Ordering a meal is one of the most common — and nerve-racking — tasks for travelers. From deciphering the menu to asking for the check, every step tests your listening and speaking skills under time pressure. Practising a clear, polite restaurant dialogue now means you’ll spend less time worrying about words and more time enjoying your food. This scenario page walks you through typical questions, a model conversation, and quick drills you can finish in five minutes.

Context

• Setting: Casual sit-down restaurant
• Goal: Order food and drinks, handle follow-up questions, ask for the bill
• Typical Length: 3–4 minutes
• Tone: Polite, friendly, concise

Sample Dialogue

Server: Good evening! Table for one or two?
Customer: Two, please. Could we sit by the window?
Server: Of course. Here are your menus. Can I get you something to drink first?
Customer: Yes, I’d like a glass of water and a lemonade.
Server: Certainly. Are you ready to order food, or do you need a few minutes?
Customer: We’re ready. I’ll have the grilled salmon, and my friend will take the chicken pasta.
Server: Would you like any sides with that?
Customer: A side salad, please.
Server: Great choice. I’ll be right back with your drinks. Enjoy your meal!

Key vocabulary and phrases

• Table for two — request a table size (e.g., “Table for two, please.”)
• Sit by the window — seating preference (“Could we sit by the window?”)
• Are you ready to order? — server checks if decision is made
• Side dish / side salad — additional small portion (“I’ll add a side salad.”)
• Check / bill — final payment slip (“Could we have the check, please?”)

Quick practice drills

1. Menu Sprint (2 min) – open any online menu, say your full order aloud in 30 seconds.
2. Question Ping-Pong (3 min) – partner or AI fires follow-ups (“Any allergies?” “How would you like it cooked?”); answer instantly.
3. Role-Swap (2 min) – act as the server: greet, suggest a special, confirm drink order.