Food & drinkIntermediate
Getting a table at a restaurant in English
What to say when you walk into a restaurant and need a table.
Full script
Lin
Hi, a table for two, please.
Them
Sure! Do you have a reservation?
Lin
No, we don't. How long is the wait?
Them
About fifteen minutes. Is that okay?
Lin
That's fine. We'll wait.
Them
Great. Can I get a name?
Lin
It's Lin. Could we sit by the window?
Them
Sure! I'll text you when it's ready.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
When you walk in, the host looks at you
✓ A table for two, please.Ask for a table for 2.
If you booked: I have a reservation under Lin.
No reservation, and there's a line
✓ How long is the wait?Ask the wait time.
wait here is a noun: time before a table
Host: About fifteen minutes.
✓ We'll wait.Say you'll wait.
If not: That's okay, maybe next time.
After your name, add this
✓ Could we sit by the window?Ask for a window seat.
outside: sit outside; booth: a booth
Quick answers
When you walk in, the host looks at you: what to say in English
Say “A table for two, please.” — ask for a table for 2. If you booked: I have a reservation under Lin.
No reservation, and there's a line: what to say in English
Say “How long is the wait?” — ask the wait time. wait here is a noun: time before a table.
Host “About fifteen minutes”: what to say in English
Say “We'll wait.” — say you'll wait. If not: That's okay, maybe next time.
After your name, add this: what to say in English
Say “Could we sit by the window?” — ask for a window seat. outside: sit outside; booth: a booth.