Ordering Food: Restaurant English Phrases You Need to Know
Ordering Food: Restaurant English Phrases You Need to Know.
Being a foreigner in the U.S. can feel challenging, especially when you don’t have a solid grasp of English yet. Simple tasks like ordering food at a restaurant can turn into stressful situations. But don’t worry! In this post, we will go through useful phrases to help you feel confident when you’re a customer in a restaurant. You’ll also learn a few “Dos and Don’ts” to make sure your dining experience is smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re ordering breakfast at a diner or dinner at a fancy restaurant, knowing these phrases will improve your interaction and build your confidence.
Useful Phrases to Use at a Restaurant
When dining out, these common phrases will help you communicate effectively with the waitstaff.
“I’d like to order…”
Use this phrase when you’re ready to tell the waiter what you want.
Example:
“I’d like to order the chicken salad, please.”“Can I get the check, please?”
This phrase is essential when you’re done with your meal and want to pay.
Example:
“Can I get the check, please?”“Can I have this to go?”
If you didn’t finish your meal and want to take the leftovers, this is a common way to ask for it.
Example:
“Can I have this to go?”“What do you recommend?”
This question is great if you’re unsure of what to order and want the waiter’s advice.
Example:
“I’m not sure what to get. What do you recommend?”“Is this dish spicy?”
If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, this is an important question to ask.
Example:
“Is the curry spicy?”
Dos and Don’ts
While you’re improving your English skills, keep these tips in mind to avoid misunderstandings.
-
Do:
Speak clearly and politely. Even if you’re unsure about your pronunciation, try your best to articulate each word.
Example:
“Excuse me, I have a question about the menu.”
Politeness goes a long way in American culture. -
Don’t:
Say “Can I have” instead of “I want.” The phrase “I want” can sound demanding or rude in English, while “Can I have” is more polite and professional.
Example:
Don’t say: “I want the steak.”
Say: “Can I have the steak, please?”
Common False Friends
There are words that look similar in both English and Spanish but have completely different meanings. Be careful with these:
“Dessert” vs. “Desert”
- In English, “dessert” refers to a sweet dish served after a meal, while “desert” is a dry, barren place like a desert.
- Example:
Incorrect: “I’ll have the desert.”
Correct: “I’ll have the dessert.”
“Assist” vs. “Asistir”
- In English, “assist” means to help someone, while in Spanish, “asistir” means to attend.
- Example:
Incorrect: “Can someone asistir me with the menu?” (meaning help).
Correct: “Can someone assist me with the menu?”
Use “assist” when you mean help, not attend.
“Eventually” vs. “Eventualmente”
- In English, “eventually” means something will happen at some point in the future, while in Spanish, “eventualmente” means possibly or by chance.
- Example:
Incorrect: “Eventualmente, I will have dessert” (meaning possibly).
Correct: “Eventually, I will have dessert.” (meaning later, not possibly).
Pronunciation Tips
English pronunciation can be tricky, especially when you’re nervous or unfamiliar with the language. Here are some key tips to help you:
-
“Check” – The final “k” sound is strong and clear.
Example:
“Can I get the check, please?” -
“Menu” – Stress the first syllable: MEN-u.
Example:
“Can you show me the menu?” -
“Waiter” – Pronounce it as “WAY-ter,” with emphasis on the first syllable.
Example:
“Excuse me, waiter.”
Ordering food as a foreigner can feel intimidating at first, but with these phrases, tips, and pronunciation advice, you’ll be more confident and comfortable in any restaurant setting. The key is to practice and stay patient with yourself—language learning is a journey, not a race. And if you’re looking to improve your English skills even more, check our Elite Language Academy’s programs. We offer tailored courses designed for immigrants who want to excel in their new life in the U.S.
