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Check please! Dining out in English

Can you impress your friends by ordering in an English restaurant? Can you tell an appetizer from an aperitif? Do you know how to ask for the bill in English? An unpleasant dining experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth, so let’s learn some useful phrases to help you make it from the starter to the dessert!

We’d like a table for 5 please.

You can say this when arriving at the restaurant, or when making a booking by telephone.

Smoking or non-smoking?

The waiter is asking whether you prefer to sit in the smoking or non-smoking section.

Would you like to have a drink first?

While you are thinking about your order, you could order a drink like an aperitif.

aperitif

Originally a French word, this is now commonly used in English and means an alcoholic drink taken as an appetizer.

appetizer

This is eaten before the main course to stimulate your appetite, also called a starter.

Are you ready to order?

The waiter could also say “Can I take your order?” when you have decided what dishes you want.

What do you recommend?

If you are not sure about what to order, ask the waiter for his suggestions.

What are your specialties?

This means the best or most popular dishes of the restaurant, such as typical local or regional dishes.

May we have the bill?

Use this phrase when you are ready to pay. You can also say “Check please”.

Service charge or tip

This is a payment in addition to the cost of the meal (usually 10-15% of the bill), given to the waiter or waitress for good service. In some restaurants, though, the service charge is included in the bill.