "table for two" mean?
It is what you say to the host or server when you arrive. "Table for two" means you want a table for two people. The server may ask "How many in your party?" A party is the group of people with you.
How do you say what you want to eat politely?
Say "I'll have ..." or "I'd like ..., please." For example, "I'll have the steak, please." Do not say only "Give me the steak." It sounds rude.
What do rare, medium and well done mean?
They tell the server how long to cook a steak. Rare is red and soft inside. Medium rare is red-pink, medium is pink, medium well has a little pink, and well done has no pink at all. Most people say "medium".
What does "dressing on the side" mean?
The salad dressing, or sauce, comes in a small cup next to the salad. You put as much as you want on it. You can ask for other sauces "on the side" too.
What if I am not ready to order?
Say "We need a few more minutes, please." The server says OK and comes back later. You can also ask "What do you recommend?"
How do you ask for the check at a restaurant?
Say "Could we have the check, please?" or catch the server's eye and say "Check, please." In the US, the check is the bill. Many servers bring it without being asked, as in this game.
What is the difference between an appetizer and an entree?
An appetizer is a small dish you eat first, like soup or a salad. The entree is the main dish. Dessert comes last.
What does "for here or to go" mean?
It is a question at a fast food place or coffee shop. "For here" means you will eat or drink there. "To go" means you take it with you. Answer with "For here, please" or "To go, please."
What is a combo at a fast food restaurant?
A combo (or a meal) is a main dish, like a burger, with fries and a drink for one price. It is often cheaper than buying each item alone. The cashier asks "Would you like to make that a combo?"
How do you say your coffee order in English?
Say the size, the drink, and then what you want to change: "A medium iced coffee, please. With oat milk." You can also say "no sugar" or "extra shot."
What do you say when your food order is wrong?
Be polite and clear. Say "Excuse me, this isn't what I ordered. I asked for a cheeseburger." The server says sorry and makes the right order. You do not need to be angry.
What do you say when your food is cold?
Stay calm and polite. Say "Sorry to say this, but my pasta is cold. Could you heat it up, please?" The server says sorry and brings a new plate. You do not need to be angry.
How do you tell a restaurant about a food allergy?
Say it clearly before you order and again if the server forgets: "I'm allergic to nuts." Ask "Does this dish contain nuts?" If the server is not sure, ask them to check with the chef.
How do you ask to split the check?
Say "Separate checks, please" if each person pays alone. Say "Together, please" if one person pays. It is best to tell the server before the food comes.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in the US?
A usual tip for table service is 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax. On a $40 bill that is $6 to $8. It is extra money for the server and it is your choice.
What does "keep the change" mean?
When you pay cash and the server brings back change, "Keep the change" means you do not need it. The server keeps it as a tip.
What does gratuity included mean?
A gratuity is a tip. "Gratuity included" means the tip is already on the check, often for a large group. Read the check before you add more.
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases. Menus and customs change from one restaurant to another. If you have a food allergy, tell your server clearly. Official information: FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum cooking temperatures.