Here are some common restaurant conversations you might encounter, whether you’re a customer or a server:
1. Making a Reservation
Customer:
“Hello, I’d like to make a reservation for four people at 7 PM tonight.”
Host/Hostess:
“Certainly! Under what name, please?”
“I’m sorry, we’re fully booked at that time. Would 8 PM work for you?”
2. Being Seated
Host/Hostess:
“Your table is ready. Follow me, please.”
“Would you prefer a booth or a table by the window?”
Customer:
“Could we have a quieter table, please?”
“Is there a high chair for a toddler?”
3. Ordering Food & Drinks
Server:
“Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?”
“Our special today is grilled salmon with asparagus.”
Customer:
“I’d like the chicken pasta, please.”
“Could I get that without onions?”
“Is this dish very spicy?”
4. During the Meal
Server:
“How is everything tasting so far?”
“Would you like another drink?”
Customer:
“This is delicious, thank you!”
“Could we get some extra napkins, please?”
“Excuse me, my soup is cold. Could you heat it up?”
5. Handling Issues
Customer:
“I think there’s a mistake with my order—I asked for no cheese.”
“We’ve been waiting a while for our food. Could you check on it?”
Server:
“I’m so sorry about that. Let me fix it right away.”
“Let me check with the kitchen and update you.”
6. Asking for the Bill
Customer:
“Could we get the check, please?”
“Do you accept credit cards?”
Server:
“Here’s your bill. Will you be paying together or separately?”
“Would you like any dessert or coffee before you go?”
7. Tipping & Goodbyes
Customer:
“Keep the change, thank you!”
“The service was great—we’ll be back!”
Server:
“Thank you! Have a wonderful evening!”
Would you like help with a specific scenario, like ordering in a foreign language or handling a complaint? 😊
