Module 12: The ASEAN World of Catering
Language Focus 2: Language used in the restaurant
- Greeting the customers
Good evening/morning/afternoon, madam/sir
- Asking if there is a booking / checking the booking
Do you have a reservation?
Can/Could I have your name, please?
Could you tell me your name, please?
One moment, Mr./Ms./Mrs./Mr. and Mrs. .... Yes, a table for ....
A table for two/three/four ...?
- Choosing the table
Is that table in the corner reserved?
Excuse me, is this table taken?
I'd prefer a table in the center.
Can we put these two tables together?
- Offering cloakroom service
Shall I take your coats?
Can I take your coats?
- Offering a choice of seats
Would you prefer to sit indoors /outdoors/ near the… /in the shade?
- Showing the way
Right this way, madam/sir.
Follow me, please.
I’ll show you to your table.
Here’s your table.
- Presenting the menu / Offering an aperitif
Here are the menu and the wine list. / Here is the menu.
Certainly, sir/madam. Here it is.
Would you like to order a drink/an aperitif?
Can I get you an aperitif?
Here you are. A vermouth and a …..
- Taking the order
Are you ready to order?
Apart from the menu, we also have some dishes off the menu ….
What would like as a starter?
What would you like as a main course?
Excellent choice, sir/madam
And for you, sir/madam?
What would you like to follow?
May I suggest ...?
I would suggest our ….
I can (also) recommend the ….
There’s some …. It’s today’s special.
Your order will be brought to you within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Describing dishes
It’s a kind of ....
It’s served cold/hot / with French fries/ vegetables ....
It consists of ….
It’s made from ….
- Apologizing
I’m very sorry, sir /madam. I’m afraid that table is not available. / that table is already reserved.
What about the one by the window / the small table near the piano…?
I’m afraid we haven’t any … (left). May I suggest ... instead? (offer an alternative)
I’m sorry, sir/madam, but they’re not in season.
I’ll take it / them away.
Would you like to order something else?
I’ll bring you another ….
Pardon? / Could you repeat that, please?
I’m sorry. Could you say that again, please?
- Asking about preferences
How would you like your steak?
How would you like it cooked?
Would you like it rare, medium or well-done?
Do you want any … with your …?
Would you like a side dish to go with it?
- Ordering drinks
What would you like to drink?
Would you like to see the wine list?
Would you like to order some wine with your meal?
Have you tried the local drinks?
Would you like some mineral water?
Still or sparkling?
Any (still/sparkling) mineral water?
- Checking the order
Will that be all?
So that’s a Pad Thai, two dumpling soups ….
Do you need anything else?
Enjoy your meal.
- Handing the items
Here you are, sir/madam.
Here’s your order, sir/madam.
- Ordering a dessert
Would you like a dessert?
Would you like the local dessert menu?
Would you like to see the dessert menu?
We also have the specials board.
Today we have ....
Would you like it with cream or ice-cream?
- Offering a coffee /asking about satisfaction
Would you like coffee now or after your dessert?
Did you enjoy it?
Good. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
- Paying and Saying goodbye
How will you be paying? /How would you like to pay? / How are you paying?
I'm sorry, our machine is broken. You'll have to pay cash.
We can only accept cash.
I’m sorry, madam/sir. I’m afraid we don’t accept personal cheques.
Here you are, sir/madam.
Shall I charge this to your room?
Can I have your room number?
Would you like a receipt?
Thank you very much for your visit. Goodbye.
We hope you enjoyed your meal. Thank you and goodbye.
We hope to see you again. Thank you and goodbye.
Have a nice day. Thank you and goodbye.