Stepping into a Japanese restaurant can be intimidating. The menus might not have pictures, and the staff will likely speak rapidly using polite Japanese (Keigo). But don't panic! Ordering food in Japan follows a very predictable script. Master these key phrases and dialogues, and you'll be eating like a local in no time.
The 3 Magic Phrases
If you only remember three phrases, make them these:
1. すみません！ Sumimasen! (Excuse me! - to call the waiter)
2. ___をください。 ___ o kudasai. (Please give me ___.)
3. お会計お願いします。 Okaikei onegaishimasu. (The bill, please.)
Step 1: Entering the Restaurant
When you walk in, the staff will enthusiastically yell "Irasshaimase!" (いらっしゃいませ) - which means "Welcome!". You do not need to reply to this. They will then ask how many people are in your party.
Dialogue: Finding a Table
Nan-mei sama desu ka?
(How many people?)
Futari desu.
(Two people.)
1 person: Hitori (一人)
2 people: Futari (二人)
3 people: San-nin (三人)
4 people: Yon-nin (四人)
Step 2: Looking at the Menu & Ordering
Once seated, you will likely be given an oshibori (wet towel) to clean your hands. To order, raise your hand slightly and say "Sumimasen!" (Excuse me) loudly enough for a waiter to hear. It is completely normal and polite to call out to staff in Japan.
| Useful Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 英語のメニューはありますか？Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka? | Do you have an English menu? |
| おすすめは何ですか？Osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? |
| これをください。Kore o kudasai. | I'll have this one. (While pointing at the menu) |
| とりあえず、生二つ。Toriaezu, nama futatsu. | For now, two draft beers. |
| お水をお願いします。Omizu o onegaishimasu. | Water, please. |
Dialogue: Placing the Order
Sumimasen! Chuumon onegaishimasu.
(Excuse me! I'd like to order.)
Hai, okimari desu ka?
(Yes, have you decided?)
Kono ramen o hitotsu to, gyouza o hitotsu kudasai.
(One of this ramen, and one gyoza, please.)
Kashikomarimashita.
(Certainly / Understood.)
Step 3: Paying the Bill
In Japan, there is no tipping. Do not leave money on the table; it will cause confusion, and the staff might chase you down the street thinking you forgot your change.
Usually, the bill is left on a small clipboard at your table when the food arrives. Take this bill to the cash register at the front of the restaurant to pay. If they didn't leave a bill, simply ask for it.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| お会計お願いします。Okaikei onegaishimasu. | The bill, please. |
| カードは使えますか？Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka? | Can I use a credit card? |
| 別々でできますか？Betsu-betsu de dekimasu ka? | Can we pay separately? |
| ごちそうさまでした！Gochisousama deshita! | Thank you for the meal! (Say this as you leave) |
🗣️ Practice Speaking Before Your Trip
Nervous about your pronunciation? LenGaki's free speaking practice has a Food topic with 25 everyday sentences, from asking for the menu and some water to ordering two set meals. Hear each one, say it back and get a pronunciation score. Need a phrase that isn't there, like asking for a dish without meat? Ask Lena, LenGaki's AI tutor, how to say it (3 free messages a day).
