Food
Practical conversations for ordering, seating, menus, and restaurant situations.
Can I still order before the kitchen closes? — Japanese
Near closing time, check whether food orders are still accepted and distinguish the last-order time from the closing time.
I'd like to order without the QR code — Japanese
When you cannot open a QR menu or use a phone, ask for a paper menu and help placing the order.
Can I eat my takeout order here? — Japanese
If you ordered food to go but now want to eat inside, ask whether you may and whether the order needs changing.
Can I order decaf coffee? — Japanese
At a cafe, ask whether decaf is available and whether the drink you want can be made with it.
Can I have tap water at the restaurant? — Japanese
Ask specifically for tap water when you want to distinguish it from bottled water, and check what the restaurant offers.
What is the service charge on this bill? — Japanese
If a restaurant bill lists a service charge, ask what it covers and whether it is already in the total.
My order hasn't arrived yet — Japanese
If other dishes have arrived but one is still missing, check that it was ordered and ask about the remaining wait.
Could you pack up the leftovers? — Japanese
After your meal, ask whether the remaining food can be packed and whether a container costs extra.
My reservation isn't showing up — Japanese
A restaurant situation for explaining in Japanese that your reservation cannot be found, showing your booking details, and asking about another table or waiting time.
Ask for less spicy food at a restaurant — Japanese
A practical restaurant conversation for asking whether the spice level can be reduced and handling the reply.
Ask for a table for two without a reservation — Japanese
A walk-in restaurant conversation for asking for a table for two and checking the wait time.
Ask a restaurant to leave out an ingredient — Japanese
A restaurant conversation for asking to leave out an ingredient and handling the reply if the dish cannot be changed.
Ask whether a restaurant can split the bill — Japanese
A restaurant conversation for asking whether each person can pay separately and what to do if split payment is not available.
Ask if a dish is vegetarian — Japanese
A restaurant conversation for checking whether a dish is vegetarian and whether it contains meat, fish or animal-based stock.
Check a dish for nuts because of an allergy — Japanese
A restaurant conversation for stating a nut allergy and checking the dish, sauces, toppings and possible cross-contact.
Check whether the dish served is what you ordered — Japanese
A restaurant conversation for politely checking a dish that seems different from what you ordered and asking for it to be corrected if necessary.