How to Order Food in English: Beginner’s Guide

Ordering food in English is one of the most practical skills for travelers, students, and anyone living abroad. Whether you are in a restaurant, café, or fast-food chain, knowing the right phrases will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need: from entering a restaurant to paying the bill, with plenty of useful phrases and cultural tips.

1. Entering a Restaurant and Asking for a Table

When you arrive at a restaurant, a staff member (called the host or server) usually greets you. They may ask:

• “How many people?”

• “Table for two?”

Useful Responses:

• “Table for one, please.”

• “We need a table for four.”

• “Do you have a table near the window?”

If the restaurant is busy, they might say:

• “It will be a 15-minute wait.”

You can respond:

• “That’s fine, we can wait.”

• “Is there a waiting list?”

2. Reading the Menu

Once seated, you will receive a menu. In English, menus are divided into sections:

• Appetizers / Starters – small dishes before the main meal

• Main courses / Entrées – the main part of the meal

• Side dishes – extra food like rice, fries, or salad

• Desserts – sweet dishes after the meal

• Beverages / Drinks – water, soda, juice, coffee, tea, or alcohol

Useful Questions to Ask the Server:

• “What do you recommend?”

• “What’s the most popular dish?”

• “Does this come with rice or bread?”

• “Is this dish spicy?”

• “Can I see the vegetarian options?”

3. Ordering Food

When you are ready, you can say:

• “I’d like the grilled chicken, please.”

• “Can I have the seafood pasta?”

• “We’ll share a pizza.”

For drinks:

• “A bottle of water, please.”

• “Can I get a coffee with milk?”

Polite Expressions to Remember:

• “I’d like…”

• “Can I have…”

• “Could I order…”

These are softer and more polite than saying “I want.”

4. Asking for Clarification

If you don’t understand something on the menu, you can ask:

• “What is this dish made of?”

• “Does it contain nuts?”

• “How is this prepared?”

If the English is too fast, ask:

• “Could you please speak slowly?”

• “Can you repeat that?”

5. Making Special Requests

Sometimes you need to change the order:

• “No onions, please.”

• “Can I have it without cheese?”

• “Could you make it less spicy?”

• “Can I get the dressing on the side?”

Servers are usually happy to adjust your meal if you ask politely.

6. During the Meal

The server may check on you and ask:

• “How’s everything?”

• “Is everything okay with your meal?”

You can reply:

• “Yes, thank you. It’s delicious.”

• “Could I have some more water, please?”

• “Excuse me, we need an extra fork.”

If there is a problem:

• “Sorry, I didn’t order this.”

• “This is too salty. Could I change it?”

7. Ordering Dessert and Extra Drinks

After finishing the main meal, you can ask:

• “Can I see the dessert menu?”

• “What do you have for dessert?”

• “I’ll have the chocolate cake.”

For extra drinks:

• “Another beer, please.”

• “Can I get a refill of iced tea?”

8. Asking for the Bill

When you are done, signal the server and say:

• “Can I have the check, please?” (US English)

• “Can I have the bill, please?” (UK English)

• “We’d like to pay now.”

If you are paying separately:

• “Can we split the bill?”

• “We’ll pay separately.”

• “Let’s pay together.”

9. Tipping Culture

In some countries (like the United States and Canada), tipping is expected, usually 15–20% of the bill. In other countries (like Japan), tipping is not common. Always check the local culture.

Useful Phrases:

• “Is service included?”

• “Do we leave the tip on the table?”

10. At a Fast-Food Restaurant

Fast-food restaurants use quicker phrases. The cashier might ask:

• “For here or to go?” (eat in or take away)

• “Would you like fries with that?”

• “What size drink?”

You can say:

• “For here, please.”

• “To go, please.”

• “A large cola, please.”

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Saying “I want” instead of “I’d like” (sounds too direct).

2. Forgetting to say “please” and “thank you.”

3. Not asking when confused—staff are usually patient.

4. Forgetting cultural rules about tipping.

12. Practice Dialogues

Dialogue 1 – Restaurant

• Server: “Hello, how many people?”

• You: “Two, please.”

• Server: “Here’s the menu. What would you like?”

• You: “I’d like the grilled fish and a salad.”

• Server: “Anything to drink?”

• You: “A bottle of water, please.”

Dialogue 2 – Fast Food

• Cashier: “Welcome! For here or to go?”

• You: “To go, please.”

• Cashier: “What would you like?”

• You: “One cheeseburger and a small fries.”

• Cashier: “Would you like a drink?”

• You: “Yes, a medium soda.”

13. Tips for Beginners

• Listen carefully – many menus have pictures; use them if needed.

• Practice key phrases – “I’d like…”, “Can I have…”, “How much is it?”

• Be polite – servers appreciate “please” and “thank you.”

• Stay calm – mistakes are normal, and staff are used to helping learners.

Conclusion

Ordering food in English is not only about eating—it’s about connecting with people and feeling confident in daily situations. By practicing the phrases in this guide, you will feel more comfortable in restaurants, cafés, and fast-food places. With time, ordering in English will become natural and stress-free.

FAQ:How to Order Food in English: Beginner’s Guide

What are the most useful phrases for ordering food?

Memorize a few polite starters and you can order almost anything. Try: “I’d like…,” “Could I have…,” or “May I get…please?” For deciding, ask: “What do you recommend?” “What’s popular?” or “What’s today’s special?” For clarity, use: “What is this made of?” “Is it spicy?” and “Does it come with rice/bread?” To stay friendly: “Please,” “Thank you,” and “Excuse me” go a long way.

• “I’d like the grilled chicken, please.”
• “Could I have a small salad to start?”
• “May I get water with no ice?”

How do I ask for a table and handle the wait?

At the entrance, say: “Table for two, please.” If it’s crowded, you might hear: “It’ll be a 15-minute wait.” You can reply: “That’s fine, we’ll wait,” or ask, “Can I put my name on the list?” If you prefer a spot: “Do you have a table by the window?” For timing: “How long is the wait now?”

How can I read the menu and ask smart questions?

Menus often have starters/appetizers, mains/entrées, sides, desserts, and beverages. If you’re unsure, ask: “What comes with the steak?” “Is there a vegetarian option?” “What’s the soup of the day?” For sizes and choices: “What sizes do the drinks come in?” “Can I substitute a salad for fries?”

What’s the most polite way to place my order?

Use softeners like “I’d like…,” “Could I have…,” and add “please.” Avoid “I want…” which can sound too direct. Order in a clear sequence: starter, main, sides, drinks. Confirm any options (doneness, sauce, side). End with “Thank you.”

• “I’d like the salmon with steamed vegetables, please.”
• “Medium-rare, and the sauce on the side.”
• “A sparkling water, please.”

How do I customize my order or mention allergies?

Be direct and specific, and mention allergies first. Say: “I have a peanut allergy.” “Could you make it without nuts?” “No onions, please.” “Dressing on the side, please.” For cooking style: “Well-done,” “Less salty,” “Not too sweet.” If they can’t change it, ask: “Is there another dish you’d recommend?”

How can I explain dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free)?

Use clear labels and follow-up questions. “I’m vegetarian—does this contain meat or fish?” “I’m vegan—no dairy or eggs; is this suitable?” “Is this halal?” “Is this kosher?” “Do you have gluten-free options?” Confirm cooking methods: “Is it cooked on the same grill as meat?” or “Is the soup thickened with flour?”

What should I say during the meal if I need something?

Servers often check in: “How is everything?” Respond honestly and politely. Ask for refills or extras: “Could I have more water, please?” “May I get an extra fork/napkins?” “Could we have some ketchup/hot sauce?” If something is wrong, stay calm: “Sorry, this isn’t what I ordered. Could you please check?”

How do I order dessert or extra drinks?

When you’re ready, ask: “May we see the dessert menu?” or “What do you recommend for dessert?” Place your order with portion awareness: “We’ll share one slice of cheesecake.” For drinks: “Another coffee, please,” “Refill on the iced tea, please,” or “Could I have decaf?”

How do I ask for the bill and manage payment?

US: “Can I get the check, please?” UK and many others: “Could we have the bill, please?” For separate payments: “Can we split the bill?” “We’d like to pay separately.” Payment options: “Do you take cards?” “Contactless?” “We’ll pay cash.” If you need an invoice or receipt: “Could I have an itemized receipt, please?”

What common mistakes should I avoid?

Three big ones: (1) sounding too direct (“I want”) instead of “I’d like,” (2) not asking when confused, and (3) forgetting local norms (like tipping). If you mispronounce or forget a word, paraphrase: “The dish with chicken and mushrooms, please,” or point to the menu: “I’d like this one.”

What phrases are used at fast-food or takeaway places?

Expect speedy questions: “For here or to go?” (US) / “Eat in or take away?” (UK), “What size?” “Any combo?” Reply with: “To go, please.” “Large fries and a small cola.” “No pickles, please.” Ask for sauces and extras: “Which sauces do you have?” “Add cheese for the burger, please.”

• “Can I make that a combo?”
• “No ice in the drink, please.”

How do I order delivery or online effectively?

On the phone or app, confirm details: “Delivery to 123 Main Street, Apartment 4B.” “No peanuts; I have an allergy.” “Please call on arrival.” Ask about timing: “How long will it take?” If something is missing: “We’re missing the salad—could you send it or refund it?” Be polite but clear.

How do I handle problems (wrong dish, cold food, delays)?

Keep a calm tone and be specific: “I ordered the vegetarian pasta, but this has bacon.” “The soup is cold—could it be reheated, please?” “We’ve been waiting 30 minutes; could you check our order?” Most restaurants will fix issues quickly if you’re respectful and precise.

What should I know about tipping and service charges?

Tipping customs vary. In the US/Canada, 15–20% before tax is common. Some places include a service charge—ask: “Is service included?” In countries where tipping is uncommon, leaving small change or saying “Thank you, it was great” is enough. If unsure, politely ask the staff or check the bill.

Can I see short sample dialogues?

Restaurant

Server: Good evening. Table for how many? You: Table for two, please. Server: Here are the menus. Ready to order? You: Yes. I’d like the grilled salmon, and a side salad, please. Server: Anything to drink? You: Sparkling water, please.

Fast Food

Cashier: For here or to go? You: To go, please. Cashier: What can I get you? You: One cheeseburger, small fries, and a medium cola. Cashier: Anything else? You: That’s all. Thank you.

Any quick pronunciation tips for food words?

Common tricky words: dessert (deh-ZERT) vs. desert (DEH-zert); lettuce (LET-iss); salmon (SAM-uhn; the “l” is silent); receipt (rih-SEET; “p” is silent); sauce (SAWSS); buffet (buh-FAY). If you’re unsure, say the dish number or point to the menu.

Do you have templates I can copy and adapt?

Yes—swap the underlined parts with your choices:

• “I’d like the grilled chicken with mixed vegetables, please.”
• “Could I have no onions and the sauce on the side?”
• “I have a(n) peanut allergy; is this safe?”
• “Can we split the bill, please?”
• “For takeaway, with no ice, please.”

What cultural tips help me sound natural?

Smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly. In busy places, order quickly; in casual cafés, small talk is fine. Don’t touch staff or snap fingers; say “Excuse me.” In some countries, water is paid; in others, it’s free. If unsure, ask: “Is water complimentary?” Respect the queue and wait your turn.

What if I don’t understand the server?

Use gentle repair phrases: “Sorry, could you say that again, please?” “Could you speak a little more slowly?” “Do you mean the set comes with soup and bread?” If noise is the issue: “Sorry, it’s loud in here. Could you repeat that?” You can also point to the menu: “This one, please.”

How can I be extra polite even when something’s wrong?

Start with appreciation, then explain: “Thank you. It looks great, but I ordered the vegetarian version.” Offer a solution: “Could it be changed, please?” Close politely: “I appreciate your help.” This tone keeps conversations friendly and gets results faster.

How do I confirm and wrap up smoothly?

Before the server leaves, summarize: “So that’s the chicken, medium, salad instead of fries, and water with no ice—thank you.” At the end: “Everything was lovely—check/bill when you have a moment, please.” After paying: “Thanks so much. Have a great evening!” These tiny touches make you sound confident and courteous.

Travel English Guide for Beginners