Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

Ordering at a restaurant in English

Get a table, order a meal, mention an allergy, send back a cold dish and sort out the bill, out loud, with a waiter who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Marco, waiter

The special is fish pie. Any questions about the menu?

Your goal Ask about a dish, mention an allergy, order, and split the bill.

Example conversation: ordering at a restaurant

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Marco reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerGet a table, order a main course and a drink, and ask for the bill.

Marco
Good evening! A table for how many?
You
A table for two, please.
Marco
Great. Follow me, please. Here's the menu. What would you like for your main?
You
I'd like the chicken, please.
Marco
Good choice. It comes with chips. And to drink?
You
A glass of water, please.
Marco
Sure. How was everything? Anything else for you?
You
It was lovely, thank you. Can I have the bill, please?
Marco
Of course. I'll bring it now. Here you are. Thanks, and have a nice evening!

IntermediateAsk about a dish, mention an allergy, order, and split the bill.

Marco
The special is fish pie. Any questions about the menu?
You
Yes, what's in the fish pie?
Marco
White fish and prawns, with potato on top. Any allergies I should know about?
You
Yes, I'm allergic to shellfish.
Marco
Then avoid the pie. The pasta is safe. So, what would you like for your main?
You
I'll go for the mushroom pasta, please.
Marco
Perfect. Here's the bill. Together or separately?
You
Could we split the bill, please?
Marco
Sure. I'll split it in two. Thanks for coming. Have a lovely evening!

Upper intermediateGet a recommendation, send back a cold dish and sort out the bill politely.

Marco
Good evening. Have you had a look at the menu?
You
Not yet, actually. What would you recommend?
Marco
The lamb is excellent. Slow-cooked for six hours. Here we are. How is everything tasting?
You
I'm afraid it's a bit cold. Would you mind warming it up?
Marco
I'm so sorry. I'll take it back. Here's the bill. Sixty-two, with the wine.
You
I think there's a mistake on the bill. We didn't order any wine.
Marco
You're right, sorry. I'll take it off. That's fifty-four now. Shall I add a tip?
You
Yes, let's round it up to sixty. Thanks for sorting it out.
Marco
That's very kind, thanks. Thanks for your patience. Do come again!

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofA table for two persons.
SayA table for two people.
The usual plural of “person” is “people”.
Instead ofGive me the bill please.
SayCan I have the bill please?
A question sounds more polite: “Can I have the bill?”
Instead ofThe account please.
SayThe bill please.
Before you pay, ask for “the bill”.
Instead ofI am allergy to nuts.
SayI'm allergic to nuts.
Say “I’m allergic to” plus the food.
Instead ofI'm allergic from nuts.
SayI'm allergic to nuts.
We say “allergic to” something.
Instead ofCan we divide the bill?
SayCan we split the bill?
For a bill, the usual verb is “split”.
Instead ofThe food is cold.
SayI'm afraid it's a bit cold.
“I’m afraid…” softens a complaint.
Instead ofCan you make it hot again?
SayCould you warm it up?
We say “warm it up” or “heat it up”.
Instead ofWe didn't take wine.
SayWe didn't order wine.
In a restaurant, you “order” or “have” things.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.