Restaurant vocabulary in English: 12 useful words and phrases

Ordering in a restaurant needs only a small set of words: the menu, the table, the starter, the bill. Here they are, with examples and the polite phrases that make them sound natural.

Restaurant vocabulary: the menu, the table and the bill

• the menuthe list of dishes and drinks you choose from
• a table for twoa table for two people; for four, say “a table for four”
• the waiterthe person who takes your order and brings the food; “server” is a common gender-neutral word too
• a startera small dish before the main course (American English: “an appetizer”)
• the main coursethe main dish of the meal
• a side dishan extra dish served with the main one, for example a salad
• for dessertas the sweet dish at the end: “I’ll have the cake for dessert.”
• today’s speciala dish offered only that day, not on the regular menu
• the billthe amount you pay at the end (American English: “the check”)
• a tipextra money for good service, a way of saying thank you
• service includedthe service charge is already in the total, so check the bill before adding more
• vegetariancontains no meat or fish; ask “Is this vegetarian?”

“I want” sounds too direct in a restaurant. Say “I’d like…” or “Could I have…?” instead — they are polite and sound natural.

Phrases that sound natural

• Could we see the menu, please? — a polite way to ask for the menu
• What do you recommend? — asking the waiter for advice
• I’m allergic to nuts. — say it before you order, not after the food arrives
• Keep the change. — say it when you pay and don’t need the small change back

For asking for the bill and paying, read Can we get our check, please?. Names of dishes and drinks are in food and drink vocabulary.

Check yourself

Want to order with confidence instead of reaching for a phrasebook? Book a free trial lesson at Slay School.