How to Order Food & Dine Out in Japanese — Restaurant Phrases

From reading menus to splitting the bill, these lessons prepare you for every part of dining out in a Japanese-speaking country. Practice real restaurant conversations and food vocabulary.

The size of coffee you want.

The style of coffee, such as espresso, latte, cappuccino, Americano, mocha, etc.

Choice of bean which can vary by origin, roast type, or blend.

7-Eleven vs FamilyMart vs Lawson

Toyota vs Honda vs Nissan vs Mazda

Asahi vs Kirin vs Sapporo vs Suntory

Essential communication

Getting around and shopping

Dining out

Offer a genuine compliments about their style.

Buy them a drink after asking for their permission.

Use light teasing or playful jokes to build chemistry.

The basic checkout

Asking where something is

Buying services at the counter

Receiving prep instructions from the head chef

Clarifying quantities and portions

Reading and confirming a ticket or order from the pass

Number of guests

Checking table availability for specific dates and times.

Setting preferences for seating, such as indoor, outdoor, or specific views.

Giving a compliment

Introducing yourself

Inviting someone for a drink

Options such as type of milk, depending on dietary preferences or allergies.

Indicates whether the coffee is for in-store or to be taken out.

At the counter

Customizing your order

Payment

The opening and taking drink orders

Taking menu orders

Highlighting the menu

Directions to the restaurant

Directions to the hotel

Popular Japanese food

Confirming the reservation details, including date, time, and number of guests.

Asking about any ongoing promotions or special menus.

Requesting accommodations for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Exploring options for private or semi-private dining for groups.

Asking about accessibility features for disabled guests.

Essential communication

Getting around and shopping

Dining out

Specifying any dietary restrictions or special requests.

Understanding cancellation policies and deadlines.

Inquiring about parking or valet services.

Hostage: A Pizza Delivery Guy

Hostage: A Cat

Hostage: The TV Remote

Numbers

Paying the grocery bill

Specifying any dietary restrictions or special requests.

Understanding cancellation policies and deadlines.

Inquiring about parking or valet services.

Confirming the reservation details, including date, time, and number of guests.

Asking about any ongoing promotions or special menus.

Requesting accommodations for special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Exploring options for private or semi-private dining for groups.

Asking about accessibility features for disabled guests.

Number of guests

Checking table availability for specific dates and times.

Setting preferences for seating, such as indoor, outdoor, or specific views.

Options such as type of milk, depending on dietary preferences or allergies.

Indicates whether the coffee is for in-store or to be taken out.

The size of coffee you want.

The style of coffee, such as espresso, latte, cappuccino, Americano, mocha, etc.

Choice of bean which can vary by origin, roast type, or blend.

Suggest moving to a quieter spot in the bar to continue talking.

Pick-up or drop-off locations

Fare disputes

Route choice

Payment methods

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