Study the 22 vocabulary terms below. Then continue to the activities.
- Are you paying together or separately?
- Can I close out your tab?
- Can I get you another round of drinks?
- Can I get you anything else?
- Can I get you started with something?
- Do you have a reservation?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions?
- Do you have any food allergies?
- Do you have room for dessert?
- Enjoy your meal!
- I will be with you shortly.
- I’ll check with the kitchen and see.
- I’m terribly sorry about that!
- Is everything alright?
- Our sommelier recommends…
- Thank you for dining with us!
- The restrooms are located…
- Welcome! How many in your party?
- What can I get you today?
- Would you like a starter?
- Would you like to start with an aperitif?
- Would you like to try a bowl or just a cup?
Closed-ended question
a question asked by waitstaff to check if customers are paying as one group, or splitting the bill equally
Are you paying together or separately? I can split the bill three-ways if you’d like.
Closed-ended question
an American English question, commonly asked in bars, which means to finalize an order and pay the bill
The waitress told the man at the bar: "I can close out your tab whenever you're ready, Sir."
Closed-ended question
a casual question asked by servers and bartenders when the guests' glasses are empty or nearly empty
The waiter asked: "Can I get you folks another round of drinks?" The customer responded: "No thanks, we just need the check please."
Open-ended question
a casual American English question used to ask if the customer wants to add something to their current order before the server brings out the check
Here is your coffee and danish pastry Ma'am. Can I get you anything else?
Open-ended question
a polite and friendly way to offer something at the beginning of a meal
Good evening! Can I get you started with some drinks or an appetizer? The jalapeño poppers are my personal favorite!
Closed-ended question
a question asked in a restaurant when guests show up, and the host wants to know if they booked a table in advance
Welcome to Fosconi's Italian eatery! Do you have a reservation, or would you like to be added to the waiting list?
Open-ended question
a polite way to ask if a customer avoids certain foods for health or religious reasons
Do you have any dietary restrictions? We have both vegetarian and vegan options available.
Open-ended question
a common safety question to check if a customer wishes to avoid certain foods: such as nuts, eggs, or dairy.
Do you have any food allergies? We can adjust the ingredients if needed.
Open-ended question
a common question asked by waitstaff to see if customers want something sweet after a meal
Do you have room for dessert? We have a lovely pecan pie served with vanilla ice cream!
Exclamation
A common and friendly thing to say after a server has fully delivered the meal to a table
Here’s your pasta and glass of Chianti. Enjoy your meal!
Declarative (statement)
a polite way to tell someone that you are currently busy with another task, but will return soon to take their order
I will be with you shortly. Please have a seat and take a look at the drinks and appetizers menu while you wait.
Declarative (statement)
a common response used by waitstaff when they don't know the answer to a customer's food-related question
The customer asked, "Can I get my spaghetti carbonara without bacon?" The waiter responded, "I honestly don't know, Ma'am. I will check with the kitchen and see".
Exclamation
a formal apology for a large mistake
The waiter spilled a drink in the man's lap, and then apologized saying, "I’m terribly sorry about that! Let me get a towel to help dry that off."
Open-ended question
a question asked by waitstaff to check if the customer is satisfied with the recently delivered food
The server returned to the table 5 minutes after serving the meal and asked, "Excuse me, is everything alright? Please let me know if you need anything else!"
Collocation
a phrase commonly used in fine dining or upscale restaurants where wine experts work
Our sommelier, Henrietta, usually recommends a glass of Chardonnay to go with your seafood platter.
Collocation
a semi-formal phrase used by waitstaff as customers prepare to exit the restaurant after paying the bill
Thank you for dining with us! We hope to see you again soon!
Noun (thing)
a fairly typical response to any question about the location of the toilet (UK) or bathroom (USA)
The restrooms are located down the stairs and to the left. Please be careful, as they just mopped and it might be slippery!
Closed-ended question
a common question, asked to determine the number of guests that need to be seated
Welcome to Chachi's Mexican Palace! How many in your party, please? Would you prefer to sit inside or out on the patio?
Open-ended question
a friendly and casual way to ask a customer what they would like to order
Welcome everyone! What can I get you to drink today?
Closed-ended question
a polite and direct way to ask if the customer wants a small dish before the main meal
Would you like a starter, before your main course? We have two options available: shrimp cocktail, or a fresh garden salad with your choice of blue cheese, or ranch dressing.
Closed-ended question
a question pertaining to ordering pre-dinner drinks which a waiter might ask in a formal or semi-formal restaurant serving European food
In France and Italy, enjoying an aperitif is a social tradition, often accompanied by small snacks like olives, nuts, or cheese.
Closed-ended question
a phrase where the waiter is asking if the customer wants a large or small soup
How hungry are you for soup today? Would you like to try a bowl or just a cup?