How to Ask About the Menu in English

When you enter a restaurant in an English-speaking country, one of the first interactions you will likely have is asking about the menu. Whether you are a beginner in English or simply want to feel more confident, learning the right words and phrases will make dining out much smoother. In this guide, we’ll cover useful vocabulary, polite expressions, common questions, and practical tips so you can easily ask about the menu in English.

Why Learning Menu Phrases Is Important

Dining in a restaurant is not just about food—it’s also about communication. If you cannot ask for the menu or understand what is being offered, you might feel nervous or miss out on a great meal. Knowing how to ask about the menu helps you:

• Order confidently.

• Avoid misunderstandings.

• Learn about daily specials or recommended dishes.

• Ask about dietary needs, allergies, or preferences.

• Enjoy the social experience of dining out.

Basic Vocabulary for Menus

Before asking about the menu, it helps to know some key English words:

• Menu – the list of dishes available.

• Specials – dishes that are not always on the menu, often recommended by the chef.

• Starter / Appetizer – small dishes served before the main course.

• Main course / Entrée – the central dish of the meal.

• Dessert – sweet dishes at the end of the meal.

• Beverages / Drinks – liquids like water, soda, wine, or coffee.

• Set menu / Combo meal – a meal package that includes multiple courses or items.

Polite Ways to Ask for the Menu

When you enter a restaurant and sit down, the first step is asking for the menu. Here are some polite phrases:

• “Could I see the menu, please?”

• “May I have a menu?”

• “Do you have an English menu?” (useful if you are abroad and need one in English)

• “Can I look at the drinks menu, please?”

• “Is there a special menu today?”

Notice the use of please—it makes your request sound polite and friendly.

Asking About Specific Items on the Menu

Sometimes you may see unfamiliar dishes. Here’s how to ask about them:

• “What is this dish?”

• “Can you tell me more about the chicken curry?”

• “Does this come with rice or bread?”

• “Is this spicy?”

• “What’s the most popular dish here?”

These questions not only help you understand the food but also make conversation with the server smoother.

How to Ask About Recommendations

If you are unsure what to order, you can ask for suggestions:

• “What do you recommend?”

• “What’s the chef’s special today?”

• “What’s your most popular dish?”

• “If you were to choose, what would you suggest?”

Servers are usually happy to recommend something, especially if the restaurant is known for a signature dish.

Asking About Ingredients and Allergies

If you have dietary restrictions, it is important to ask about ingredients:

• “Does this contain nuts?”

• “I’m allergic to shellfish. Is this safe for me?”

• “Is this dish vegetarian?”

• “Do you have any vegan options?”

• “Is this gluten-free?”

Being clear and polite ensures that the restaurant can help meet your needs.

Asking About Portion Sizes

Sometimes portions can be very large or very small. Here’s how to ask:

• “How big is this dish?”

• “Is this enough for one person?”

• “Would this be good for sharing?”

• “Is it possible to get a smaller portion?”

This way, you won’t order too much or too little.

Asking About Prices

If the menu does not show prices clearly, you can ask:

• “How much is this?”

• “What’s the price of the steak?”

• “Is the service charge included?”

• “Do you accept credit cards?”

Money questions are common and perfectly fine to ask politely.

Useful Dialogues for Practice

Dialogue 1: Asking for the Menu

Customer: Excuse me, could I see the menu, please?
Server: Of course. Here you go.

Dialogue 2: Asking About a Dish

Customer: What’s in the seafood pasta?
Server: It has shrimp, mussels, clams, and tomato sauce.

Dialogue 3: Asking for Recommendations

Customer: What do you recommend?
Server: The grilled salmon is very popular.

Dialogue 4: Asking About Allergies

Customer: Does this dish contain peanuts?
Server: No, it doesn’t. It’s safe for you.

Cultural Tips When Asking About the Menu

1. Use polite language. Always include “please” and “thank you.”

2. Make eye contact and smile. It helps you sound more friendly.

3. Listen carefully. Servers may speak quickly, so don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat.

4. Don’t be shy. Asking questions shows interest and helps you get the meal you want.

5. Learn local food names. Even in English-speaking countries, some dishes have unique names.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Saying only “Menu!” without using polite words.

• Forgetting to use “please” or “may I.”

• Not asking about ingredients if you have allergies.

• Confusing “entrée” (in American English = main dish, but in French/UK English = starter).

Quick Survival Phrases

• “Could I have the menu, please?”

• “What’s today’s special?”

• “What do you recommend?”

• “Does this dish contain ___?”

• “Is this vegetarian/vegan?”

• “Can I have the drinks menu, please?”

Memorizing these will give you confidence in any restaurant.

Practice Exercise

Imagine you are in an English-speaking restaurant. Practice asking:

1. For the menu.

2. About one dish you don’t understand.

3. Whether a dish is spicy.

4. For the server’s recommendation.

5. If the dish is vegetarian.

By practicing aloud, you will sound more natural and ready for real-life situations.

Conclusion

Asking about the menu in English is an essential skill for travelers, expats, and English learners. With just a few polite phrases, you can easily get the information you need, discover new foods, and enjoy your dining experience with confidence. Remember to always be polite, listen carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The more you practice, the easier it will become.

Next time you visit a restaurant, try these phrases and enjoy your meal stress-free!

How do I politely ask for the menu?

Use a soft request with “please” to sound friendly and clear. Simple lines work best:

• “Could I see the menu, please?”
• “May I have a menu, please?”
• “Could we get two menus, please?”

If you’re waiting to be seated, you can add context: “Hi, table for two, please. Could we see the menu?”

How can I ask if there’s an English menu?

When traveling, many restaurants keep English versions behind the counter. Try:

• “Do you have a menu in English?”
• “Is there an English version of the menu?”
• “Could I have the English menu, please?”

If not, ask for help: “Could you recommend something mild/vegetarian/meat-free from this menu?”

What should I say to learn about today’s specials?

Specials are daily or seasonal dishes. Ask directly and show interest:

• “What are today’s specials?”
• “Do you have any seasonal dishes or promotions?”
• “Is there a set lunch special?”

Follow up with details: “What comes with the grilled fish special?” or “Is the soup included?”

How do I ask for recommendations if I’m undecided?

Servers love to guide you when you share preferences. Give a hint and ask:

• “What do you recommend for someone who likes mild flavors?”
• “What’s your most popular dish?”
• “If you were eating here, what would you choose?”

Short dialogue: Customer: “What do you recommend?” Server: “Our roast chicken is a favorite and not too spicy.”

How can I ask what a dish is or what’s in it?

Clarify unknown names without feeling shy. Say:

• “What is ‘arroz a la marinera’?”
• “Could you tell me what’s in the shepherd’s pie?”
• “How is the eggplant prepared?”

Add a preference: “I prefer grilled, not fried. Would this suit me?”

How do I check ingredients for allergies or dietary needs?

Be clear and specific. State the allergy first, then ask:

• “I’m allergic to peanuts. Does this dish contain any?”
• “I can’t eat shellfish. Is the broth seafood-based?”
• “Could you confirm if this is cooked with butter or dairy?”

If needed, request changes: “Could you make it without nuts?” Always confirm: “So, this will be nut-free, right?”

How do I ask about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other options?

Use direct but polite questions:

• “Do you have vegetarian (or vegan) options?”
• “Which dishes are gluten-free?”
• “Can this be made dairy-free?”

Ask for symbols: “Are dietary symbols marked on the menu?” Follow up: “Which mains are naturally vegan without substitutions?”

How can I ask about spiciness levels and heat?

Spice levels vary by cuisine. Clarify intensity and flexibility:

• “Is this spicy?” / “How spicy is it on a scale of 1 to 5?”
• “Can you make it mild/medium?”
• “Is the heat from chili oil or fresh chilies?”

Tip: If you’re sensitive, add: “I prefer very mild, please.”

How do I ask about portion sizes or sharing?

Prevent over-ordering by checking size and sharing suitability:

• “Is this enough for one person?”
• “Would two people share this comfortably?”
• “Are the sides included or separate?”

For tasting: “Could we start with one to share and add more if needed?”

How can I request substitutions or remove ingredients?

Many restaurants can adjust dishes, especially for allergies or preferences:

• “Could I have the salad without cheese?”
• “Is it possible to substitute fries for a side salad?”
• “Could the dressing be on the side?”

Be flexible: “If not, what would you recommend that’s similar?”

How do I ask about sides, sauces, and dressings?

Clarify extras to avoid surprises:

• “What sides come with the steak?”
• “Which sauces are available?”
• “Could I have the sauce on the side?”

Example: Customer: “Does the chicken come with rice or potatoes?” Server: “Mashed potatoes and vegetables.”

How do I ask about set menus, combos, and lunch deals?

Bundle meals can save money and time. Ask:

• “Do you have a set menu or combo?”
• “What’s included in the lunch special?”
• “Can I swap the dessert for coffee?”

Confirm limits: “Is the drink refillable in the combo?”

What can I say if prices aren’t clear or I’m on a budget?

Money questions are normal. Be straightforward:

• “How much is the grilled salmon?”
• “Are there any extra charges for the sides?”
• “Could you recommend something around ten dollars?”

For fixed budgets: “I’m looking for something under fifteen dollars. What would you suggest?”

How do I ask about preparation time and waiting time?

Time matters if you have plans. Ask before ordering:

• “How long does the steak usually take?”
• “What’s the quickest main course?”
• “Is there a wait for the oven-baked dishes?”

If you’re in a hurry: “I have about 30 minutes—what can come out fast?”

What if there’s a QR code or digital menu?

Many places use QR menus now. If you need help:

• “Could you share the Wi-Fi or a paper menu?”
• “My phone battery is low—may I see a printed menu?”
• “Could you show me where the specials are on the QR menu?”

Confirm updates: “Is the online menu current?”

How do I order when I can’t pronounce a dish name?

Pointing politely or describing works fine:

• “I’d like this one, please—number 12, the beef noodles.”
• “Could I have the third item in the pasta section?”
• “How do you pronounce this? Thank you! I’ll have that.”

Servers appreciate the effort; asking for pronunciation is perfectly acceptable.

How do I ask for the kids’ menu or smaller portions?

Many restaurants offer lighter sizes:

• “Do you have a children’s menu?”
• “Is there a small portion of the pasta?”
• “Could I order the lunch-size serving at dinner?”

For sharing: “Could you bring an extra plate for sharing, please?”

How do I ask about water, refills, and bread service?

Policies vary by country. Clarify what’s complimentary:

• “Is tap water available?” / “Bottled or tap?”
• “Are soft drink refills free?”
• “Is the bread basket complimentary?”

Follow up: “Could we have more water when you have a moment?”

How do I ask about tipping, service charge, and payment methods?

Charges and payment rules differ widely. Ask before the bill arrives:

• “Is service included, or should I add a tip?”
• “Do you accept credit cards or contactless payments?”
• “Can we split the bill?” / “Separate checks, please.”

If unsure: “What’s customary for tipping here?”

What should I say if the restaurant is out of an item?

Handle stock-outs smoothly and pivot to alternatives:

• “No problem—what would you recommend instead?”
• “Is there a similar dish that’s not spicy?”
• “Could I switch to the roast chicken, please?”

Keep one backup choice ready to save time.

How can I politely ask for clarification or repetition?

In busy dining rooms, it’s normal to miss details. Ask clearly:

• “Sorry, could you say that again, please?”
• “Do you mean the sauce contains dairy?”
• “Just to confirm, the set includes soup and dessert, right?”

Repeating key points avoids mistakes and returns.

Can I preview or taste before ordering?

For wine, sauces, or spice, a small taste may be possible. Ask gently:

• “May I taste the house wine?”
• “Could I try a little of the sauce to check the spice level?”

Not all venues allow tastings, so accept a polite “sorry” and ask for the mildest option.

What phrases help me close the decision and order confidently?

Once you’ve asked about the menu, order with a clear structure:

• “I’ll start with the tomato soup, then the grilled salmon. Could I have the dressing on the side?”
• “For me, the veggie curry—mild, please. Could I substitute rice for naan?”
• “We’ll share the mixed salad first, then two medium pizzas.”

Finish with a check: “That’s all for now, thank you.”

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