Japanese Restaurant Phrases: Ordering Food Like a Local
レストランで使う日本語
Essential Japanese phrases for dining out in Japan. Learn how to order food, ask for recommendations, request the bill, and navigate restaurant etiquette.
Eating in Japan is an incredible experience, from tiny ramen shops to elegant kaiseki restaurants. While many places in tourist areas have English menus, knowing key Japanese phrases will enhance your dining experience and show respect for the culture. Understanding basic particles and polite verb forms will help you order with confidence.
Entering a Restaurant(お店に入る)
When you enter a restaurant, staff will greet you with いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase - welcome!). You don't need to respond to this—just smile and wait to be seated.
If you need a table, the staff will ask how many people are in your group.
Hold up fingers to indicate your party size, or say the number followed by 人 (nin): 二人です (futari desu) for two people.
Getting Seated(席に着く)
Useful phrases when being seated or asking about seating:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| カウンター席でお願いします | カウンターせきでおねがいします | kauntaa seki de onegaishimasu | Counter seat, please |
| 窓際の席はありますか？ | まどぎわのせきはありますか？ | madogiwa no seki wa arimasu ka? | Do you have a window seat? |
| 禁煙席でお願いします | きんえんせきでおねがいします | kinen seki de onegaishimasu | Non-smoking seat, please |
| 予約しています | よやくしています | yoyaku shiteimasu | I have a reservation |
Ordering Basics(注文の基本)
When you're ready to order, get the server's attention politely:
In many Japanese restaurants, there's a call button on the table. Press it when you're ready to order.
Ordering Food(料理を注文する)
Simple patterns for ordering:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| これをください | これをください | kore wo kudasai | This one, please (pointing) |
| ラーメンを一つください | ラーメンをひとつください | raamen wo hitotsu kudasai | One ramen, please |
| おすすめは何ですか？ | おすすめはなんですか？ | osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? |
| メニューをください | メニューをください | menyuu wo kudasai | Menu, please |
| 水をください | みずをください | mizu wo kudasai | Water, please |
Dietary Restrictions(食事制限)
Important phrases if you have allergies or dietary needs:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 肉は食べられません | にくはたべられません | niku wa taberaremasen | I can't eat meat |
| 魚介アレルギーがあります | ぎょかいアレルギーがあります | gyokai arerugii ga arimasu | I have a seafood allergy |
| ベジタリアンです | ベジタリアンです | bejitarian desu | I'm vegetarian |
| これに卵は入っていますか？ | これにたまごははいっていますか？ | kore ni tamago wa haitteimasu ka? | Does this contain eggs? |
| 辛くないものはありますか？ | からくないものはありますか？ | karakunai mono wa arimasu ka? | Do you have something not spicy? |
Consider bringing an allergy card in Japanese that explains your dietary restrictions clearly.
During Your Meal(食事中)
Before eating, Japanese people say:
After Eating(食後)
When you finish your meal, say:
Paying the Bill(会計)
In Japan, you usually pay at a register near the exit, not at the table.
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| お会計をお願いします | おかいけいをおねがいします | okaikei wo onegaishimasu | Bill, please |
| 別々でお願いします | べつべつでおねがいします | betsubetsu de onegaishimasu | Separate checks, please |
| クレジットカードは使えますか？ | クレジットカードはつかえますか？ | kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? | Can I use a credit card? |
| 現金のみですか？ | げんきんのみですか？ | genkin nomi desu ka? | Cash only? |
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Leaving money on the table may confuse staff or they may chase you down to return it!
✓Summary
Key restaurant phrases to remember:
- すみません - To get attention
- 〜をください - "Please give me..."
- いただきます - Before eating
- ごちそうさまでした - After eating
- お会計をお願いします - For the bill
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