✅ To help you communicate with confidence at a restaurant, below are some common phrases to use when ordering:

- I’d like a table for _____ people, please.

- Can I have the menu please?

- What are the specials today?

- What do you recommend?

- We’re ready to order.

- I’d like my meat rare / medium / well-done.

- Can I substitute the fries for a salad?

- Could we please have the bill?

✅ Below are some common server phrases that you will hear at a restaurant:

- Good evening, how many people are in your party / group?

- A table for _____?

- Have you reserved a table?

- Can I take your drink order?

- What would you like to order to get started? Some appetizers?

- Are you ready to order?

- How would you like your meat?

✅ Below are some common complaints to use when you have a problem at a restaurant:

- There’s something wrong with my dish.

- It’s burnt.

- It’s dry.

- It’s too salty.

- It has no flavor.

- It’s raw.

- It’s undercooked.

✅ When someone asks, “How do you like your meat done?” they mean “How do you like your meat cooked?”. Here are the names of the different levels of cooked meat to request when ordering at a restaurant:

- Rare: very red, uncooked center

- Medium Rare: red center

- Medium: pink center

- Medium Well: slightly pink center

- Well Done: cooked throughout, no pink or red areas

Let’s practice!

Are you hungry or thirsty? What would you order at a restaurant now?
(Write your answer in the comments section)

We hope these tips have been helpful for you to improve your English speaking skills!

Take the time to schedule an English class today to keep practicing!