Vocabulary — Food & Restaurants

Ordering, ingredients, and common dishes.

Visual Explanation

Ordering food

I'd like / Can I have+dish / item+, please

Examples

I'd like the grilled chicken with rice, please.

Can I have the bill, please?

Does this dish contain any nuts?

Polite ordering: Use 'I'd like...' or 'Can I have...' — not 'I want' or 'Give me.' Always add 'please.'
Asking about food: 'What's in this?' 'Is this spicy?' 'Does it come with salad?' — useful questions for any menu.
Common restaurant phrases: 'A table for two, please.' 'Could we see the menu?' 'We're ready to order.'

Tip

In British English, you ask for 'the bill.' In American English, you ask for 'the check.' Both are correct — pick one and be consistent.