Restaurant

There are many opportunities to go to restaurants in daily life.

The Japanese used in restaurants can sometimes use unique expressions.

This page explains conversations that take place in restaurants.

When Entering a Restaurant

When you enter a restaurant, a waiter says “いらっしゃいませ” to you.

If you are asked how many people there are, tell the waiter the number.

If you are asked about your seating preference, tell the waiter your seating preference.

Once you tell the waiter the number of people and your seating preference, the waiter will guide you to your seat.

Once you sit down, you will be given a menu from which you can choose your food.

When Ordering Food

When you want to call a waiter to order food, say “すいません”. Some restaurants have a buzzer at your seat that you can use to call a waiter.

When a waiter comes to your seat, you order your food.

After ordering your food, if you are asked what you would like to drink, order a drink.

When You Don’t Know the Name of a Food

When you don’t know the name of a food you want to order, just point to the menu and say, “これをお願ねがいします”.

When Asking for Food Recommendations

When ordering food, if you don’t know what to order, you can ask for recommendations.

When asking for food recommendation, if a waiter asks you what foods you can’t eat, tell the waiter what you can’t eat.

When You Want To Know What Food It Is

When you look at a menu and don’t know what food it is, you can ask a waiter. You can also ask what kind of meat it is.

When You Want Something Other Than Food

When you want something other than food to be brought, you can say, “〇〇を持もってきてもらえますか？”.

When Asking Where the Toilet Is

If you don’t know where the toilet is, ask a waiter. In Japanese, it is called “トイレ” or “お手洗てあらい”.

When Paying for Everyone Together

When calling a waiter to pay the bill, say “すいません”. Some restaurants have a buzzer at your seat that you can use to call a waiter.

When a waiter comes, tell the waiter that you would like to pay for everyone together.

Once you have heard the amount, pay and leave the restaurant.

When Paying Separately

When calling a waiter to pay the bill, say “すいません”. Some restaurants have a buzzer at your seat that you can use to call a waiter.

When a waiter comes, tell the waiter that each person will pay separately.

Once you have heard the amount, pay and leave the restaurant.

When Making a Reservation

When making a reservation, you call the restaurant and tell the restaurant staff the date, time, your name and your phone number.

An increasing number of restaurants are now allowing you to make reservations via their websites or apps.