At the Restaurant
A classic restaurant scenario for elementary learners. Vocabulary covers menu items, polite requests, paying methods, and tipping etiquette.
Vocabulary
menu
the list of food and drinks available in a restaurant
main course
the largest part of a meal, usually meat or fish with vegetables
still water
water without bubbles (not sparkling)
the bill
the printed list of what you have to pay in a restaurant
credit card
a small plastic card used to pay for things
Learning focus
- Identify a reservation, food choices, payment method and polite requests.
Before listening
- What information do you need when ordering a meal?
Transcript
Speaker 1
Good evening. Do you have a reservation?
Speaker 2
Yes, a table for two, under the name Smith.
Speaker 1
Perfect. Here is your menu. Can I get you something to drink?
Speaker 2
Yes. A glass of red wine for me, and a still water, please.
Speaker 1
And for your main course?
Speaker 2
I would like the grilled salmon with vegetables.
Speaker 1
Excellent choice. I will be right back with your drinks.
Speaker 2
Excuse me, can I have the bill, please?
Speaker 1
Of course. Would you like to pay by cash or card?
Speaker 2
Credit card, please.
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Comprehension Questions
1. How many people are at the table?
2. What does the customer order to drink?
3. How does the customer pay?
True / False
The customer orders grilled chicken.
False — The customer orders grilled salmon.
The customer has a reservation under the name Smith.
True — Speaker 2 says 'a table for two, under the name Smith.'
Answer key
- Two
- A glass of wine and still water
- Credit card
Teacher Tips
- Pre-teach the difference between 'still water' and 'sparkling water' — a frequent confusion in real restaurants abroad.
- Use this dialogue as a model for polite requests: 'Can I have…?', 'I would like…'
- After listening, students design a one-page menu and role-play ordering from it.
Extension activity
- Write a short restaurant dialogue with one request and one payment question.
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