FEATURED/3 Levels

Requesting Recommendations from the Waiter

Learn how to ask a waiter for recommendations at a restaurant. Our dialogues help you discover new dishes and feel more confident when you're not sure what to order.

SpeakItGo1 year ago6 min

Also Learn

FEATURED

Yesterday

Informing About a Food Allergy

Requesting Recommendations from the Waiter

FEATURED

Yesterday

Requesting Recommendations from the Waiter

FEATURED

Yesterday

Canceling a Reservation

Dialogue Practice

Interactive session for daily mastery

BEGINNER

Deciding on a Main Course

Customer :

Hello. What do you recommend today?

Waiter :

The roasted chicken is very good today.

Customer :

Is it spicy? I don't like hot food.

Waiter :

No, not at all. It is very mild and savory.

Customer :

Okay. I will have that, please.

Waiter :

Excellent choice. Would you like a drink with that?

Customer :

A soda with ice, please. Thank you!

Waiter :

Got it. One roasted chicken and one soda coming up.

Asking About Popular Dishes

Customer :

Everything looks delicious. What is popular here?

Waiter :

Our beef burger is very popular with customers.

Customer :

Does it come with fries or a salad?

Waiter :

It comes with a side of crispy fries.

Customer :

That sounds great. I'll take the burger.

Waiter :

Would you like to add cheese or bacon?

Customer :

Just cheese, please. No bacon for me.

Waiter :

Perfect. I'll put that order in for you now.

Vocabulary

recommend :To suggest that something is good and worth trying.

"What do you recommend from the menu?"

popular :Liked by many people.

"The seafood soup is very popular here."

Using 'I will have'

When ordering food, use 'I will have...' or 'I'll have...' for a natural and polite way to state your choice.

Corrections

✕Saying 'What is good here?'

✓Say 'What do you recommend?'

Key Takeaways

Don't be afraid to ask about ingredients if you have allergies.
Waiters are happy to help you choose a dish.
Keep your sentences simple and clear.

INTERMEDIATE

Inquiring About Daily Specials

Customer :

Could you tell us about the daily specials?

Waiter :

Certainly. We have a grilled sea bass with lemon butter.

Customer :

That sounds intriguing. Is the fish locally sourced?

Waiter :

Yes, it's delivered fresh from the coast every morning.

Customer :

I'm torn between that and the steak. Which do you prefer?

Waiter :

If you enjoy light flavors, the sea bass is definitely the way to go.

Customer :

I'll take your advice and go with the sea bass.

Waiter :

Wonderful. It’s a staff favorite as well!

Seeking a Wine Pairing

Customer :

I've decided on the lamb, but I'm unsure about the wine.

Waiter :

I’d suggest a full-bodied red to complement the richness of the meat.

Customer :

Do you have a specific recommendation from your cellar?

Waiter :

Our Cabernet Sauvignon is excellent and pairs beautifully with lamb.

Customer :

I'll take a glass of that, then. Thank you for the suggestion.

Waiter :

My pleasure. I'll bring the wine out while you wait for the main.

Customer :

Perfect, that sounds like a great start to the meal.

Waiter :

I'll be back shortly with your drink.

Vocabulary

specials :Dishes that are only available on a particular day.

"What are the chef's specials tonight?"

complement :To go well with something else.

"This wine really complements the cheese."

Modal Verbs for Politeness

Use 'Could you...' or 'Would you...' to make requests sound more sophisticated and polite.

Corrections

✕Using 'What is the special of today?'

✓Say 'What are today's specials?'

Key Takeaways

Mention your preferences (e.g., 'I prefer seafood') to get better recommendations.
It's common to ask the waiter which dish they personally like best.

ADVANCED

Discussing Flavor Profiles

Customer :

I’m looking for something with a complex flavor profile, perhaps a bit umami.

Waiter :

In that case, I’d point you toward the truffle-infused risotto.

Customer :

Interesting. How prominent is the truffle flavor? I don't want it to be overpowering.

Waiter :

It’s quite balanced, actually. The earthiness of the mushrooms provides a lovely depth.

Customer :

That sounds exactly like what I’m craving. Does it come with any garnish?

Waiter :

It's garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of aged balsamic.

Customer :

Sold. I’ll try the risotto. Thank you for the detailed description.

Waiter :

You’re very welcome. It’s one of our most sophisticated dishes.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions Politely

Customer :

I have several dietary restrictions; could you guide me through the menu?

Waiter :

Of course. If you let me know your specific needs, I can consult the chef.

Customer :

I'm strictly gluten-free and would prefer something plant-based if possible.

Waiter :

Our quinoa harvest bowl is naturally gluten-free and entirely vegan.

Customer :

That sounds promising. Can we substitute the dressing for something lighter?

Waiter :

We can certainly offer a simple lemon-tahini dressing instead.

Customer :

That would be perfect. I appreciate your flexibility and help.

Waiter :

It’s no trouble at all. We want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable meal.

Vocabulary

overpowering :Too strong or intense, masking other flavors.

"The garlic was a bit overpowering in the pasta."

garnish :A small amount of food used to decorate a dish.

"The chef added a parsley garnish to the plate."

Subjunctive and Hypothetical Language

Using 'I would prefer...' or 'I was wondering if...' adds a layer of formal politeness suitable for high-end dining.

Corrections

✕Saying 'I cannot eat this' without explanation.

✓Say 'I have a dietary restriction/allergy regarding...'

Key Takeaways

Advanced learners should use descriptive adjectives like 'earthy,' 'zesty,' or 'savory.'
Engaging in a dialogue about flavor shows high-level fluency.