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Phrasebook

English Phrases at the Restaurant, with Turkish Translations

Book a table, order with confidence and ask for the check without stress. Each restaurant phrase comes with a natural Turkish translation and the replies you are likely to hear.

34 phrases · By LearnLingo Team · Updated

Tap to hear a phrase. Levels follow the CEFR scale. American English is the default; British variants are noted.

Arriving and booking

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

A table for two, please.

A1
İki kişilik bir masa lütfen.
  • Right this way.
  • Do you have a reservation?

I'd like to book a table for four at 8 p.m.

A2

UK speakers say "book a table"; Americans also say "make a reservation".

Akşam 8 için dört kişilik bir masa ayırtmak istiyorum.
  • What name is it under?
  • We only have 8:30, is that okay?

We have a reservation under Demir.

A2
Demir adına rezervasyonumuz var.
  • Yes, follow me please.
  • Your table will be ready in a minute.

How long is the wait?

A2
Ne kadar beklememiz gerekiyor?
  • About twenty minutes.
  • Can I take your name?

Could we sit outside?

A2

"On the patio" or "on the terrace" is also common.

Dışarıda oturabilir miyiz?
  • Sure, there's a table on the patio.
  • Sorry, the terrace is full.

Do you have a table by the window?

A2
Pencere kenarında masanız var mı?
  • Let me check.
  • Yes, this one is free.

Ordering food and drinks

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Could we see the menu, please?

A1
Menüyü görebilir miyiz lütfen?
  • Here you go.
  • Can I get you something to drink first?

What do you recommend?

A1
Ne önerirsiniz?
  • The steak is very popular.
  • Today's special is grilled salmon.

I'll have the chicken, please.

A1

"I'll have" is the most natural way to order. "I want" can sound rude.

Ben tavuk alayım lütfen.
  • Would you like fries or salad with that?
  • Good choice.

Could I get a glass of water?

A1

In the US, tap water is usually free. Ask for "sparkling" if you want fizzy water.

Bir bardak su alabilir miyim?
  • Still or sparkling?
  • Tap water is fine?

We're ready to order.

A1
Sipariş vermeye hazırız.
  • Great, what can I get you?

We need a few more minutes.

A2
Birkaç dakikaya daha ihtiyacımız var.
  • No problem, take your time.

What comes with the steak?

A2
Bifteğin yanında ne geliyor?
  • Mashed potatoes and vegetables.
  • You can choose two sides.

Medium-rare, please.

B1

Steak levels: rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, well-done.

Orta az pişmiş olsun lütfen.
  • Sure, medium-rare.

Could I have the dressing on the side?

B1
Sosu ayrı alabilir miyim?
  • Of course.
  • Which dressing would you like?

Special diets and allergies

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

I'm vegetarian. What do you have without meat?

A2
Vejetaryenim. Etsiz neyiniz var?
  • The pasta and the risotto are vegetarian.
  • We can make the burger with a veggie patty.

I'm allergic to nuts.

A2

Always say this clearly before ordering. "Allergic to", not "allergic from".

Kuruyemişe alerjim var.
  • I'll tell the chef.
  • This dish contains nuts, so I'd avoid it.

Does this contain pork?

A2
Bunun içinde domuz eti var mı?
  • No, it's beef.
  • Yes, it has bacon in it.

Is this dish spicy?

A1

"Spicy" or "hot" means acı. "Bitter" is a different taste.

Bu yemek acı mı?
  • It's a little spicy.
  • We can make it mild.

Can you make it without onions?

A2
Soğansız yapabilir misiniz?
  • Sure, no problem.
  • I'm afraid it's already prepared.

Do you have any gluten-free options?

B1
Glütensiz seçenekleriniz var mı?
  • Yes, they're marked GF on the menu.
  • Only the salads, I'm afraid.

During the meal

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Excuse me, could we have some more bread?

A2
Affedersiniz, biraz daha ekmek alabilir miyiz?
  • Of course, I'll bring some.

This is delicious.

A1
Bu çok lezzetli.
  • I'm glad you like it.
  • I'll tell the chef.

Excuse me, I didn't order this.

A2
Affedersiniz, bunu ben sipariş etmedim.
  • I'm so sorry, let me fix that.
  • Oh, what did you order?

My food is cold.

A1
Yemeğim soğuk.
  • I'm sorry, I'll take it back to the kitchen.

We've been waiting for a long time.

B1

Present perfect continuous is natural here. Say it calmly; it works better.

Uzun zamandır bekliyoruz.
  • I apologize, it's coming right out.
  • Let me check on your order.

Could I have a fork, please?

A1
Bir çatal alabilir miyim lütfen?
  • Here you go.

Could I take the rest to go?

B1

US: to go, a doggy bag, a box. UK: Could I take the rest home?

Kalanını paket yapabilir misiniz?
  • Sure, I'll get you a box.

Paying the bill

EnglishTurkishYou might hear

Could we have the check, please?

A1

UK: Could we have the bill, please? In the US, "bill" is also understood.

Hesabı alabilir miyiz lütfen?
  • Sure, I'll be right back.
  • Will that be together or separate?

Can we pay separately?

A2

In the US you can also say "split the check".

Ayrı ayrı ödeyebilir miyiz?
  • Sure, who had what?
  • Sorry, only one bill per table.

Do you take credit cards?

A2
Kredi kartı kabul ediyor musunuz?
  • Yes, we take all major cards.
  • Cash only, sorry.

Is service included?

B1

In the US, tipping is expected and not included. In the UK, check the bill.

Servis ücreti dahil mi?
  • Yes, there's a 12.5% service charge.
  • No, it isn't.

Keep the change.

A2
Üstü kalsın.
  • Thank you very much!

I think there's a mistake on the check.

B1
Sanırım hesapta bir hata var.
  • Let me take a look.
  • Oh, you're right, I'm sorry.

Sample dialogues

Ordering dinner

Server
Hi, are you ready to order?
Merhaba, sipariş vermeye hazır mısınız?
Customer
Yes. What do you recommend?
Evet. Ne önerirsiniz?
Server
The grilled salmon is very popular tonight.
Izgara somon bu akşam çok tercih ediliyor.
Customer
I'll have the salmon, please. I'm allergic to nuts. Is that okay?
Ben somon alayım lütfen. Kuruyemişe alerjim var, sorun olur mu?
Server
No problem. I'll tell the chef. Anything to drink?
Sorun değil, şefe söyleyeceğim. İçecek bir şey?
Customer
Just a glass of water, please.
Sadece bir bardak su lütfen.
Server
Still or sparkling?
Sade mi, maden suyu mu?
Customer
Still, thanks.
Sade, teşekkürler.

Paying the check

Customer
Excuse me, could we have the check, please?
Affedersiniz, hesabı alabilir miyiz lütfen?
Server
Sure. Will that be together or separate?
Tabii. Birlikte mi, ayrı ayrı mı?
Customer
Can we pay separately?
Ayrı ayrı ödeyebilir miyiz?
Server
Of course. Who had the salmon?
Elbette. Somonu kim yedi?
Customer
That was me. Do you take credit cards?
Bendim. Kredi kartı kabul ediyor musunuz?
Server
Yes, we do. I'll bring the card machine.
Evet, ediyoruz. Kart makinesini getiriyorum.

Common mistakes Turkish speakers make

I want a chicken.

I'll have the chicken, please.

"I want" sounds rude, and "a chicken" means a whole bird. Use "I'll have the..."

Can I take the account?

Could we have the check, please?

Turkish "hesap" is not "account" here. Say check (US) or bill (UK).

I am allergic from nuts.

I'm allergic to nuts.

The correct preposition is "to". Turkish "-e alerjim var" helps you remember it.

Can I have a water?

Could I have a glass of water?

Water is uncountable. Use a container: a glass of water, a bottle of water.

Waiter! Come here!

Excuse me.

Calling the server by job title or shouting is rude. Make eye contact and say "Excuse me."

Quick quiz

Eight questions to check what you remember. Pick an answer to see if it is right.

  1. 1. How do you order politely?

  2. 2. In British English you ask for the...

  3. 3. Complete: "I'm allergic ___ shellfish."

  4. 4. A steak cooked a little, pink inside, is...

  5. 5. "Still or sparkling?" is a question about...

  6. 6. You want to take leftovers home in the US. You ask...

  7. 7. Which sentence is correct?

  8. 8. "Keep the change" means...

0 of 8 answered

Show all answers
  1. I'll have the pasta, please.
  2. bill
  3. to
  4. medium-rare
  5. water
  6. Can I take the rest to go?
  7. Could I have a glass of water?
  8. You can keep the extra money.

See what the A1 English course covers, or test your level first.

People also ask

How do I ask for the bill in English?+

Say "Could we have the check, please?" in the US or "Could we have the bill, please?" in the UK. Making eye contact and a small writing gesture also works.

Is it rude to say "I want" in a restaurant?+

It can sound demanding. "I'll have...", "Could I get..." or "I'd like..." are friendlier and are what native speakers say.

Do I need to tip in English-speaking countries?+

In the US, tipping is expected and not included in the price. In the UK, a service charge is sometimes added, so check the bill first.

How do I explain a food allergy?+

Say it before you order: "I'm allergic to nuts. Does this dish contain any?" Clear, simple sentences are safest.

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