Ordering food is one of the first real situations where you need English when you travel — and one of the easiest to practise. The conversation almost always follows the same steps: getting a table, ordering drinks, ordering food, a small problem or request, and paying.
Below is a natural restaurant dialogue, the most useful phrases for customers and waiters, the mistakes learners make most, and two quick games. Then practise with a partner: one of you is the waiter, the other is the customer.
You'll get conversation starters for this topic.
Sample dialogue
💡 Tip: read the dialogue out loud twice — once as each person.
Useful phrases
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| A table for two, please. | Asking for a table (change the number). |
| Could I see the menu, please? | Ask for the menu politely. |
| What do you recommend? | Ask the waiter's opinion. |
| I'll have the … | The most natural way to order. |
| Does this have … in it? | Ask about ingredients or allergies. |
| Could I have it without …? | Ask for a change to a dish. |
| Excuse me, I think there's a mistake. | Complain politely. |
| Could we have the bill/check, please? | Bill (UK) = check (US). |
| Can I pay by card? | Ask how to pay. |
| Keep the change. | Leave the rest of the money as a tip. |
Common mistakes
✗ I want a coffee.
✓ Could I have a coffee, please?
‘I want’ sounds rude when ordering. Use ‘Could I have…’ or ‘I'll have…’.
✗ Give me the bill.
✓ Could we have the bill, please?
A direct order sounds impolite; make it a question with ‘please’.
✗ Can I take the chicken?
✓ Can I have / I'll have the chicken.
In a restaurant you ‘have’ a dish; ‘take’ is used for takeaway.
✗ The food was very delicious.
✓ The food was absolutely delicious.
‘Delicious’ is already strong — use ‘absolutely’, not ‘very’.
✗ I'm allergic of nuts.
✓ I'm allergic to nuts.
The preposition is ‘to’.
Games: test yourself
Conversation starters
Use these when you chat with your partner:
- Waiter: Good evening! Table for how many?
- Waiter: Are you ready to order?
- Customer: Excuse me, I think this isn't what I ordered.
- Swap roles: now you're the waiter!
Frequently asked questions
How do you politely order food in English?
Use “I'll have…, please” or “Could I have…, please?”. Avoid “I want…”, which can sound rude to native speakers.
What's the difference between bill and check?
They mean the same thing. British English says “the bill”; American English says “the check”.
How do I ask about allergies in English?
Say “I'm allergic to …” and ask “Does this dish have … in it?” or “Could you check with the kitchen, please?”.