Lunch at a restaurant in English, from table to bill
Table for two, please.
“We want a table for two people, please.”
When: When you walk into a restaurant and want to sit down
The moment
You and a friend walk into a neighborhood restaurant in the East Village for lunch. Get a table, ask about one dish, order food and drinks, answer the server's question, and pay the check.
A1 · Unit 2 · Café & food · Checkpoint
This is the unit’s checkpoint: one roleplay that puts the unit’s scenes together.
The lines
Getting a table
At the door, say "Table for" and the number of people. "Table for two, please." The host then takes you to a table.
Table for two, please.
“We want a table for two people, please.”
When to use it: When you walk into a restaurant and want to sit down
What you’ll hear back: Right this way. (Please follow me.)
Asking for the check
In the US the server does not always bring the bill. You ask: "Can we get the check, please?" "Check" means the bill.
Can we get the check, please?
“Please bring us the bill.”
When to use it: When you finish eating and want to pay
What you’ll hear back: Sure, I'll be right back with that. (Yes, I'll bring it soon.)
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Everything's great, thanks. | EV-ree-thingz GRAYT THANKS | The food and service are good. |
Yes, everything's great, thanks. Yes, all is good, thank you. Tip: Servers check in mid-meal with "How is everything?" Just answer briefly. | ||
| Fries, please. | FRAIZ PLEEZ | I choose the fried potatoes. |
Fries or salad? Fries, please. Do I want potatoes or salad? Potatoes, please. Tip: Servers often ask "Fries or salad?" Just say one word back. | ||
| Is the tip included? | iz-thuh TIP in-KLOO-did | Is the extra money for the server already in the price? |
Thanks! Is the tip included? Thank you! Is the extra money for the server already on the bill? Tip: Usually not. Leave 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants. | ||
Your objective
Ask for a table, ask what one dish has in it, order a main and a drink, and ask for the bill at the end.
- a table
- your main and your drink
- the bill
Lines that get it done
- Table for two, please.
- Fries, please. · I choose the fried potatoes.
- Thanks! Is the tip included? · Thank you! Is the extra money for the server already on the bill?
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You and one friend walk into a restaurant. What do you say to the host?
- Table for two, please.
- Two tables, please.
- We are a table.
- Can I get two menus?
Show the answer
Table for two, please.
"Table for" plus the number of people asks for a place to sit.
2. The server asks, "How is everything?" What does the server mean?
- Do you like the food so far?
- Do you want to pay now?
- How are you feeling today?
- Do you want more food?
Show the answer
Do you like the food so far?
"How is everything?" checks if your meal is OK. Say "Everything's great, thanks."
3. You finished eating and want to pay. What do you say?
- Can we get the check, please?
- Can we check it, please?
- Can we get the money, please?
- Can we pay the menu, please?
Show the answer
Can we get the check, please?
In a US restaurant, the bill is called "the check", and you usually ask for it.