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como ordenar en un restaurante en ingles

como ordenar en un restaurante en ingles

2 min read 31-01-2025
como ordenar en un restaurante en ingles

Ordering Food in a Restaurant: A Comprehensive Guide

Ordering food in a restaurant can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you're not a native English speaker. But with a little preparation and confidence, it becomes a straightforward and enjoyable experience. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from entering the restaurant to paying the bill.

Before You Order: Understanding the Menu

Before you even approach a server, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the menu. Look for sections like appetizers (starters), main courses (entrees), and desserts. Many restaurants also offer specials, which are dishes not regularly on the menu. Don't be afraid to ask questions about unfamiliar dishes or ingredients. Servers are generally happy to help explain what's on offer.

Ordering Your Meal: Key Phrases and Techniques

Once you're ready, here’s how to place your order efficiently and politely:

1. Getting the Server's Attention:

  • "Excuse me," or "Hello" are perfectly acceptable ways to get your server's attention. Make eye contact and a polite gesture to signal that you're ready.

2. Placing Your Order:

  • "I'd like to order..." or "I'll have..." are good ways to start.
  • Clearly state your choices: For example, "I'll have the chicken Caesar salad, please." or "I'd like the spaghetti carbonara, and could I get a side of garlic bread?"
  • If you have any special requests, mention them clearly. For example: "Could I get that without onions?" or "Can I have my steak cooked medium-rare?"

3. Asking Questions:

  • "What's the soup of the day?"
  • "Can you describe the...?" (e.g., "Can you describe the fish of the day?")
  • "What comes with the...?" (e.g., "What comes with the steak?")
  • "Is the [dish] spicy?"

4. Confirming Your Order:

After you've placed your order, the server may repeat it back to you. This is your chance to confirm that everything is correct. If there's a mistake, politely correct them.

5. During Your Meal:

  • If you need something, flag down your server discreetly (again, with eye contact and a subtle gesture). You can say: "Excuse me," "Could I get some more water, please?" or "Could I have the check/bill, please?"

6. Paying the Bill:

  • "Can I get the check/bill, please?" (Check and bill are both commonly used terms for the bill.)
  • You can usually pay with cash, credit card, or debit card. Let your server know your preferred payment method.

Common Restaurant Vocabulary

  • Appetizer/Starter: A small dish served before the main course.
  • Entrée/Main Course: The main dish of your meal.
  • Side Dish: A smaller dish served alongside the main course.
  • Dessert: Sweet dish served at the end of the meal.
  • Beverage/Drink: Any drink.
  • Bill/Check: The invoice for your meal.
  • Tip: A gratuity given to the server for good service. (In the US, a tip of 15-20% is customary.)

Beyond the Basics: Handling Special Situations

  • Dietary Restrictions: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to inform your server clearly and politely. For example: "I'm allergic to nuts," or "I'm vegetarian/vegan."
  • Sharing a Dish: If you want to share a dish, you can say: "We'd like to share this [dish]." The restaurant may provide extra plates.
  • Complaints: If there's a problem with your order (incorrect dish, cold food, etc.), politely inform your server and explain the issue. They'll usually be happy to rectify the situation.

By learning this vocabulary and following these steps, you'll confidently navigate the process of ordering food in a restaurant in English, making your dining experience more enjoyable. Remember, a polite and friendly attitude goes a long way!

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