Restaurant English for Real Situations Part 2

Restaurant English for Real Situations Part 2

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to manage real restaurant situations step-by-step—from the menus, main dishes, side dishes, specials, drinks, and desserts.

🎯 Level: Beginner, Intermediate ⏱ Time: 20–25 minutes 📘 Category: Speaking, Real-Life English

 
 

🎯 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Understand a restaurant menu
  • Identify starters, main courses, and sides
  • Find drinks and desserts
  • Ask about specials
  • Order drinks confidently
  • Use polite English when ordering

🥗 Reading the Menu

🧭 Understanding Starters and Appetizers

When you’re at a restaurant, the menu is your guide! 🗺️ The first section you often see is for starters or appetizers. These are smaller dishes meant to be eaten before the main course. They’re designed to whet your appetite and get you ready for the meal.

Think of them as a delicious preview of what’s to come! 😋

🧩 Starters / Appetizers

Small dishes before the main course → designed to stimulate appetite

📋 Types of Starters

  • Salads → greens + dressing
  • Soups → hot/cold, creamy/broth
  • Dips → served with bread/chips
  • Fried foods → mozzarella sticks, onion rings
  • Seafood → shrimp cocktail, calamari

🧠 Deciphering Menu Descriptions

Menu descriptions can sometimes be confusing. Look for key ingredients and cooking methods. For example, “grilled asparagus with lemon vinaigrette” tells you the asparagus is grilled and the dressing is lemon-flavored.

Pay attention to adjectives like crispy, creamy, spicy, or tangy. These words give you clues about the dish’s texture and flavor.

🗣️ Asking Questions About Starters

Don’t be afraid to ask your server questions! If you’re unsure about an ingredient or preparation method, just ask. For example, you could say, “What kind of cheese is in the spinach and artichoke dip?” or “Is the calamari fried or baked?”.

Servers are there to help you make informed choices.

Summary
1. Starters are small dishes served before the main course to stimulate appetite.
2. Common starter categories include salads, soups, dips, fried foods, and seafood.
3. Menu descriptions provide insight through key ingredients and specific cooking methods.
4. Adjectives like crispy or creamy help diners understand the texture and flavor profile.
5. Asking servers questions is an effective way to clarify ingredients and preparation methods.

🍹 The Menu

🍽️ Understanding Menu Structure

When you’re at a restaurant, the menu is your guide! It’s usually divided into sections. Knowing these sections helps you find what you want. The most important distinction is between main courses and sides. Main courses are the primary dishes, while sides are smaller items that complement them.

🥩 Identifying Main Courses

Main courses, also known as entrées, are the star of the meal. They are typically larger and more substantial than other dishes. Look for sections titled “Main Courses,” “Entrées,” or sometimes “Plats Principaux” (especially in French-influenced restaurants). These dishes often feature a protein like meat, fish, or a vegetarian alternative.

Main courses are usually more expensive than sides or appetizers. For example, a steak, a salmon fillet, or a vegetarian lasagna would all be main courses. They often come with some accompaniments, but you might want to add extra sides.

🥗 Recognizing Side Dishes

Side dishes are smaller items designed to accompany the main course. They enhance the meal without being the primary focus. Common side dish sections might be labeled “Sides,” “Accompaniments,” or “Extras.”

Examples of side dishes include:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus)
  • Salads
  • Rice
  • French fries

Side dishes are usually less expensive than main courses. They allow you to customize your meal and add variety.

🌍 Examples in a Menu

Let’s look at some examples:

Main Course: Grilled Salmon – Served with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Side Dishes:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Green Salad
  • Steamed Asparagus
In this case, the grilled salmon is the main focus, and you can add extra sides like mashed potatoes or a salad to complete your meal. Understanding these distinctions makes ordering much easier and more enjoyable! 🎉

Summary
1. Main courses are the primary, largest dishes on a menu.
2. Side dishes are smaller items meant to complement the main course.
3. Main courses are generally more expensive than side dishes.
4. Menus often group items into specific sections for easier navigation.
5. Always verify substitution policies with staff to avoid unexpected costs.

⭐ Specials

⭐ Understanding Daily Specials

Many restaurants offer daily specials or promotions to attract customers. These are dishes or deals that are only available for a limited time, often just for a day or a week. Recognizing these can help you discover new favorites or save money. 💰

📍 How to Spot Them

Daily specials are usually presented in a few common ways:

Chalkboards: Look for chalkboards near the entrance or in the dining area. These often list the day’s specials.
Separate Menu Inserts: Some restaurants have small, separate menus or inserts highlighting the specials.
Verbal Announcements: Your server might tell you about the specials when they greet you. Pay attention!

🍴 Common Types of Specials

Restaurants use specials to highlight seasonal ingredients, test new recipes, or boost sales on certain days. Here are some examples:

1. Soup and Sandwich Combo: A popular lunch special, often at a reduced price.
2. “Taco Tuesday”: Discounted tacos on Tuesdays. 🌮
3. “Happy Hour” Appetizers: Reduced prices on appetizers and drinks during specific hours.
4. Chef’s Special: A unique dish created by the chef, showcasing their culinary skills.

🗣️ Questions to Ask

Don’t hesitate to ask your server about the daily specials. Here are some helpful questions:

  • "What are the daily specials today?"
  • Vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus)
  • "What does the chef's special consist of?"
  • "Are there any special promotions going on?"
  • "How much is the special?"

🎯 Why Pay Attention?

Recognizing and understanding daily specials can enhance your dining experience. You might:

  • Try something new: Specials often feature unique dishes not on the regular menu.
  • Save money: Promotions can offer significant discounts.
  • Enjoy seasonal ingredients: Specials often highlight fresh, seasonal produce.
Summary
1. Daily specials are temporary menu items available for a limited duration.
2. Specials are commonly found on chalkboards, menu inserts, or via verbal announcements.
3. Headings and subheadings are essential for navigating menu categories.
4. Asking servers about specials helps clarify pricing and ingredients before ordering.
5. Taking advantage of specials can lead to cost savings and unique dining experiences.

🍹 Drinks & Desserts

🍹🍰 Finding Drinks and Desserts on the Menu

When you're ready to quench your thirst or satisfy your sweet tooth, knowing where to look on the menu is key. Most restaurants organize their menus logically, but let's explore where to find those beverages and desserts. This will help you navigate the menu with ease and order exactly what you want!

🥤 Spotting the Beverage Section

The beverage list is often found in one of a few common places. Look for a separate section, usually near the front or back of the menu. Sometimes, it's integrated into the main menu but clearly labeled. Keep an eye out for headings like:

  • Drinks
  • Beverages
  • Wine List
  • Cocktails
  • Non-Alcoholic Drinks

🍮 Deciphering the Dessert Offerings

Just like beverages, desserts usually have their own dedicated section. This might be at the very end of the menu, or sometimes on a separate, smaller menu. Common headings include:

  • Desserts
  • Sweets
  • After Dinner
  • Pastries

Some restaurants might also list desserts under a heading like "Chef's Specials" or "Featured Items," so be sure to scan the entire menu. In Mexico, you might find traditional desserts like flan or churros.

🗺️ Understanding the Layout

Menus are designed to be easy to read, but layouts can vary. Some restaurants use a simple list format, while others use more elaborate designs with descriptions and photos. Pay attention to:

1. Headings and Subheadings: These guide you to the right section.
2. Descriptions: Read these to understand what each item includes.
3. Prices: Usually listed next to the item name.
4. Chef's Special: A unique dish created by the chef, showcasing their culinary skills.

🙋 Asking for Help

If you're having trouble finding the beverage or dessert list, don't be afraid to ask your server! A simple "Could you point me to the dessert menu, please?" or "Where can I find the drinks?" will do the trick. Servers are there to help you have a pleasant dining experience. They can also provide recommendations or explain any unfamiliar items.

Summary
1. Beverages are often found in dedicated sections near the menu edges.
2. Desserts are typically located at the end or on separate cards.
3. Headings and subheadings are essential for navigating menu categories.
4. Servers are available to provide guidance if sections are unclear.
5. Menu layouts vary but generally follow a logical grouping of items.

⚖️ Vocabulary

Word Definition Example
Starter A small dish before the main meal We ordered a starter before dinner.
Appetizer Another word for a starter Guacamole is a popular appetizer.
Main course The primary and largest dish The steak is the main course.
Side dish A small dish served with the main course Rice is a common side dish.
Menu A list of food and drinks The menu has many options.
Beverage A drink Water is a beverage.
Dessert Sweet food eaten after the meal Cake is my favorite dessert.
Special A limited-time dish or offer Today's special is tacos.
Order To ask for food or drinks I will order a salad.
Server Person who brings food to the table The server took our order.
Bill The total amount to pay Can I have the bill, please?
Reservation Booking a table in advance We made a reservation.
Ingredient Food item used to make a dish Tomatoes are an ingredient.
Grilled Cooked over direct heat I like grilled chicken.
Fried Cooked in hot oil French fries are fried.

🎧Listening

Listen to Maria order her meal. Then answer this question: What was the problem?

Transcript

Waiter: Good evening! Are you ready to order?

Woman: Yes, I think so. What is the daily special today?

Waiter: Today’s special is grilled chicken with rice and vegetables.

Woman: Oh, nice. Is it spicy?

Waiter: No, it’s not spicy. It’s very mild.

Woman: Okay, I’ll have the special, please.

Waiter: Great choice. And what would you like to drink?

Woman: I’ll have a lemonade, please.

Waiter: Perfect. One grilled chicken special and a lemonade.

(A few minutes later)

Waiter: Here is your order. Grilled chicken with rice and vegetables.

Woman: Oh, sorry… I thought the special was fish.

Waiter: Ah, I see the problem. Yesterday the special was fish. Today it is chicken.

Woman: Ohhh, I understand now.

Waiter: Would you like to change your order?

Woman: Yes, please. Can I have the fish instead?

Waiter: Of course. I’ll change it for you.

Woman: Thank you!

Waiter: You’re welcome. I’ll bring your new order soon.

🔑 Takeaway

Understand → Clarify → Decide → Act

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Restaurant English for Real Situations Part 2 © 2026 by Joe Ehman is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.