Patina · Speaking

Ordering at a Restaurant

what they say  ·  what you say  ·  how polite to be

The server speaks first, and you answer. Start very polite. As the meal goes on you can relax, and if you are not sure, the most polite words are never wrong.

★ the whole meal  ·  ★★ four ways to ask  ·  ★★ not on the menu  ·  ★★★ say it four ways

Download the PDF PDF · 5 pages

For the teacher · In class

On Zoom: present page 1 and read the left column as the server, and let the class answer in the chat. Then send them to breakout rooms in pairs to run the whole meal and swap roles. Ask for number 1, then number 3, on the same dish.

Unit 15 teacher's key (PDF)

★ The whole meal, in order

The server speaks first. You answer. Tap any line to hear it.

  1. You sit down
    The server says
    You say
  2. Your main course1 · Most polite
    The server says
    You say
  3. Drinks2 · Polite
    The server says
    You say
  4. Sides3 · Friendly
    The server says
    You say
  5. Anything else3 · Friendly
    The server says
    You say
  6. At the end2 · Polite
    You start
    You say

★★ Four ways to ask

Four ways to ask. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 say the same thing. Number 4 is a question.

  • 1Most politeYour first words to a stranger.
  • 2PoliteYou have started talking.
  • 3FriendlyYou know each other now.
  • ?QuestionYou do NOT see it on the menu.

Not sure? Use number 1. It is never wrong.

Politeness goes down as the meal goes on. But a new request goes back up to number 1.

Number 2 has a short way, and it is what you will hear. Would becomes one letter: ’d.

"I want the chicken" is not wrong. But number 1 and number 2 sound better in a restaurant.

★★ When it is not on the menu

You want something. You do not see it on the menu. Ask this.

  • You CAN see it. Please bring me that.
  • You CANNOT see it. Is there any here?
  1. You
  2. Server
  3. You

Ask if they have it. Then order it.

★★★ Say it four ways

Ask for the soup four ways. Look at the number. Then write it.

  1. 1Most polite
  2. 2Polite
  3. 3Friendly
  4. ?Question