How to book a table at a restaurant in English
Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.
“Hello, I want to book a table for four people at eight o'clock.”
When: Your first line when you call the restaurant
The moment
You call a busy Italian restaurant in Brooklyn on a Friday to book a table for four at eight. You want to sit outside, and they might already be full.
A2 · Unit 1 · Eating out
The lines
I'd like to make a reservation
On the phone, start with 'I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.' Say the number of people after 'for' and the time after 'at'. 'I'd like' is polite and normal.
Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.
“Hello, I want to book a table for four people at eight o'clock.”
When to use it: Your first line when you call the restaurant
What you’ll hear back: Sure, what day were you thinking?
Walking in without a booking
If you just walk in, ask the host 'Do you have a table for two?' You do not need 'people' or 'persons'. The number is enough.
Hi, do you have a table for two?
“Hello, is there a free table for two people?”
When to use it: At the host stand when you arrive without a reservation
What you’ll hear back: It's about a twenty-minute wait. Can I get a name? (You have to wait around 20 minutes. What is your name?)
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| It's under Maria. | its UN-der muh-REE-uh | The reservation uses the name Maria. |
Hi, we have a reservation at eight. It's under Maria. Hello, we booked a table for eight o'clock with the name Maria. Tip: Hosts ask 'Name for the reservation?' Your first name is fine. | ||
| We're booked until nine. | weer BOOKT un-til NAIN | All tables are taken before nine o'clock. |
Sorry, we're booked until nine. Does nine-fifteen work for you? Sorry, there is no free table before nine. Is 9:15 OK for you? Tip: Don't hang up. Ask 'Anything earlier?' or take the later time. | ||
| Could we sit outside? | KUD-wee SIT owt-SAID | Is it possible to have a table outdoors? |
Could we sit outside if it's not too cold? Can we have a table outdoors if the weather is warm enough? Tip: Many NYC places have sidewalk seating in warm months only. | ||
Your objective
Book a table for tonight: give the number of people, a time and your name, and take another time if yours is full.
- the number of people
- a time
- your name
Lines that get it done
- Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.
- It's under Maria. · The reservation uses the name Maria.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You call a restaurant to book a table. What is the most natural first line?
- Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.
- Hello, I want reserve one table of four persons at eight.
- Hi, give me a table for four at eight hours.
- Hello, I would reservation a table for four people eight.
Show the answer
Hi, I'd like to make a reservation for four at eight.
'I'd like to make a reservation' is the standard polite opener, then 'for' + number and 'at' + time.
2. The host says, 'Sorry, we're booked until nine.' What does she mean?
- There are no free tables before nine o'clock.
- The restaurant closes at nine o'clock.
- You have to pay for the table before nine.
- Your table is ready now and you can stay until nine.
Show the answer
There are no free tables before nine o'clock.
'Booked' means all tables are reserved. 'Until nine' means a table is free at nine or later.
3. You walk into a restaurant with a friend and have no reservation. What do you say to the host?
- Hi, do you have a table for two?
- Hi, is there two tables for us?
- Hi, we are two persons for eat.
- Hi, can you make a reservation now?
Show the answer
Hi, do you have a table for two?
'Do you have a table for two?' is short and natural. Americans don't say 'persons' here.