Dining Phrases

Dining Phrases

English Phrases, proverbs, and expressions are an important part of everyday English. They come up all the time in both written and spoken English. Because Phrases don’t always make sense literally, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the meaning and usage of each idiom. That may seem like a lot of work, but learning Phrases is fun, especially when you compare English Phrases to the Phrases in your own language.

Dining Phrases with Meaning and Example

Here’s a list of “Dining Phrases” in English:

May I see the menu, please?

• Meaning: Requesting to look at the list of dishes and drinks available.
• Example: “May I see the menu, please? I’d like to see what options you have.”

Could we have a table for two, please?

• Meaning: Asking for a table to seat two people.
• Example: “Could we have a table for two, please? Preferably by the window.”

What do you recommend?

• Meaning: Asking for the server’s suggestion on what to order.
• Example: “What do you recommend between the salmon and the pasta?”

I’ll have the steak, medium rare.

• Meaning: Specifying how one wants their food prepared.
• Example: “I’ll have the steak, medium rare, please.”

Can I have this dish without onions?

• Meaning: Requesting a modification to a dish by omitting a specific ingredient.
• Example: “Can I have the pasta without onions, please? I’m allergic.”

Is the tip included in the bill?

• Meaning: Asking if gratuity is already added to the total bill.
• Example: “Is the tip included in the bill, or should we add it ourselves?”

Could we get some more water, please?

• Meaning: Requesting a refill of drinking water.
• Example: “Could we get some more water, please? Our glasses are empty.”

Could I have the check, please?

• Meaning: Asking for the bill to pay for the meal.
• Example: “Could I have the check, please? We’re ready to settle up.”

Do you have any vegetarian options?

• Meaning: Inquiring if there are dishes suitable for vegetarians.
• Example: “Do you have any vegetarian options on the menu?”

Could we have separate checks, please?

• Meaning: Requesting individual bills for each person in a group.
• Example: “Could we have separate checks, please? We’ll pay separately.”

The food is delicious, thank you!

• Meaning: Expressing appreciation for the quality of the food.
• Example: “The food is delicious, thank you! We’re really enjoying it.”

Is service charge included?

• Meaning: Asking if there is an additional fee for service included in the bill.
• Example: “Is service charge included in the total?”

Can I have a doggy bag, please?

• Meaning: Requesting a container to take uneaten food home.
• Example: “Can I have a doggy bag, please? I couldn’t finish my meal.”

Excuse me, could we get some more napkins?

• Meaning: Asking for additional paper napkins.
• Example: “Excuse me, could we get some more napkins? We’re running low.”

Is this seat taken?

• Meaning: Inquiring if a vacant seat is reserved or available.
• Example: “Is this seat taken, or can I sit here?”

Do you have a reservation?

• Meaning: Asking if there is a prior arrangement to secure a table.
• Example: “Do you have a reservation under the name Smith?”

What’s the soup of the day?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the special soup being offered that day.
• Example: “What’s the soup of the day? I’m curious to know.”

Could we have some bread, please?

• Meaning: Requesting bread to accompany the meal.
• Example: “Could we have some bread, please? It would be great with the soup.”

Is there a children’s menu?

• Meaning: Asking if there are menu options specifically designed for children.
• Example: “Is there a children’s menu available?”

Could you recommend a dessert?

• Meaning: Asking the server to suggest a dessert item.
• Example: “Could you recommend a dessert? Everything looks so good.”

Are you here alone?

• Meaning: Inquiring if someone is dining by themselves.
• Example: “Are you here alone, or are you waiting for someone?”

Can I bring my friend?

• Meaning: Asking if it’s acceptable to bring another person along.
• Example: “Can I bring my friend with me to dinner?”

Can I have a receipt please?

• Meaning: Requesting a document showing proof of payment.
• Example: “Can I have a receipt please? I need it for expense purposes.”

Can it be cheaper?

• Meaning: Asking if there’s a possibility to reduce the cost.
• Example: “This seems a bit expensive; can it be cheaper?”

Can we have a menu please?

• Meaning: Requesting to see the list of available dishes.
• Example: “Can we have a menu please? We’d like to see what you offer.”

Can you hold this for me?

• Meaning: Asking someone to keep an item for a temporary period.
• Example: “Can you hold this for me while I go to the restroom?”

Do you have any children?

• Meaning: Inquiring if someone has offspring.
• Example: “Do you have any children? How many?”

Do you know how much it costs?

• Meaning: Asking if someone is aware of the price.
• Example: “Do you know how much it costs to park here?”

Have you eaten at that restaurant?

• Meaning: Asking if someone has dined at a specific eatery.
• Example: “Have you eaten at that restaurant before? How was it?”

Have you eaten yet?

• Meaning: Asking if someone has already had a meal.
• Example: “Have you eaten yet, or should we grab something together?”

Have you ever had potato soup?

• Meaning: Inquiring if someone has experienced consuming potato-based soup.
• Example: “Have you ever had potato soup? It’s quite comforting.”

He likes juice but he doesn’t like milk.

• Meaning: Describing someone’s beverage preferences.
• Example: “He likes juice but he doesn’t like milk with his breakfast.”

Here is your salad.

• Meaning: Presenting a dish of salad to someone.
• Example: “Here is your salad; enjoy your meal.”

Here’s your order.

• Meaning: Handing over the requested food items to a customer.
• Example: “Here’s your order; everything you asked for.”

How does it taste?

• Meaning: Asking for feedback on the flavor of food.
• Example: “How does it taste? Is the pasta to your liking?”

How many people? (restaurant)

• Meaning: Asking about the number of individuals in a dining party.
• Example: “How many people are in your group?”

I agree.

• Meaning: Expressing concurrence or approval with a statement.
• Example: “I agree with your choice of dessert.”

I’d like a table near the window.

• Meaning: Requesting a specific seating location within the restaurant.
• Example: “I’d like a table near the window, please.”

I’d like to call the United States.

• Meaning: Expressing a desire to make a telephone call to the United States.
• Example: “I’d like to call the United States to check on my family.”

I haven’t been there.

• Meaning: Stating that one has not visited a particular place.
• Example: “I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve heard good things.”

I haven’t finished eating.

• Meaning: Stating that one has not completed their meal.
• Example: “I haven’t finished eating; could you please wait to clear my plate?”

I like it.

• Meaning: Expressing enjoyment or approval of something, usually food.
• Example: “I like it! The pasta is really flavorful.”

I’ll give you a call.

• Meaning: Promising to contact someone by phone.
• Example: “Thanks for the recommendation; I’ll give you a call if I have any questions.”

I’ll have a cup of tea please.

• Meaning: Requesting a serving of tea in a cup.
• Example: “I’ll have a cup of tea please, with milk and sugar.”

I’ll have a glass of water please.

• Meaning: Requesting a serving of water in a glass.
• Example: “I’ll have a glass of water please, with ice.”

I’m from America.

• Meaning: Stating one’s nationality or place of origin.
• Example: “I’m from America, visiting for vacation.”

I’m going to bed.

• Meaning: Informing others of the intention to sleep.
• Example: “I’m going to bed; good night!”

I’m here on business.

• Meaning: Explaining the purpose of one’s visit as work-related.
• Example: “I’m here on business, attending a conference.”

I’m sorry.

• Meaning: Expressing regret or apologizing.
• Example: “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”

I only have 5 dollars.

• Meaning: Stating a limited amount of money available.
• Example: “I only have 5 dollars; what can I get with that?”

I think I need to see a doctor.

• Meaning: Expressing concern about one’s health and considering medical attention.
• Example: “I think I need to see a doctor; I’m not feeling well.”

It’s August 25th.

• Meaning: Stating the current date.
• Example: “It’s August 25th today.”

I understand.

• Meaning: Expressing comprehension or agreement.
• Example: “I understand your point of view.”

June 3rd.

• Meaning: Stating a specific date.
• Example: “My birthday is on June 3rd.”

The food was delicious.

• Meaning: Complimenting the quality of the food.
• Example: “The food was delicious; compliments to the chef!”

There are some apples in the refrigerator.

• Meaning: Informing of the presence of apples in a specific location.
• Example: “There are some apples in the refrigerator if you’re hungry.”

There’s a restaurant near here.

• Meaning: Indicating the presence of an eatery in the vicinity.
• Example: “There’s a restaurant near here that serves great sushi.”

Waiter!

• Meaning: Getting the attention of a male server.
• Example: “Waiter! Could we get the dessert menu, please?”

Waitress!

• Meaning: Getting the attention of a female server.
• Example: “Waitress! Can we have another round of drinks, please?”

We can eat Italian or Chinese food.

• Meaning: Discussing dining options, mentioning preferences for cuisine types.
• Example: “We can eat Italian or Chinese food; what do you prefer?”

We’ll have two glasses of water please.

• Meaning: Requesting two servings of water in glasses.
• Example: “We’ll have two glasses of water please, one with ice.”

What are you going to have?

• Meaning: Asking someone what they plan to order or consume.
• Example: “What are you going to have for dinner?”

What’s your email address?

• Meaning: Inquiring about someone’s electronic mail contact information.
• Example: “What’s your email address? I’ll send you the details.”

What would you like to drink?

• Meaning: Asking someone what beverage they would like to have.
• Example: “What would you like to drink with your meal?”

What would you like to eat?

• Meaning: Asking someone what food they would like to order or have.
• Example: “What would you like to eat for lunch today?”

Where is an ATM?

• Meaning: Asking for the location of an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
• Example: “Where is an ATM around here? I need to withdraw some cash.”

Where is there a doctor who speaks English?

• Meaning: Inquiring about the location of a medical professional who can communicate in English.
• Example: “Where is there a doctor who speaks English? I need medical assistance.”

Which one?

• Meaning: Asking for clarification or selection between options.
• Example: “Which one do you prefer, the chicken or the fish?”

Would you ask him to come here?

• Meaning: Requesting someone to invite another person to move to the current location.
• Example: “Would you ask him to come here? We need to discuss the project.”

Would you like a glass of water?

• Meaning: Offering someone a serving of water in a glass.
• Example: “Would you like a glass of water with your meal?”

Would you like coffee or tea?

• Meaning: Offering someone a choice between coffee or tea.
• Example: “Would you like coffee or tea with dessert?”

Would you like something to drink?

• Meaning: Asking someone if they want a beverage.
• Example: “Would you like something to drink before we start?”

Would you like some water?

• Meaning: Offering someone a serving of water.
• Example: “Would you like some water to drink?”

Would you like some wine?

• Meaning: Offering someone a serving of wine.
• Example: “Would you like some wine with dinner?”

Would you like to go for a walk?

• Meaning: Inviting someone to accompany for a stroll.
• Example: “Would you like to go for a walk after dinner?”

Would you like to watch TV?

• Meaning: Inviting someone to join in watching television.
• Example: “Would you like to watch TV with me tonight?”

List of Dining Phrases

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