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Getting a table at a restaurant in English (advanced)

Advanced English for getting a table at a restaurant. Key line: “Hey, could we put our name down for a table for two?”

Full script

Lin
Hey, could we put our name down for a table for two?
Them
Of course — are you walking in, or did you book ahead?
Lin
We're a walk-in; any idea how long the wait might be?
Them
It should be about twenty minutes, unless a couple finishes up early.
Lin
That's totally fine — we're two hungry people, not exactly an emergency.
Them
Fair enough. I can add you to the list, and I'll call you.
Lin
Perfect, thanks. It's under Lin — and we promise not to stare at departing tables.
Them
Deal — and if you do, I'll pretend I didn't notice the hungry eyes.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

sign up
✓ put our name down for a table for two

Use when joining the list for 2

Natural for waiting for a table

walk-in
✓ We're a walk-in.

No reservation; you just came in

walk-in = come without booking

wait time
✓ Any idea how long the wait might be?

About how long is the wait?

More polite, less direct

Name
✓ It's under Lin.

The name on the list: Lin

under is common for names

Quick answers

sign up: what to say in English

Say “put our name down for a table for two” — use when joining the list for 2. Natural for waiting for a table.

walk-in: what to say in English

Say “We're a walk-in.” — no reservation; you just came in. walk-in = come without booking.

wait time: what to say in English

Say “Any idea how long the wait might be?” — about how long is the wait. More polite, less direct.

Name: what to say in English

Say “It's under Lin.” — the name on the list: Lin. under is common for names.

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