How to Order Food in English: Simple and Polite Phrases

Step 1: Greeting and Getting Started

When you arrive at a restaurant or café, it’s polite to start with a greeting and signal you’re ready to order:

• “Hi, I’d like to order, please.”

• “Hello, can I see the menu?”

• “I’m ready to order, thank you.”

More example:
“Hi, I’d like to order a sandwich and coffee, please.”

Step 2: Making Your Order

When ordering, be clear and polite. Use these phrases to order your food and drink:

• “I’ll have [food item], please.”

• “Can I get [food item] with [customization]?”

• “I’d like [food item] and [drink], please.”

More examples:

• “I’ll have a cheeseburger with fries, please.”

• “Can I get a salad without onions?”

Step 3: Asking About the Menu

If you’re unsure about the menu or need recommendations, you can ask the server:

• “What do you recommend?”

• “What’s the special today?”

• “Does this dish come with any sides?”

More example:

• “What do you recommend for dessert?”

Step 4: Special Requests

If you have dietary preferences or want to customize your meal, use these phrases:

• “Can I have this without [ingredient]?”

• “I’m allergic to [ingredient], can you leave it out?”

• “Is this dish gluten-free/vegetarian?”

More example:

• “Can I have this sandwich without mayonnaise, please?”

Step 5: Paying and Thanking

After finishing your meal, it’s important to know how to ask for the bill and thank the staff:

• “Can I have the bill, please?”

• “How much is it?”

• “Thank you so much!”

More example:

• “Can I have the bill, please? Thank you for your service.”

That’s it for today’s newsletter! Practice these phrases next time you’re ordering food, and soon you’ll be able to order confidently in any English-speaking restaurant or café.

Until tomorrow, happy learning!

Warm regards,

Niaj A A Khan

ESL Expert, ESLA