[Music] hello everyone Welcome back to another great lesson with us here at English Pod My name is Marco And I'm Erica And today we're going out to eat Yes Good thing too cuz I'm hungry I know It's almost lunchtime Yeah So today we're going to be talking about eating at a restaurant and giving some great recommendations and suggestions Yes We have language for describing food for describing restaurants and for making suggestions Great So let's start with our vocabulary preview for this lesson Vocabulary preview We have two words today from our dialogue which you'll need to
know to understand the dialogue Great The first one that we have today is food poisoning Food poisoning Food poisoning Food poisoning So food poisoning is not a good thing Not a good thing It is when you eat some bad food and that food makes you sick So you get food poisoning Okay So food poisoning Yeah Not a good thing Okay The next word Allergic Allergic Allergic Allergic So when you're allergic to something um it makes you sick That one thing makes you sick Right for example I'm allergic to seafood Right if I eat seafood I
cannot breathe Oh okay So you definitely want to stay away from fish Yes Yes Some people are allergic to nuts like peanuts or maybe milk Milk Yeah Cool So when one type of food makes you sick you are allergic to that food Okay great So with this in mind now we can listen to our dialogue for the first time at its normal speed But don't worry if you don't get everything now because we'll come back and teach you the important language [Music] Do you two have any plans for the evening we were thinking of checking
out a restaurant in the neighborhood Do you have any suggestions i know this really nice Italian place The food is fantastic and the decor is beautiful I'd recommend giving it a try Actually I'm not all that crazy about Italian food I'm in the mood for something a bit lighter In that case I know a great little bistro They make a really tasty seafood platter The fish is outstanding It sounds fantastic but I'm allergic to seafood So okay Well let me think Um Oh I know this great little place It's just a hole in the wall
but they do the most amazing sandwiches You got to give them a try Ella you took me there last time I visited and I got food poisoning remember [Music] Well I'm getting hungry just thinking about all of those great restaurants Yeah some really good recommendations except for food poisoning right no not so good Let's start with our language takeaway for this lesson Language takeaway Our first word on language takeaway is check out Check out Check out Check out So we have some great examples on how we can use check out in different situations and then
you can understand the meaning Example one Have you been to the new cafe next door yeah I checked it out yesterday The food was great Example two Hey check out my new car Example three I'm going to take out that new shopping mall this weekend So I can understand that it just means look at Yeah Look at or Yeah Or go see So let's go check out that new bar in town Yeah Okay Cool Next word is beastrobe Beastrobe Beastrobe Beastrobe So what's a beastro it's kind of complicated but it's like a small restaurant that's
not really cheap though Not so cheap but not so expensive Uhhuh And um it's usually French Yes So it's Yeah small informal restaurant Yeah Beastro Mhm Okay So our third phrase for today is not all that crazy about Not all that crazy about I'm not all that crazy about Okay Again kind of a funny phrase but we've got some examples that will help you understand the meaning Example one Do you want to go shopping with me tomorrow i'm not all that crazy about shopping I don't like spending money Example two I'm not crazy about jazz
music Can I change the song so this is just a really polite way of saying you don't like something Exactly But now the opposite of this would be tasty Tasty That's our fourth word Tasty Tasty So when something is tasty it's good It's good Like delicious Delicious Yeah You know what in English we almost never say the food is delicious but we always say it's really tasty Yes This is really tasty Yes Okay tasty And our last phrase for language takeaway in the mood for In the mood for In the mood for Let's listen to
some examples of this phrase and we'll understand the meaning a little bit better Example one We always eat hamburgers for dinner I'm in the mood for something different Example two Let's watch a movie How about Texas Chainsaw Massacre i am not in the mood for a horror movie So if I'm in the mood for something I feel like doing or eating or watching or Yeah It means you want to do that now Yeah I'm in the mood for Okay Some great language we just looked at and I think it's time for us to listen to
the dialogue a second time [Music] Do you two have any plans for the evening we were thinking of checking out a restaurant in the neighborhood Do you have any suggestions i know this really nice Italian place The food is fantastic and the decor is beautiful I'd recommend giving it a try Actually I'm not all that crazy about Italian food I'm in the mood for something a bit lighter In that case I know a great little bistro They make a really tasty seafood platter The fish is outstanding It sounds fantastic but I'm allergic to seafood So
okay Well let me think Oh I know this great little place It's just a hole in the wall but they do the most amazing sandwiches You've got to give them a try Ella you took me there last time I visited and I got food poisoning Remember okay Some really great and useful phrases there And I know you want to talk about specifically some of these phrases Yes Today's lesson is all about making recommendations Right Right So let's look at some useful phrases in Fluency Builder Fluency Builder So in the dialogue we heard a great way
of asking for a suggestion That's right Let's listen Do you have any suggestions do you have any suggestions so that's how you would ask for a suggestion Or you can say something else like do you have any ideas yeah Or you might say "Do you have any thoughts?" Mhm Okay So that's three great ways asking for suggestions Yep In response to this you can say something like this I'd recommend giving it a try I'd recommend giving it a try We also heard another phrase that we use for giving suggestions You've got to give them a
try You've got to give them a try So these two phrases are great I'd recommend or you got to give them a try Yeah Great ways of suggesting Yes Now what's really important here is the pronunciation of these words right yeah You'll notice that we don't say I would recommend Right we use the contraction I' I'd I'd recommend I'd recommend Similarly in the phrase you have got to we shorten that to say you gota You gota you got to give them a try You got to Mhm You know what guys if you can shorten your
phrases like this if you can push the sounds together you'll sound a lot more natural Hey and also you'll be able to understand because in movies or in shows they will never say "You have got to give them a try." Yeah So if you know how to use this form you'll understand what they mean exactly Okay Great Well why don't we listen to the dialogue a third time and you'll hear some of these contractions in the dialogue [Music] Do you two have any plans for the evening we were thinking of checking out a restaurant in
the neighborhood Do you have any suggestions i know this really nice Italian place The food is fantastic and the decor is beautiful I'd recommend giving it a try Actually I'm not all that crazy about Italian food I'm in the mood for something a bit lighter In that case I know a great little bistro They make a really tasty seafood platter The fish is outstanding It sounds fantastic but I'm allergic to seafood so Okay Well let me think Um Oh I know this great little place It's just a hole in the wall but they do the
most amazing sandwiches You can't give them a try Ella you took me there last time I visited and I got food poisoning Remember okay great dialogue And Erica I know that you have some food poisoning stories for us Well I don't know about stories but I've definitely had food poisoning before Um one of the worst times that I ever had food poisoning was uh when I was traveling in Morocco Okay I had some really amazing orange juice really fresh squeeze that day in the morning Um and then I got on a bus Okay I think
you can see where this is going Yeah So I was on the bus and then I started to feel really sick Um and I was just hoping and hoping and hoping that the bus ride would be over soon but unfortunately it wasn't Oh no All I can say is that I was sick and I All I can say is that I was pretty sick and really really unhappy Yeah I bet Well that's very strange that you got sick from uh orange juice Huh Well yeah Maybe it was with some dirty water or something like that
I don't know It was just It was a terrible situation Yeah It's always complicated when you're traveling to other countries It could be the water It could be the the way they prepare things So yeah Yeah Food poisoning Guys I hope that you don't get food poisoning And if you have any food poisoning stories it would be great for you to share them Yes Eating at a restaurant Eating at a restaurant is something many people do in their daily lives It can be for a quick lunch a special dinner or just to enjoy a nice
meal with friends or family When people eat at restaurants they have to speak and understand some English especially if they are in an English-speaking country They need to know how to read a menu how to ask for a table how to order food and how to talk to the waiter or waitress These are very useful skills for everyday life For English learners going to a restaurant is a great way to practice speaking and listening It helps them learn new words for food and drinks understand questions and answers and speak in full sentences This topic will
help learners feel more confident when they visit a restaurant They will learn what to say how to listen carefully and how to enjoy the experience Whether it is a small calf or a big restaurant knowing how to use English in this situation is very helpful Arriving at the restaurant and asking for a table When you go to a restaurant the first thing you do is arrive at the entrance or front desk This is where someone who works at the restaurant often called the host or hostess will welcome you If it is a busy time there
might be a short line of people waiting If it is quiet you might walk in and speak to someone right away It is polite to say hello or good evening when you arrive Then you can ask for a table If you are alone you can say a table for one please If you are with a friend you can say a table for two please You can change the number depending on how many people are in your group This is one of the most important sentences to remember A table for number please Sometimes the host or
hostess may ask "Do you have a reservation?" A reservation means you called the restaurant earlier and asked them to save a table for you If you did you can say yes I have a reservation My name is your name If you did not you can say no I don't Do you have a table available they may ask you to wait for a few minutes if the restaurant is full The host or hostess might say "Right this way," and then take you to your table They will usually give you a menu and say something like "Your
server will be with you shortly." That means the waiter or waitress will come to your table soon to take your order Sometimes you might want to ask for something special You can say "Can we sit by the window or is there a quiet table?" If the restaurant is not too busy they will usually say yes If they cannot give you what you ask for they will say something polite like "I'm sorry that area is full right now." This part of the restaurant experience is important because it helps you practice polite greetings asking questions and giving
simple answers You do not need to use long or difficult sentences Short and clear English is best It is also helpful to listen carefully to what the host or hostess says so you can understand where to go and what to do next Understanding the menu and ordering food After you sit down at your table the waiter or waitress will usually bring you a menu The menu shows all the food and drink choices that the restaurant offers Sometimes it is printed on paper sometimes it is in a booklet and sometimes it is shown on a screen
or a board on the wall At some modern restaurants there might even be a QR code that you scan with your phone to see the menu Understanding the menu is a very important step when eating at a restaurant The menu is usually divided into different sections These sections may include appetizers or starters main courses side dishes drinks and desserts Some menus also have vegetarian or vegan sections gluten-free options or a list of the chef's specials If you do not understand some of the words on the menu that's okay Many menus have pictures that can help
If there are no pictures you can ask the server to explain You can say things like "Excuse me what is this?" Or "Can you tell me what is in this dish?" You can also ask "Is it spicy or is it sweet or salty?" These questions will help you make a good choice especially if you are trying a new food for the first time When you're ready to order the waiter or waitress will usually ask "Are you ready to order?" or "What would you like to have?" You can answer by saying "I'll have the chicken salad
please." Or "Can I have the beef sandwich please?" It is polite to say "Please when ordering." If you want to ask for a drink you can say "I'd like a glass of water." Or "Can I get an orange juice?" Sometimes you might want to make a small change to your order For example you can say "Can I have the sandwich without cheese?" Or "I don't eat meat." Is there a vegetarian option most restaurants will try to help with these requests You can also ask for more time by saying "Can I have a few more minutes
please?" If you are not ready to order yet it is also important to listen carefully to the questions the server might ask They may ask "Would you like fries or a salad with that?" or "What kind of dressing would you like?" If you do not understand you can politely say "Sorry can you say that again?" Or "Could you speak more slowly please?" Ordering food is not just about choosing what to eat It's a real conversation where you use English in a natural way You learn new words practice polite phrases and grow more confident in speaking
and listening It's okay to feel a little nervous but remember that it gets easier with practice Most people will be happy that you are trying and they will support you Reading the menu and ordering food is a big part of the restaurant experience It helps you feel more independent and it teaches you useful language for many different situations Whether you order something simple or something new and exciting it's a great way to enjoy both the food and the chance to learn talking with the server during the meal Once you have ordered your food and drinks
there is often a short wait while the kitchen prepares your meal During this time the server may come back to your table to bring your drinks or to check if you need anything else It is a good moment to practice small conversations in English and to listen carefully to what they say The server might ask "Would you like anything else?" or "Do you need anything?" If you would like something more you can answer yes Could I get some extra napkins or yes can I have some ketchup please if you don't need anything a simple no
Thank you is polite and clear When the food arrives the server usually says something like "Here you go." or "Enjoy your meal." It is friendly to say thank you with a smile This shows good manners and helps you feel more comfortable in the conversation If something is missing or not correct you can politely point it out You might say "Excuse me I think this is not what I ordered or I asked for no onions Could you please fix this?" Most servers will be happy to help if you are polite and kind As you eat the
server may return to your table to check on you They often say "How is everything?" or "Is everything okay with your meal?" This is a chance for you to speak up if you need anything You can say yes everything is great or it's very good Thank you If there is a problem you can say it's a little too salty or the food is a bit cold It is important to be honest but always speak in a calm and respectful way You can also ask for more of something For example can I have more water please
or could we get another spoon if you are sharing food with a friend and need extra plates you can say "Could we get an extra plate please?" These are simple but useful sentences that can help you feel more in control of the situation Sometimes during the meal you might want to ask about dessert or other items You can say "Do you have any desserts today?" or "What do you recommend for dessert?" Asking questions like this helps you practice new vocabulary and shows you are interested in learning more Speaking with the server during the meal is
not only about food It's also about making small talk and showing appreciation You might say something nice like the soup is delicious or thank you for your help These little moments of conversation help build your confidence in English and give you realworld practice in being polite and clear If you need to leave the table for a moment you can tell the server or your friend "I'll be right back." Or "Excuse me for a moment." If someone at your table needs help you can help them ask by saying "My friend would like some more water please."
Or "Could we have another fork for her?" Talking with the server during the meal is a normal and helpful part of eating at a restaurant It gives you many chances to use polite English ask questions listen to answers and respond naturally These are all important skills for English learners who want to feel more confident and more comfortable in everyday situations Asking for the bill and paying After you have finished eating and enjoying your meal the next step at a restaurant is asking for the bill and paying This moment is important and it is another chance
to practice polite and useful English Many learners feel nervous about it but it's easier when you know what to say and what to expect When you are ready to leave you can get the server's attention by making eye contact or raising your hand slightly Then you can say "Could we have the bill please?" or "Can I get the check please?" In some places bill is the usual word And in others like the United States people often say check Both words mean the same thing the paper that shows how much you have to pay for the
food and drinks Sometimes the server brings the bill without being asked especially if they see that everyone at the table has finished eating They might say "Whenever you're ready or here's your bill." You can take your time to look at it If something looks wrong it's okay to ask a question You can say "Excuse me I think there is a mistake." Or "I didn't order this item Could you check it please?" Always speak kindly and calmly When you look at the bill it will usually show each item you ordered and the price In many countries
tax and tip are also added Tax is the extra money added by the government Tip also called gratuitity is extra money you give to thank the server for their service In some countries tipping is not expected but in others it is very common If the tip is not included it is polite to leave about 10 20% of the total amount You can ask if you are not sure A polite way to ask is "Is service included or should I leave a tip?" There are different ways to pay You can pay with cash or with a
credit or debit card If you pay with cash you can say "I'll pay in cash." The server may take your money and bring back the change If you want to leave the tip in cash you can leave it on the table when you leave If you pay with a card you can say "Can I pay by card?" Or "Do you take credit cards?" The server might bring a small machine to your table Or they may take your card and return with a receipt In some situations people want to split the bill This means each person
pays for their own food or part of the meal You can ask "Can we split the bill or can we pay separately?" Some restaurants allow this and some prefer one person to pay the full bill If you are with friends it is good to agree before asking the server You might say to your friend "Do you want to share the bill or let's each pay for what we ordered?" After paying it is polite to say "Thank you very much." or "The food was great." This leaves a good impression and shows that you enjoyed your time
at the restaurant If the server was especially kind or helpful you can say something nice like "You were very helpful Thank you." Asking for the bill and paying is the last part of your restaurant experience but it is just as important as the beginning It is your final chance to speak English Be polite and use your skills in a real situation Learning how to pay in English helps you feel more independent and confident when traveling working or living in an English-speaking place Even if you make small mistakes that's okay The most important thing is to
try to listen carefully and to speak with confidence People will understand that you are learning and most will be happy to help With each visit to a restaurant your English will improve and you will feel more at home in any setting Reflecting on the experience and building confidence After you finish your meal pay the bill and leave the restaurant it's a good time to think back on the experience Eating at a restaurant isn't just about food It's also about practicing communication understanding culture and feeling more confident using English in the real world For English learners
every visit to a restaurant is a learning opportunity From the moment you arrive and ask for a table to reading the menu ordering food talking with the server and paying the bill you are using English in natural and meaningful ways These are not exercises from a textbook These are real conversations real people and real life situations And every part of it helps your language grow stronger You may want to ask yourself a few simple questions after the experience What new words did I hear today did I speak clearly and politely was I able to understand
the server did I feel comfortable asking questions by thinking about your answers you can see your progress You might realize that you understood more than you expected or that you were able to order food all by yourself That's something to feel proud of Even if there were small mistakes or moments of confusion that's okay Mistakes are a natural part of learning Everyone who learns a language makes them including native speakers What matters most is your effort and your willingness to try Every time you speak English even just a little you are getting better You might
also think about how different restaurants have different styles For example in some places the service is very formal and the server may speak in a more professional way In other places the atmosphere is relaxed and the language used is more casual Learning to listen to the tone and style of the conversation is another valuable skill It helps you know when to say good evening and when a friendly hi there is enough Another part of building confidence is preparing for next time You can practice common restaurant phrases with a friend or teacher You can learn the
names of new foods or drinks You can even watch videos of restaurant conversations online and repeat the sentences aloud The more familiar you are with the language the easier it becomes when you use it in real life Also try to celebrate your progress If you were able to ask for a table order your favorite dish and thank the server in English you've done something wonderful That's communication That's connection That's success Restaurants are not only places to eat They are places where language lives and breathes Every smile every question every polite word builds a bridge between
people As an English learner you are not just learning grammar and vocabulary You are learning how to be part of the world how to share moments with others and how to feel at home wherever you are So the next time you visit a restaurant remember all that you've learned Go in with confidence speak with kindness listen with curiosity and enjoy the experience not just as a customer but as a growing English speaker ready for whatever comes next The English Pod audio review Listen to the meaning then say the vocabulary word Look at something that is
attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic decoration decor Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for not heavy on stomach easy to digest Light Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Delicious Tasting good Tasty Excellent Outstanding Have allergy towards something usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Let's try that faster Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Have allergy towards something Usually food Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for look at
something that is attractive Check out have allergy towards something usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Delicious Tasting good Tasty Look at something that is attractive Check out Have allergy towards something Usually food Delicious Tasting good Tasty Not heavy on stomach Easy to digest Light Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Extremely good Fantastic Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Decoration Decor A very
small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Decoration Decor Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Not heavy on stomach Easy to digest Light Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Look at something that is attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic Now say the word and hear it in a sentence Check out I checked out the new cafe yesterday and the food was great in the mood for i'm not in the mood
for a horror movie Food poisoning If you don't wash the fruit carefully you'll get food poisoning Tasty M This pasta is really tasty Outstanding The chocolate cake here is outstanding In the mood for I'm not in the mood for a horror movie Eating at a restaurant Eating at a restaurant is something many people do in their daily lives It can be for a quick lunch a special dinner or just to enjoy a nice meal with friends or family When people eat at restaurants they have to speak and understand some English especially if they are in
an English-speaking country They need to know how to read a menu how to ask for a table how to order food and how to talk to the waiter or waitress These are very useful skills for everyday life For English learners going to a restaurant is a great way to practice speaking and listening It helps them learn new words for food and drinks understand questions and answers and speak in full sentences This topic will help learners feel more confident when they visit a restaurant They will learn what to say how to listen carefully and how to
enjoy the experience Whether it is a small calf or a big restaurant knowing how to use English in this situation is very helpful Arriving at the restaurant and asking for a table When you go to a restaurant the first thing you do is arrive at the entrance or front desk This is where someone who works at the restaurant often called the host or hostess will welcome you If it is a busy time there might be a short line of people waiting If it is quiet you might walk in and speak to someone right away It
is polite to say hello or good evening when you arrive Then you can ask for a table If you are alone you can say a table for one please If you are with a friend you can say a table for two please You can change the number depending on how many people are in your group This is one of the most important sentences to remember A table for number please Sometimes the host or hostess may ask "Do you have a reservation?" A reservation means you called the restaurant earlier and asked them to save a table
for you If you did you can say yes I have a reservation My name is your name If you did not you can say no I don't Do you have a table available they may ask you to wait for a few minutes if the restaurant is full The host or hostess might say "Right this way," and then take you to your table They will usually give you a menu and say something like "Your server will be with you shortly." That means the waiter or waitress will come to your table soon to take your order Sometimes
you might want to ask for something special You can say "Can we sit by the window?" Or "Is there a quiet table?" If the restaurant is not too busy they will usually say yes If they cannot give you what you ask for they will say something polite like I'm sorry that area is full right now This part of the restaurant experience is important because it helps you practice polite greetings asking questions and giving simple answers You do not need to use long or difficult sentences Short and clear English is best It is also helpful to
listen carefully to what the host or hostess says so you can understand where to go and what to do next Understanding the menu and ordering food After you sit down at your table the waiter or waitress will usually bring you a menu The menu shows all the food and drink choices that the restaurant offers Sometimes it is printed on paper sometimes it is in a booklet and sometimes it is shown on a screen or a board on the wall At some modern restaurants there might even be a QR code that you scan with your phone
to see the menu Understanding the menu is a very important step when eating at a restaurant The menu is usually divided into different sections These sections may include appetizers or starters main courses side dishes drinks and desserts Some menus also have vegetarian or vegan sections gluten-free options or a list of the chef's specials If you do not understand some of the words on the menu that's okay Many menus have pictures that can help If there are no pictures you can ask the server to explain You can say things like "Excuse me what is this?" or
"Can you tell me what is in this dish?" You can also ask "Is it spicy or is it sweet or salty?" These questions will help you make a good choice especially if you are trying a new food for the first time When you're ready to order the waiter or waitress will usually ask "Are you ready to order?" or "What would you like to have?" You can answer by saying "I'll have the chicken salad please." Or "Can I have the beef sandwich please?" It is polite to say "Please when ordering." If you want to ask for
a drink you can say "I'd like a glass of water." Or "Can I get an orange juice?" Sometimes you might want to make a small change to your order For example you can say "Can I have the sandwich without cheese?" or "I don't eat meat." "Is there a vegetarian option?" Most restaurants will try to help with these requests You can also ask for more time by saying "Can I have a few more minutes please?" If you are not ready to order yet it is also important to listen carefully to the questions the server might ask
They may ask "Would you like fries or a salad with that?" or what kind of dressing would you like if you do not understand you can politely say "Sorry can you say that again?" Or "Could you speak more slowly please?" Ordering food is not just about choosing what to eat It's a real conversation where you use English in a natural way You learn new words practice polite phrases and grow more confident in speaking and listening It's okay to feel a little nervous but remember that it gets easier with practice Most people will be happy that
you are trying and they will support you Reading the menu and ordering food is a big part of the restaurant experience It helps you feel more independent and it teaches you useful language for many different situations Whether you order something simple or something new and exciting it's a great way to enjoy both the food and the chance to learn Talking with the server during the meal Once you have ordered your food and drinks there is often a short wait while the kitchen prepares your meal During this time the server may come back to your table
to bring your drinks or to check if you need anything else It is a good moment to practice small conversations in English and to listen carefully to what they say The server might ask "Would you like anything else?" or "Do you need anything?" If you would like something more you can answer yes Could I get some extra napkins or yes can I have some ketchup please if you don't need anything a simple no Thank you is polite and clear When the food arrives the server usually says something like "Here you go." or "Enjoy your meal."
It is friendly to say thank you with a smile This shows good manners and helps you feel more comfortable in the conversation If something is missing or not correct you can politely point it out You might say "Excuse me I think this is not what I ordered or I asked for no onions Could you please fix this?" Most servers will be happy to help if you are polite and kind As you eat the server may return to your table to check on you They often say "How is everything?" or "Is everything okay with your meal?"
This is a chance for you to speak up if you need anything You can say yes everything is great or it's very good thank you If there is a problem you can say it's a little too salty or the food is a bit cold It is important to be honest but always speak in a calm and respectful way You can also ask for more of something For example can I have more water please or could we get another spoon if you are sharing food with a friend and need extra plates you can say "Could we
get an extra plate please?" These are simple but useful sentences that can help you feel more in control of the situation Sometimes during the meal you might want to ask about dessert or other items You can say "Do you have any desserts today?" or "What do you recommend for dessert?" Asking questions like this helps you practice new vocabulary and shows you are interested in learning more Speaking with the server during the meal is not only about food It's also about making small talk and showing appreciation You might say something nice like the soup is delicious
or thank you for your help These little moments of conversation help build your confidence in English and give you realworld practice in being polite and clear If you need to leave the table for a moment you can tell the server or your friend "I'll be right back." Or "Excuse me for a moment." If someone at your table needs help you can help them ask by saying "My friend would like some more water please." Or "Could we have another fork for her?" Talking with the server during the meal is a normal and helpful part of eating
at a restaurant It gives you many chances to use polite English ask questions listen to answers and respond naturally These are all important skills for English learners who want to feel more confident and more comfortable in everyday situations Asking for the bill and paying After you have finished eating and enjoying your meal the next step at a restaurant is asking for the bill and paying This moment is important and it is another chance to practice polite and useful English Many learners feel nervous about it but it's easier when you know what to say and what
to expect When you are ready to leave you can get the server's attention by making eye contact or raising your hand slightly Then you can say "Could we have the bill please?" or "Can I get the check please?" In some places bill is the usual word And in others like the United States people often say check Both words mean the same thing the paper that shows how much you have to pay for the food and drinks Sometimes the server brings the bill without being asked especially if they see that everyone at the table has finished
eating They might say "Whenever you're ready or here's your bill." You can take your time to look at it If something looks wrong it's okay to ask a question You can say "Excuse me I think there is a mistake." Or "I didn't order this item Could you check it please?" Always speak kindly and calmly When you look at the bill it will usually show each item you ordered and the price In many countries tax and tip are also added Tax is the extra money added by the government Tip also called gratuitity is extra money you
give to thank the server for their service In some countries tipping is not expected but in others it is very common If the tip is not included it is polite to leave about 10 20% of the total amount You can ask if you are not sure A polite way to ask is "Is service included or should I leave a tip?" There are different ways to pay You can pay with cash or with a credit or debit card If you pay with cash you can say "I'll pay in cash." The server may take your money and
bring back the change If you want to leave the tip in cash you can leave it on the table when you leave If you pay with a card you can say "Can I pay by card?" Or "Do you take credit cards?" The server might bring a small machine to your table Or they may take your card and return with a receipt In some situations people want to split the bill This means each person pays for their own food or part of the meal You can ask "Can we split the bill or can we pay separately?"
Some restaurants allow this and some prefer one person to pay the full bill If you are with friends it is good to agree before asking the server You might say to your friend "Do you want to share the bill or let's each pay for what we ordered?" After paying it is polite to say "Thank you very much." or "The food was great." This leaves a good impression and shows that you enjoyed your time at the restaurant If the server was especially kind or helpful you can say something nice like "You were very helpful Thank you."
Asking for the bill and paying is the last part of your restaurant experience but it is just as important as the beginning It is your final chance to speak English Be polite and use your skills in a real situation Learning how to pay in English helps you feel more independent and confident when traveling working or living in an English-speaking place Even if you make small mistakes that's okay The most important thing is to try to listen carefully and to speak with confidence People will understand that you are learning and most will be happy to help
With each visit to a restaurant your English will improve and you will feel more at home in any setting Reflecting on the experience and building confidence After you finish your meal pay the bill and leave the restaurant it's a good time to think back on the experience Eating at a restaurant isn't just about food It's also about practicing communication understanding culture and feeling more confident using English in the real world For English learners every visit to a restaurant is a learning opportunity From the moment you arrive and ask for a table to reading the menu
ordering food talking with the server and paying the bill you are using English in natural and meaningful ways These are not exercises from a textbook These are real conversations real people and real life situations and every part of it helps your language grow stronger You may want to ask yourself a few simple questions after the experience What new words did I hear today did I speak clearly and politely was I able to understand the server did I feel comfortable asking questions by thinking about your answers you can see your progress You might realize that you
understood more than you expected or that you were able to order food all by yourself That's something to feel proud of Even if there were small mistakes or moments of confusion that's okay Mistakes are a natural part of learning Everyone who learns a language makes them including native speakers What matters most is your effort and your willingness to try Every time you speak English even just a little you are getting better You might also think about how different restaurants have different styles For example in some places the service is very formal and the server may
speak in a more professional way In other places the atmosphere is relaxed and the language used is more casual Learning to listen to the tone and style of the conversation is another valuable skill It helps you know when to say good evening and when a friendly hi there is enough Another part of building confidence is preparing for next time You can practice common restaurant phrases with a friend or teacher You can learn the names of new foods or drinks You can even watch videos of restaurant conversations online and repeat the sentences aloud The more familiar
you are with the language the easier it becomes when you use it in real life Also try to celebrate your progress If you were able to ask for a table order your favorite dish and thank the server in English you've done something wonderful That's communication That's connection That's success Restaurants are not only places to eat They are places where language lives and breathes Every smile every question every polite word builds a bridge between people As an English learner you are not just learning grammar and vocabulary You are learning how to be part of the world
how to share moments with others and how to feel at home wherever you are So the next time you visit a restaurant remember all that you've learned Go in with confidence speak with kindness listen with curiosity and enjoy the experience Not just as a customer but as a growing English speaker ready for whatever comes next The English Pod audio review Listen to the meaning then say the vocabulary word Look at something that is attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic decoration decor Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for not heavy
on stomach easy to digest Light small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Delicious Tasting good Tasty Excellent Outstanding Have allergy towards something usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Let's try that faster Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Have allergy towards something Usually food Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for look at something that is attractive Check out have allergy towards something usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in
the wall Delicious Tasting good Tasty Look at something that is attractive Check out Have allergy towards something Usually food Delicious Tasting good Tasty Not heavy on stomach Easy to digest Light Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Extremely good Fantastic Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro decoration decor A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Decoration Decor Have a desire for something or to do something In
the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Not heavy on stomach Easy to digest light Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Look at something that is attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic Now say the word and hear it in a sentence Check out I checked out the new cafe yesterday and the food was great in the mood for I'm not in the mood for a horror movie Food poisoning If you don't wash the fruit carefully you'll get food poisoning Tasty M This pasta is really
tasty Outstanding The chocolate cake here is outstanding In the mood for I'm not in the mood for a horror movie [Music] The English Pod audio review Listen to the meaning then say the vocabulary word Look at something that is attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic decoration Decor have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for not heavy on stomach easy to digest Light small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Delicious Tasting good Tasty Excellent Outstanding Have allergy towards something usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the
wall Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Let's try that faster Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Have allergy towards something Usually food Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for look at something that is attractive Check out Have allergy towards something Usually food A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Delicious Tasting good Tasty Look at something that is attractive Check out Have allergy towards something Usually food Delicious Tasting good Tasty Not heavy on stomach Easy to digest Light Small trendy restaurant or
bar Beastro Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Extremely good Fantastic Small trendy restaurant or bar Beastro Decoration Decor A very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Decoration Decor Have a desire for something or to do something In the mood for a very small usually cheap restaurant or bar A hole in the wall Not heavy on stomach easy to digest Light Becoming sick because of bacteria in food Food poisoning Look at something
that is attractive Check out Extremely good Fantastic Now say the word and hear it in a sentence Check out I checked out the new cafe yesterday and the food was great in the mood for i'm not in the mood for a horror movie Food poisoning If you don't wash the fruit carefully you'll get food poisoning Tasty M This pasta is really tasty Outstanding The chocolate cake here is outstanding In the mood for I'm not in the mood for a horror movie [Music] [Music]