127 English Sentences for Dining Out

Dining out is a fun and essential part of social life, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual meal. But for many English learners, ordering food, making reservations, or expressing preferences at a restaurant can feel a little overwhelming. If you’re looking to feel more confident while dining out in English, this guide is here to help. In this article, we’ll cover common phrases and sentences for various situations, from making a reservation to tipping at the end of your meal. By the end, you’ll be ready to navigate any restaurant conversation with ease. Let’s dive in!

Making a Reservation Sentences for Dining Out

1. I’d like to make a reservation for two, please.
2. Do you have a table for four at 7 p.m.?
3. Can I book a table for tonight?
4. What time is the earliest available reservation?
5. I would like to reserve a table for dinner.
6. Is it possible to book a table for tomorrow evening?
7. How many people can your restaurant accommodate?
8. Can I reserve a table outside?
9. Do you have any available tables for lunch?
10. I’d like a table near the window.
11. Can I make a reservation for next weekend?
12. Do I need to confirm my reservation before I come?
13. I need a reservation for a group of 10 people.
14. How long do I need to wait for a table?
15. Can I change my reservation time?
16. Is there a dress code for the restaurant?

Ordering Food and Drinks Sentences for Dining Out

1. I’d like to order the grilled chicken, please.
2. Can I get a glass of water?
3. I’ll have the pasta with tomato sauce.
4. Could I please have the steak, medium rare?
5. Can I have a Coke with my meal?
6. I’ll have the vegetarian pizza.
7. Can I order the soup of the day?
8. I’d like a side salad with my meal.
9. I’m ready to order, could I have the chicken sandwich?
10. Could you bring me the dessert menu?
11. I’ll have the salmon fillet, please.
12. Do you have any vegetarian options?
13. Could I have my steak well done?
14. I’ll have a cappuccino with dessert.
15. Could I have the bill, please?
16. Is the wine by the glass or bottle?

Asking About the Menu and Ingredients Sentences for Dining Out

1. What’s in the soup today?
2. Does this dish contain nuts?
3. Can you tell me what’s in the salad?
4. Are there any dairy-free options on the menu?
5. Can I substitute the fries for a side salad?
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
7. What’s the special for today?
8. Can you explain this dish to me?
9. Are the ingredients fresh?
10. Does this contain any meat?
11. How spicy is this dish?
12. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
13. Can I choose the side dish with this meal?
14. What kind of dressing comes with the salad?
15. Does this dish come with rice or potatoes?
16. What’s your most popular dish?

Special Requests (Vegetarian, Allergies, etc.)  Sentences for Dining Out

1. I am vegetarian. Can you recommend something without meat?
2. I have a nut allergy. Can you make sure my dish is nut-free?
3. Can I have this dish without cheese?
4. I’m allergic to gluten. Do you have gluten-free options?
5. Can you make my meal spicy?
6. Could you prepare this without any salt?
7. I’m lactose intolerant. Do you have dairy-free options?
8. Can I have a smaller portion of this?
9. Can you make this dish without mushrooms?
10. I prefer my steak well done.
11. Is this dish made with seafood?
12. Can you prepare this with no onions?
13. I don’t eat pork. Can you remove it from my dish?
14. Could you substitute the side for something healthier?
15. Can I have my dressing on the side?
16. Do you have a sugar-free dessert?

Complimenting or Complaining About Food  Beginner English Sentences

1. This is the best pizza I’ve ever had!
2. The food here is amazing.
3. This steak is cooked perfectly!
4. I love the flavor of this soup.
5. The dessert was delicious!
6. This is so tasty, I will definitely come back!
7. I’m really enjoying this dish.
8. The flavors are so unique in this salad.
9. This is exactly what I was craving!
10. Unfortunately, this dish is too salty for me.
11. My steak is overcooked.
12. This is too spicy for me, can you fix it?
13. The pasta is a bit too dry.
14. The chicken is undercooked.
15. This soup is too bland for my taste.
16. I didn’t like the texture of the cake.

Asking for the Bill and Payment Phrases Sentences for Dining Out

1. Can I have the bill, please?
2. Could you bring me the check?
3. I’m ready to pay, thank you.
4. Can I pay with a credit card?
5. How much is the total?
6. Can I split the bill, please?
7. Is service charge included in the bill?
8. I’d like to pay cash.
9. Can I pay in installments?
10. Could you give me the bill in advance?
11. I’ll pay for everything.
12. Do you accept Apple Pay?
13. Could you add the tip to the bill?
14. I’ll cover the whole meal, don’t worry about it.
15. Do you offer gift cards?
16. I think there’s an error in the bill. Can you check?

Tipping and Restaurant Etiquette  Beginner English Sentences

1. How much should I tip?
2. Is a tip included in the bill?
3. I usually leave a 15% tip.
4. Should I tip for takeaway food?
5. I want to leave a tip for the waiter.
6. Can I tip with my card?
7. Is it okay to leave a tip in cash?
8. How much do people usually tip in this restaurant?
9. I would like to give the server a tip for good service.
10. Should I leave a tip if I didn’t like the service?
11. Can I give the tip directly to the waiter?
12. Is there a service charge included in the restaurant price?
13. Do I need to tip the bartender separately?
14. Tipping is common here, right?
15. How do you say thank you to the waiter in English?
16. I always tip well when I receive great service.

FAQs on English Sentences for Dining Out

What should I say when I make a reservation at a restaurant?

When making a reservation, be polite and clear. You can say something like, “I’d like to make a reservation for two at 7 p.m.,” or “Can I book a table for tonight?” If you’re requesting a special table, mention it as well, such as, “I would like a table near the window.” The staff will usually confirm your reservation and let you know if any adjustments are needed.

How do I ask for the bill or check in English?

To ask for the bill, you can simply say, “Can I have the bill, please?” or “Could you bring me the check?” These are both polite and common phrases. If you’re ready to pay, you can say, “I’m ready to pay, thank you,” or “Could you please give me the total amount?”

What should I say if I don’t like the food at a restaurant?

If the food isn’t up to your expectations, it’s important to stay polite. You could say, “I’m sorry, but the dish is too salty for me,” or “This isn’t what I expected; could you help me with a replacement?” Expressing your dissatisfaction calmly will help the restaurant staff assist you better.

How much should I tip at a restaurant?

Tipping depends on the country and restaurant, but typically, a tip of 10-20% of the total bill is common in many places. In casual settings, tipping 10-15% is acceptable, while in fine dining, 15-20% is appreciated. If you are unsure, you can always ask the staff if a service charge is already included. Sentences for Dining Out