How to Order Food in an American Restaurant Naturally

Ordering food in a sit-down American restaurant usually involves a short exchange with your server. If you learned English from a textbook, you might say, "I want this." That can sound abrupt without a friendly tone or "please." Shouting "Waiter!" across the room is usually impolite.

Your server will take your order and help with questions about the menu. Friendly phrasing makes the interaction smoother. This guide walks you through the restaurant experience, from walking in the door to leaving a tip.

Getting Attention and Ordering

In some Vietnamese restaurants, diners call "Em ơi!" or "Phục vụ!" to get attention, though customs vary. In a U.S. restaurant, a small raised hand or a quiet "Excuse me" is usually appropriate; avoid shouting across the room.

To get your server's attention, make eye contact and offer a polite smile. If they walk closely by your table, you can quietly say, "Excuse me?" Never snap your fingers, whistle, or shout across the room.

When it is time to order, "I want" can sound blunt. "I'll have..." or "I'd like..." with "please" is a reliable, polite choice.

• Potentially blunt: I want the chicken.
• Polite: I'll have the chicken, please.
• Polite: I'd like the burger with a side salad.
• Polite: Could I get the pasta, please?

Extensive Phrase List for Dining Out

Here is a comprehensive list of phrases covering the entire dining experience. Read them aloud to practice your intonation.

• Could we get a table for two, please?
• Do we need a reservation?
• Could I see the menu, please?
• What do you recommend?
• I'll have the grilled salmon.
• Could I get the dressing on the side?
• Can I get a salad instead of fries?
• We're not quite ready to order yet.
• Could we get a few more minutes?
• Is this dish very spicy?
• Does this have dairy in it?
• I'd like my steak medium-rare.
• Could I get a glass of water, please?
• Everything is delicious, thank you.
• Could we get some extra napkins?
• We're in a bit of a hurry.
• Could we get the check, please?
• Can we split the bill?
• Do you accept Apple Pay?
• I need a to-go box, please.

If you are also interested in ordering at quick-service cafes, check out our specific guide on how to order coffee in English.

Customizing Your Order

Many U.S. restaurants accommodate reasonable changes, but options depend on the dish and restaurant. You can ask for items "on the side" or for one side dish instead of another.

• "Could I get the salad, but with the dressing on the side?" (The sauce comes in a separate little cup).
• "Can I get steamed broccoli instead of mashed potatoes?" (Swap one side dish for another).
• "I'll have the sandwich, but hold the mayo." ("Hold the..." means do not include it).

Additional Tips for Vietnamese Learners

Short, regular practice can help you remember these phrases and sounds. Vietnamese is tonal, and its rhythm differs from American English, where stressed syllables often stand out and unstressed syllables may be reduced. These are tendencies, not strict timing rules; focus on the words emphasized in each example.

Read the examples aloud as well as silently. Speaking practice helps you coordinate your tongue, lips, and jaw and use the phrases more comfortably in conversation.

Record yourself on your phone and listen back. Compare your recording with clear American English examples, then choose one sound or phrase to work on. Improvement takes practice and varies by learner.

Frequently asked questions

How does tipping work in the US?

At U.S. sit-down restaurants with table service, a tip of roughly 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill is customary, with 20% common for good service. Check the bill for an included gratuity or service charge and ask whether it covers the tip; a service charge does not always go to the server. Practices differ at counter-service restaurants.

What is a "to-go box"?

Portion sizes vary, and taking leftovers home is common in the U.S. When you are finished, ask your server, "Could I get a to-go box?" or "Could you wrap this up for me?"

How do I pay?

When you are finished, ask for "the check"; "the bill" is also understood. Your server may take your card and return a receipt for you to add a tip, total, and signature, or you may pay using a handheld terminal or at the table. Follow the restaurant's instructions and check for an included gratuity before adding a tip.

Practice these examples with Ledoly's American teachers.