Eating-out vocabulary covers the words and phrases used when dining at restaurants, cafés, or other food establishments. It includes how to read menus, order food and drinks, make requests, and handle common situations like paying the bill or giving feedback. This vocabulary is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy meals outside the home and communicate effectively in real-life dining situations.
- Includes: Menu terms, ordering phrases, drink names, dessert words, and common expressions for service.
- Levels: A1 (basic phrases) to B2 (more detailed and polite expressions).
- Why it matters: Restaurants are common places to practice language—knowing the right words makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Common phrases and words used in restaurants, such as ordering food, menu terms, and asking for the bill.
Source Material
Author: Cambridge Dictionary
Document: Cambridge Dictionary: Eating Out
Date Published: n.d.
Common Eating-Out Vocabulary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu | A list of food and drinks available | Can I see the menu, please? | A1 |
| Starter / Appetizer | Small dish before the main course | I'll have the soup as a starter. | A2 |
| Main course / Entree | The principal dish | The steak is excellent for the main course. | A1 |
| Dessert | Sweet food eaten after the main meal | What's for dessert? | A1 |
| Beverage / Drink | Any kind of drink | Are there non-alcoholic beverages? | A2 |
| Reservation | Booking a table in advance | I have a reservation for two. | B1 |
| Waiter / Waitress | Person who serves food and drinks | The waiter will take your order. | A1 |
| Bill / Check | List of what you've to pay | Could we have the bill, please? | A1 |
| To order | To say what you want to eat or drink | I'd like to order the pasta. | A1 |
| Special | A dish featured for that day | What's the special today? | A2 |
Roast chicken, grilled salmon, and vegetable stir-fry are common main courses. Ice cream is a dessert.
Ordering Food and Drink
Key Phrases
| Phrase | Use | Example | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| I'd like... / I'll have... | Ordering food or drink | I'd like the chicken, please. | A1 |
| Could I have...? | Polite request for something | Could I have a glass of water? | A2 |
| What's in the ...? | Asking about ingredients | What's in the seafood pasta? | B1 |
| Do you have ...? | Asking if something is available | Do you have gluten-free options? | B1 |
| Can I see the dessert menu? | Asking to see dessert options | Can I see the dessert menu? | A2 |
| To go / Takeaway | For food/drink to leave | I'd like a coffee to go. | A1 |
Using 'I'd like...' with 'please' is polite and correct for ordering.
Answer: "I'd like a coffee, please."
Polite ways to order include 'I'd like...', 'Could I have...', and 'May I order...'.
Answer: "I'd like...", "Could I have...", and "May I order..." are polite. Avoid "Give me..." or "I want..."
Source Material
Author: BBC Learning English
Document: How to Order Food in English
Date Published: n.d.
Restaurant Situations and Expressions
| Situation | Expression | Example | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asking for a table | Do you have a table for ...? | Do you have a table for four? | A1 |
| Complimenting food | This is delicious / very good | The pasta is delicious! | A2 |
| Making a complaint | Excuse me, but... / I think there's a mistake | Excuse me, but my soup is cold. | B1 |
| Asking for the check | Could we have the bill, please? | Could we have the bill, please? | A1 |
| Paying | Can I pay by card / cash? | Can I pay by credit card? | A1 |
‘Could we have the bill, please?’ is polite and appropriate.
Answer: "Could we have the bill, please?"
Polite expressions include 'Excuse me, but...' and 'I think there's been a mistake.'
Answer: Use polite phrases like "Excuse me, but..." or "I think there's been a mistake."
Sample Menu Items
| Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Soup, salad, bruschetta | Small dishes to begin |
| Main Courses | Steak, salmon, pasta, curry | Also called “entrees” |
| Desserts | Cake, ice cream, pudding | Sweet final course |
| Beverages | Coffee, tea, wine, soda | Includes alcoholic & non-alcoholic |
Common desserts include cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and fruit tart.
Soup and salad are usually starters, but can be main courses if served in larger portions.
Answer: Soup and salad are typically starters, but can also be main courses if served in larger portions.
Source Material
Author: LinguaHouse
Document: Restaurant Vocabulary: Menu Words and Phrases
Date Published: n.d.
Conclusion
Eating-out vocabulary helps you confidently navigate all aspects of dining outside the home—from understanding menus to making reservations, ordering politely, and even handling problems. Mastering these words and phrases makes restaurant experiences enjoyable and stress-free, whether you’re a local or a traveler.
- Includes words for every part of the meal and useful expressions for customers and servers.
- Covers basic to advanced phrases for real-life dining situations.
- Essential for language learners who want to practice in authentic contexts.
'Reservation' means booking a table in advance.
Polite ways include 'Could I have...?', 'Would you mind bringing...?', and 'May I see the menu?'.
You ask for the bill by saying, 'Could we have the bill, please?'