Restaurant vocabulary includes the common words and phrases used when dining out or working in a restaurant. This guide covers practical English terms for menus, ordering food, restaurant staff, and customer service, helping you communicate clearly in real dining situations.
Restaurants Vocabulary
What is a Restaurant?
A restaurant is a place where people go to eat meals that are prepared and served by the restaurant’s staff. Most restaurants have a menu with food and drink options, and customers can choose to dine in or order takeout.
Restaurants usually include servers who take orders and serve food, and chefs who prepare meals. Some places also have a host or hostess who greets customers and seats them at a table.
Vocabulary for Restaurants with Meanings
Here are some common words and phrases that are used in restaurants:
- Appetizer: a small dish served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.
- Entree: the main course of a meal.
- Dessert: a sweet dish served at the end of a meal.
- Menu: a list of the dishes served at a restaurant.
- Special: a dish that is not regularly on the menu, but is available for a limited time.
- Waitstaff: the people who serve the customers in a restaurant.
- Server: another word for a waiter or waitress.
- Host/hostess: the person who greets and seats customers at the restaurant.
- Chef: the person who is in charge of preparing the food at a restaurant.
- Sous chef: the chef who assists the head chef in a kitchen.
- Busser: a person who helps the waitstaff by clearing tables and refilling drinks.
- Bartender: the person who makes and serves drinks at a bar.
- Order: the food and drinks that a customer requests from the menu.
- Bill: the amount of money that a customer owes for the food and drinks they have consumed.
- Tip: an optional extra payment that a customer gives to the waitstaff in appreciation for good service.
- Takeout: food that is purchased at a restaurant and taken to be eaten elsewhere.
- Dine-in: eating at the restaurant, rather than taking the food to go.
- Table service: a style of dining where the waitstaff brings the food to the table.
- Buffet: a meal where the food is laid out and customers serve themselves.
- A la carte: a menu with individual items that can be ordered separately, rather than a set meal.
- Happy hour: a time when a restaurant offers discounted drinks or food specials.
- BYOB: bring your own bottle/beverage – a policy where customers are allowed to bring their own alcohol to the restaurant.
Restaurant Vocabulary List
Below is a restaurant vocabulary list grouped by category. This makes the vocabulary easier to understand and apply in real situations.
Food & Meal Words
- appetizer
- main course
- side dish
- dessert
- salad
- soup
- pizza
- pasta
- steak
- seafood
- ingredients
- spices
Drinks & Beverage Words
- drink menu
- beverage
- water
- soda
- cola
- coffee
- tea
- milk
- lemonade
- wine
- beer
- cocktail
- ice cubes
Tableware & Items on the Table
- table
- plate
- bowl
- cup
- mug
- glass
- saucer
- napkin
- cutlery
- utensils
- silverware
- knife
- fork
- spoon
Restaurant Staff & Jobs
- server
- waiter
- waitress
- waitstaff
- host
- hostess
- chef
- sous chef
- bartender
- busser
- dishwasher
- manager
- cashier
- head waiter (or maître d’)
Ordering, Paying & Restaurant Actions
- book a table / make a reservation
- order
- recommend
- serve
- refill
- pay
- charge
- split the bill
- leave a tip
- spill
- pack to go
Menu & Dining Options
- menu
- special
- specials
- set menu
- a la carte
- takeout
- dine-in
- table service
- buffet
- happy hour
- BYOB
Food Descriptions
- spicy
- fresh
- delicious
- salty
- sweet
- soggy
- well-done
- rare
- medium
Dietary Preferences
- vegetarian
- vegan
- gluten-free
- halal
- kosher
- vegetarian option
- vegan option
Types of Restaurants
Fast Food
Fast food restaurants are known for quick service and affordable prices. They usually offer items like burgers, fries, and soft drinks. Customers often order at a counter and eat in or take their food to go.
Fine Dining
Fine dining restaurants are known for a high-end atmosphere and excellent service. People often make reservations and dress up. These restaurants may offer multiple courses and a wine list.
Casual Dining
Casual dining restaurants are relaxed and moderately priced. They usually have table service and a wide menu with different cuisines.
Cafes
Cafes are casual places that focus on coffee and light meals such as sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Customers often order at a counter.
Buffets
Buffets offer a variety of dishes in a self-serve style. Customers often pay a set price and can eat as much as they want.
Menu Terms
Meal Courses
- Appetizers – small dishes served before the main course.
- Entrees – the main course of a meal.
- Desserts – sweet dishes served at the end of a meal.
Food Descriptions
- Vegan – contains no animal products.
- Gluten-free – does not contain gluten.
- Spicy – hot and flavorful because of spices or chili.
- Grilled – cooked on a grill over direct heat.
- Sauteed – cooked quickly in a pan with a small amount of oil or butter.
- Braised – first seared, then cooked slowly in liquid until tender.
Beverage Types
- Wine – alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes.
- Beer – alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains.
- Cocktails – mixed alcoholic drinks made with liquor and other ingredients.
- Soft drinks – non-alcoholic carbonated drinks such as soda.
- Coffee – hot drink made from roasted coffee beans.
- Tea – drink made by steeping tea leaves in hot or cold water.
Restaurant Etiquette
Booking a Table
You can call the restaurant or book online. When making a reservation, restaurants typically ask for:
- Number of guests
- Date and time
- Special requests (dietary needs, high chair, etc.)
Ordering Food
When ordering, be clear and polite. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, tell your server before ordering. If you’re unsure about an item, ask for recommendations.
Paying the Bill
Before paying, check the bill for accuracy. You can pay with cash or card. In many places, it’s customary to leave a tip.
Common Phrases in Restaurants
Asking for Recommendations
- “What do you recommend?”
- “What’s your most popular dish?”
- “What’s your personal favorite?”
Complimenting the Food
- “This is delicious!”
- “I really enjoyed the flavors in this dish.”
- “The presentation is beautiful.”
Dealing with Complaints (Politely)
- “Excuse me, there seems to be a mistake with my order.”
- “I’m sorry, but my food is cold.”
- “Could you please bring me a new fork?”
Last Updated on January 15, 2026
It’s a fairly good, extensive list but, what is “eggs fish”? There are fish eggs, as in caviar, and there is fish roe, but I have never, ever heard of eggs fish!