Restaurant English Dialogues: Ordering Food and Solving Problems

A2 Elementary • About 4 minutes • Everyday English • Updated 17 August 2026

Restaurant English is more than naming food. You need to request a table, understand options, explain allergies, order politely, report a genuine problem, and check the bill. These dialogues cover the entire meal.

Dialogue: arriving and ordering

Host: Good evening. Do you have a reservation?

Guest: Yes, a table for two under the name Sarah.

Host: Right this way. Here are your menus.

Server: Would you like something to drink while you decide?

Guest: Still water, please. Could you tell me about today’s special?

Server: It’s grilled sea bass with roasted vegetables.

Guest: Does the sauce contain dairy?

Server: Yes, it contains butter. We can serve it without the sauce.

Guest: I’ll have it without the sauce, please. My friend will have the vegetable pasta.

Server: How would you like the fish cooked?

Guest: Well done, please.

Dialogue: reporting a problem politely

Dialogue: asking for the bill

Allergies and dietary requirements

Be precise: “I’m allergic to peanuts. Does this dish contain peanuts or peanut oil?” An allergy is not the same as a preference. If cross-contamination matters, ask whether the kitchen can prepare the dish safely. Do not rely on vague phrases such as “I can’t eat that” when the health risk is serious.

20 essential phrases

1. Do you have a table for two?
2. I have a reservation under the name…
3. Could we see the menu?
4. What is today’s special?
5. Are you ready to order?
6. Could we have a few more minutes?
7. I’ll have the grilled fish.
8. Could I have it without the sauce?
9. Does this contain nuts?
10. I’m allergic to peanuts.
11. Do you have a vegetarian option?
12. How spicy is this dish?
13. Could we have some water?
14. Excuse me, this isn’t what I ordered.
15. The food is cold.
16. Could you replace it, please?
17. Could we have the bill?
18. Can we pay separately?
19. Is service included?
20. Can I pay by card?

Common mistakes

Speaking practice

Role-play each situation aloud. First read both roles, then cover the answer and respond in your own words.

1. Book a table for four at 7:30.
2. Ask whether a dish contains dairy.
3. Explain that you received the wrong order.
4. Ask to split the bill.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bill and a receipt?

The bill shows what you owe before payment. The receipt confirms that payment was made.

What does service included mean?

A service charge has already been added to the bill.

How do I order politely?

Use “I’ll have…”, “Could I have…?”, or “I’d like…”, followed by “please.”