Dialogues with a restaurant host

Asking About Wait Times

Guest: Hi, how long is the wait for a table for two?
Host: Good evening! It’s about a 20-minute wait. Would you like to put your name on the list?

A cartoon scene in a restaurant setting. On the left, a guest, a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a casual blue dress, is inquiring about

Requesting a Window Seat

Guest: I have a reservation under ‘Smith.’ Could we get a window seat, if possible?
Host: Let me check for you, Mr. Smith. Yes, we can arrange a window seat. Please follow me.

A cartoon scene in a restaurant setting. On the left, a guest, a Caucasian man in his 30s with short brown hair, wearing a casual shirt and jeans

Discussing Reservation Policies

Guest: What’s your policy for holding reservations?
Host: We hold reservations for 15 minutes. If your party isn’t complete, we’ll do our best to accommodate you as soon as everyone arrives.

A cartoon scene in a restaurant setting_ A guest, a middle-aged Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a casual blue dress, is inquiring

Inquiring About Outdoor Seating

Guest: Do you have outdoor seating available tonight?
Host: Yes, we do have outdoor seating. There’s a short wait for those tables. Would you like to wait, or prefer indoor seating?

A cartoon scene in a restaurant setting. A guest, an Asian woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a casual summer dress, is inquiring about

Asking for a Quiet Table

Guest: Can we get a table in a quieter area of the restaurant?
Host: Certainly, we have a few tables in a more secluded area. Let me show you to your table.

A cartoon scene in a restaurant depicting a conversation between a guest and a host.

Checking In for a Reservation

Guest: Hello, I have a reservation at 7 PM under the name ‘Kelly.’
Host: Good evening, I have your reservation here. Your table is ready. Please follow me.

A cartoon-style restaurant scene showing a host and a guest.

Asking for a Specific Table

Guest: Hi, we love the table by the fireplace. Is it available?
Host: Let me check for you. Yes, that table is free right now. Let’s get you seated there.

A restaurant scene depicting a guest and a host interacting without any text or dialogue bubbles.

Asking About Menu Options

Guest: Before we sit down, could you tell us if you have vegan options?
Host: Yes, we have a variety of vegan dishes. Our server can provide more details once you’re seated.

In a restaurant setting, a cartoon image of a guest and a host in conversation.

Inquiring About Dress Code

Guest: Good evening, we weren’t sure about the dress code. Are we okay in smart casual?
Host: Absolutely, smart casual is just fine. Welcome, let me show you to your table.

cartoon scene in a restaurant. On the left, a guest, a Caucasian woman in her 30s, is wearing a smart casual outfit, consisting of a stylish blouse

Requesting a Highchair

Guest: Could we get a highchair for a toddler, please?
Host: Of course! I’ll bring a highchair to your table right away.

A cartoon-style restaurant scene featuring two people. The guest, a Caucasian woman in her 30s with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a casual dress

Useful Phrases

“Do you have a table available?” 🪑 – Inquiring about immediate seating availability.
“Can we get a table by the window?” 🖼️ – Requesting a specific seating location.
“How long is the wait for a table?” ⏱️ – Asking about the waiting time.
“We have a reservation under [Name].” 📖 – Confirming a pre-booked table.
“Is there outdoor seating available?” 🌳 – Asking about seating options outside.
“Can we have a quieter spot, please?” 🤫 – Requesting a less noisy table.
“Is this a kid-friendly restaurant?” 👨‍👩‍👧 – Inquiring about suitability for children.
“Do you offer any specials tonight?” 🌟 – Asking about special menu items or deals.
“Could you accommodate a dietary restriction?” 🥕 – Discussing specific dietary needs.
“Where is the restroom, please?” 🚻 – Asking for directions to the restroom.
“Is the bar area available for seating?” 🍸 – Inquiring about seating availability in the bar area.
“Could we add an extra chair to our table?” 🪑➕ – Requesting additional seating for your group.
“Are there any private dining options?” 🚪 – Asking about separate, private dining spaces.
“Do you have a coat check service?” 🧥 – Inquiring about a place to store coats or personal items.
“Can we see the menu before being seated?” 📜 – Requesting to view the menu prior to being seated.

Vocabulary

Reservation 📅 – Used to confirm or inquire about a table booked in advance.
Table 🍽️ – Referring to the seating arrangement or a specific table request.
Wait time ⏰ – Asking about how long it might take to get a table.
Seating 💺 – Discussing where in the restaurant you would like to be seated.
Patio 🌳 – Requesting to sit outside, if available.
Window seat 🪟 – Asking for a table near a window.
Highchair 👶 – Requesting a highchair for a child.
Menu 📜 – Inquiring about special menus or dietary options.
Allergy 🚫 – Mentioning any food allergies.
Dress code 👔 – Asking about the restaurant’s dress code.
Birthday 🎂 – Mentioning a special occasion like a birthday.
Quiet area 🤫 – Requesting a table in a quieter part of the restaurant.
Bar seating 🍸 – Preferring seats at the bar.
Large group 👥 – Mentioning that the dining party is a large group.
Cancellation 🚫 – Informing about canceling a reservation.

Wheelchair accessible ♿ – Inquiring about wheelchair accessibility.
Restrooms 🚻 – Asking directions to the restrooms.
Coat check 🧥 – Asking if there’s a coat check service.
Special request 🌟 – Making any specific requests or inquiries.
Gratuity 💰 – Inquiring about gratuity or service charges.
Outdoor Seating 🌿 – Requesting to sit in an outdoor area, like a garden or terrace.
View 🌇 – Inquiring about tables with a scenic view, such as cityscape or waterfront.
Quiet table 🤐 – Asking for a table in a less noisy area.
Special occasion 🎉 – Mentioning that the visit is for a special event, like an anniversary.
Waiting area 💺 – Asking where to wait if the table is not ready.
Valet parking 🚗 – Inquiring about valet parking services.
Buffet 🍲 – Asking if the restaurant offers a buffet service.
Children’s menu 👧🍔 – Requesting a menu suitable for children.
Wheelchair-friendly table ♿🍽️ – Requesting a table that is accessible for wheelchair users.
Directions 🧭 – Asking for directions to the restaurant or within it, like to a specific dining hall.