This dialogue includes most of the basic questions you'll need to know when going to a restaurant alone. Practice it with a friend.
Waitperson: Hi. How are you doing this afternoon?
Customer (you): Fine, thank you. Can I see a menu, please?
Waitperson: Certainly, here you are.
Customer: Thank you. What's today's special?
Waitperson: Grilled tuna and cheese on rye.
Customer: That sounds good. I'll have that.
Waitperson: Would you like something to drink?
Customer: Yes, I'd like a coke.
Waitperson: Thank you. (returning with the food) Here you are. Enjoy your meal!
Customer: Thank you.
Waitperson: Can I get you anything else?
Customer: No thanks. I'd like the check, please.
Waitperson: That'll be $14.95.
Customer: Here you are. Keep the change!
Waitperson: Thank you! Have a good day!
Customer: Goodbye. At a Restaurant With Friends Next, use this dialogue to practice speaking at a restaurant when eating with friends. The dialogue includes questions to help you choose what to eat. For this role-play, you'll need three people instead of two.
Kevin: The spaghetti looks really good.
Alice: It is! I had it the last time I was here.
Peter: How is the pizza, Alice?
Alice: It's good, but I think the pasta is better. What would you recommend?
Waitperson: I'd recommend the lasagna. It's excellent!
Alice: That sounds great. I'll have that.
Waitperson: Fine. Would you like an appetizer?
Alice: No, lasagna is more than enough for me!
Kevin: I think I'll have the lasagna as well.
Waitperson: Right. That's two lasagnas. Would you care for an appetizer?
Kevin: Yes, I'll take the calamari.
Peter: Oh, that sounds good! I can't decide between the chicken marsala and grilled fish.
Waitperson: The fish is fresh, so I'd recommend that.
Peter: Great. I'll have the fish. I'd also like a salad.
Waitperson: What would you like to drink?
Kevin: I'll have water.
Alice: I'd like a beer.
Peter: I'll take a glass of red wine.
Waitperson: Thank you. I'll get the drinks and the appetizers.
Kevin: Thank you.
2 Key Vocabulary and Phrases Here are some key phrases used to discuss food in a restaurant when ordering and deciding on what to eat:
• Could I have a menu, please?
• Here you are. • Enjoy your meal! • Would you like ... • Can I get you anything else? • I'd like the check, please. • That'll be ... • Have a good day! • The spaghetti/steak/chicken looks good. • How is the pizza/fish/beer? • What would you recommend? • I'd like my steak rare/medium/well done. • Are there any nuts/peanuts? My child has allergies. • Do you have any vegetarian dishes? • Could I have a glass of water, please? • Could you tell me where the restroom is? • I'd recommend the Lasagna/steak/pizza. • Would you care for an appetizer/a beer/a cocktail? • I'd like to have a beer/steak/glass of wine.
