Ordering Food in a Restaurant

One of the most important tasks in English is ordering food when you go to a restaurant. There are basic forms and questions, as well food vocabulary that you can use in places where people speak English.

Take a look at this Menu

Starters  
Chicken Soup $2.50
Salad $3.25
Sandwiches - Main Course  
Ham and cheese $3.50
Tuna $3.00
Vegetarian $4.00
Grilled Cheese $2.50
Piece of Pizza $2.50
Cheeseburger $4.50
Hamburger deluxe $5.00
Spaghetti $5.50
Drinks  
Coffee $1.25
Tea $1.25
Soft Drinks - Coke, Sprite, Root Beer, etc. $1.75

Read this dialogue

Waiter: Hello, Can I help you?
Kim: Yes, I'd like to have some lunch.
Waiter: Would you like a starter?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, please.
Waiter: And what would you like for a main course?
Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like anything to drink?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the bill.
Waiter: Certainly.
Kim:I don't have my glasses. How much is the lunch?
Waiter: That's $6.75.
Kim: Here you are. Thank you very much.
Waiter: You're welcome. Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you, the same to you.

Notice how the waiter asks: What would you like? and Kim responds: I'd like ...

"Would like" is the polite form used when asking and requesting.

Fill in the gaps. Click on the arrow to see the answer.

Waiter: Hello, Can I you?
Kim: Yes, to have some lunch.
Waiter: a starter?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a bowl of chicken soup, .
Waiter: And what for a main course?
Kim: I'd like a grilled cheese sandwich.
Waiter: Would you like to drink?
Kim: Yes, I'd like a glass of Coke, please.
Waiter... After Kim has her lunch.: Can I bring you anything else?
Kim: No thank you. Just the .
Waiter: Certainly.
Kim:I don't have my glasses. is the lunch?
Waiter: That's $6.75.
Kim: . Thank you very much.
Waiter: You're . Have a good day.
Kim: Thank you, the .

Watch this video with Ellen Quish to get more help with ordering food in restaurants in English. The video includes common vocabulary and phrases used in restaurants and on menus to make the experience even easier for you.

Ordering Food in a Restaurant
What do the man and woman order at the restaurant? Do this listening comprehension to find out!

 

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide