Foundation · Everyday Life

Ordering food

Your goal: order a meal, ask about ingredients, and request the bill at a restaurant or cafe. Simple, polite language for dining out.

1

Survival Phrases

Getting a table

  • A table for two, please.
  • Do you have a table outside?

Ordering

  • I'd like the burger, please.
  • Can I have a glass of water?
  • What do you recommend?

Asking about food

  • Does this have nuts?
  • I'm allergic to seafood.
  • Is this vegetarian?

The bill

  • The bill, please.
  • Can we pay separately?
  • Is service included?
2

Model Dialogue

Waiter: Hello! Are you ready to order?

Customer: Yes, I'd like the grilled chicken with salad, please.

Waiter: Anything to drink?

Customer: A sparkling water, please. No ice.

Waiter: Certainly. Anything else?

Customer: No, thank you. (Later) Excuse me, could I have the bill, please?

Waiter: Of course. Here you are.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationPolite (Waiter)Casual (Fast Food)
OrderingI'll have the pasta, please.Can I get a burger?
PayingCould we have the bill?Check, please!
4

Typical Mistakes

  • I want... → I'd like... / Can I have...
  • Give me the bill. → The bill, please. / Could I have the bill?
5

Culture Note

  • Tipping varies by country. In the US, it's expected; in many parts of Europe, it's optional or a small amount.
  • Tap water is often free in many English-speaking countries.
6

Practical Task

  1. Pick a dish. Choose your favorite meal and practice ordering it in English.
  2. Ask a question. Practice asking if a dish has a certain ingredient (e.g., "Does this have onions?").

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐request a table?
  • ☐order a main course and a drink?
  • ☐ask for the bill politely?