Ordering Food and Drinks

When ordering food or drinks at a restaurant or café, it is polite to use “please” and clear phrases. For example:

• Can I have the menu, please?
• I would like to order a burger and iced tea, please.
• Can I have some ice water?
• Can I get this to go? or Can I get this to take away?
• Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?

If you want something specific, you can say:

• I want a salad and a soda, please.
• I would like a glass of wine.

Asking Questions About the Menu

To ask about the menu, use questions such as:

• What is this dish?
• Which desserts do you have?
• How much is the steak?
• Where is the drinks menu?
• Can I get this without cheese?
• Why does this soup have meat?
• Who prepares the vegetarian options?
• Are there any vegetarian options?
• How many pieces are there in this appetizer?

Paying for Food and Drinks

When you are ready to pay, here are useful phrases:

• Can I have the bill, please?
• Could I get the check?
• How much is the total?
• Can I pay by credit card?
• Can I pay with a debit card?
• Do you accept cash?
• Can I get the receipt, please?
• Can I get some change?
• Is tip included?
• How much should I tip?

Describing Common Menu Items

Menus usually have a section for appetizers, main courses, drinks, and desserts. You may see dishes such as:

• appetizer, soup, salad, bread
• burger, hamburger, sandwich, steak, pizza, pasta
• cheese, sauce
• beer, wine, soda, tea, iced tea, ice water

For dessert, you can ask:

• What desserts do you have?

Naming Common Ingredients in Dishes

If you want to know what is in your food, ask about the ingredients:

• Does this salad have meat?
• Is there onion in the soup?
• What vegetables are in this dish?
• Does this sandwich have cheese and tomato?
• Does this burger come with lettuce?

Describing Common Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

It is common to ask about food allergies or your dietary needs:

• I am allergic to onions.
• Is this dish vegetarian?
• Can you add more vegetables, please?
• Can you remove the cheese, please?
• I do not eat meat.

These phrases will help you communicate your needs and get the food and drinks you want in a restaurant.