click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Restaurant Vocab
English for beginners.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Reservation: | A prior arrangement with the restaurant to secure a table at a specific date and time. |
| Menu: | A restaurant food list or board displaying the available food and drink options. |
| Waiter/Waitress: | The restaurant staff member who attends to the diners, takes orders, and serves food and drinks. |
| Tip: | An optional gratuity given to the server as a gesture of appreciation for their service. |
| Bill/Check: | The itemized statement of the total amount owed for the food and beverages consumed. |
| Cuisine: | The style or type of cooking associated with a particular region or culture. |
| Cutlery: | Utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons used for eating and serving food. |
| Tablecloth: | A decorative covering placed on the table to provide a clean and presentable dining surface. |
| Chef: | The professional cook responsible for preparing and overseeing the kitchen operations. |
| Corkage: | The fee the restaurant charges for opening and serving a bottle of wine brought by the customer. |
| Sommelier: | A wine expert or specialist who assists in selecting and recommending wines to complement the meal. |
| Takeout: | Food ordered from a restaurant to be consumed off the premises, often in a to-go container. |
| Tableware: | The dishes, plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware used for serving and eating meals. |
| Host/Hostess: | The restaurant staff member who greets and seats customers upon arrival. |
| Napkin: | A piece of cloth or paper used to wipe or clean the hands and mouth while dining. |
| Places to Eat Out | Lugares para comer fuera de casa |
| Café: | A casual eatery where you can enjoy light meals, beverages, and desserts in a relaxed atmosphere. |
| Diner: | A casual restaurant, often characterized by its retro decor and a menu offering a variety of classic comfort foods. |
| Bistro: | A small, intimate place with a cozy ambiance and typically serving simple, hearty dishes. |
| Pub: | A traditional British-style bar that also serves food, offering a selection of drinks and pub grub. |
| Food Court: | A communal dining area within a shopping mall, housing multiple food stalls or fast-food chains. |
| Fine Dining Restaurant: | An upscale establishment offering high-quality cuisine, impeccable service, and an elegant atmosphere. |
| Fast Food Restaurant: | An eatery where you can quickly grab affordable, pre-prepared meals, often with a self-service model. (McDonald's, Burger King, and KFC are some examples to name a fast food restaurant) |
| Pizzeria: | A restaurant that prepares and serves pizzas, often with various toppings and styles. |
| Buffet: | A self-service style restaurant where various dishes are displayed for customers to help themselves to unlimited servings. |
| Food Truck: | A mobile restaurant that operates out of a truck or van, serving various types of street food. |
| Restaurant Food List or a Menu | Lista de Platillos o " La Carta" |
| Appetizers: | Small dishes served before the main course, typically intended to stimulate the appetite. |
| Entrees/Main Courses: | The main dish of a meal, often accompanied by side dishes, such as vegetables or starches. |
| Desserts: | Sweet dishes or confections served at the end of a meal, offering a delightful finale to your dining experience. |
| Beverages: | Refreshing drinks served alongside a meal, including soft drinks, juices, water, tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverages. |
| Specials of the Day: | Unique dishes or promotions the restaurant offers on a particular day, often based on seasonal availability. |
| Side Dishes: | Additional dishes served alongside the main course complementing and enhancing the meal's flavors. |
| Salads: | Fresh and light dishes made from various vegetables, often served with dressings and toppings. |
| Sandwiches: | A type of meal consisting of ingredients such as sliced bread, meat, cheese, and vegetables, often served cold or grilled. |
| Soups: | Liquid-based dishes made by combining various ingredients, typically served hot and enjoyed as a starter or a light meal. |
| Condiments: | Seasonings, sauces, or accompaniments like salt, pepper, ketchup, or mustard used to enhance the flavor of food. |
| Kids' Menu: | A specialized menu for children featuring smaller portions and dishes catered to their tastes. |
| Allergies: | Specific food sensitivities or adverse reactions that some individuals may have, requiring special attention to ingredient selection and preparation. |
| Useful Phrases for Dining Out | Frases que usamos al salir a comer a un lugar público ( restaurante) |
| "Could we have a table for [number of people], please?" - requesting a table for a specific number of guests. | Podrías darnos una mesa para (número de personas) Por favor? |
| "What do you recommend from the menu?" - seeking the waiter’s suggestion on the best dishes. | Qué nos recomiendas de la carta? |
| "I'd like to order the [dish or item] please." - placing your desired order with the server. | Me gustaría ordenar (platillo o artículo) |
| "Could I have some water, please?" - requesting a glass of water. | Podrías darme agua por favor? |
| "Is this dish spicy?" - inquiring about the level of spiciness in a particular dish. | Este plato es picante? |
| "Could I get a refill on my drink?" - asking for a refill of your beverage. | Me podrías rellenar mi bebida? |
| "Could we have separate checks, please?" - requesting individual bills for each person in a group. | Podrías darnos cuentas separadas? |
| "Could we have the bill/check, please?" - asking for the bill or check to settle the payment. | Podrías darnos la cuenta/el cheque ? |
| "Do you accept credit cards?" - inquiring about the restaurant's payment options. | Aceptan tarjeta de crédito? |
| "Could I have a takeout box for the leftovers, please?" - requesting a container to pack uneaten food. | Me podrías dar una cajita/ recipiente para llevar, por favor? ( para llevar comida sobrante. |
| "Is the service charge included in the bill?" - asking whether the gratuity is already added to the total amount. | Está agregado el cobro por el servicio en la cuenta? |
| "Could we have some more napkins, please?" - requesting additional napkins for the table. | Nos pueden dar más servilletas, por favor? |
| "Could I have a fork and knife, please?" - asking for utensils to eat with. | Podrías darme un cuchillo y tenedor? |
| "Is there a vegetarian/vegan option available?" - inquiring about plant-based meal choices. | Hay opciones vegetarianas o veganas disponibles? |
| "Could we have the menu, please?" - requesting the menu to browse the available options. | Nos podrías dar la carta por favor? Nos podrías dar un menú? |