Food & drinkBeginner
Getting a table at a restaurant in English (beginner)
Beginner English for getting a table at a restaurant. Key line: “Hi, can we get a *table* for *two*?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, can we get a table for two?
Them
Sure. Can I get a name for the list?
Lin
Yes, it's Lin. Like in, with L.
Them
Thanks, Lin. It's a ten-minute wait.
Lin
That's fine. Can we wait here?
Them
Yes, please stay near the door.
Lin
Great. It's Lin, not lion, by the way.
Them
No problem. We seat people, not lions.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Table
✓ Can we get a table for two?Ask for seats for 2.
get a table is common and natural
Name
✓ Can I get a name for the list?Ask what name to put on the list.
Common at a restaurant
How long
✓ It's a ten-minute wait.You need to wait 10 minutes.
'wait' is a noun here, often with 'a'
Wait here
✓ Can we wait here?Ask to stay here while waiting.
here = in this place
Quick answers
Table: what to say in English
Say “Can we get a table for two?” — ask for seats for 2. get a table is common and natural.
Name: what to say in English
Say “Can I get a name for the list?” — ask what name to put on the list. Common at a restaurant.
How long: what to say in English
Say “It's a ten-minute wait.” — you need to wait 10 minutes. 'wait' is a noun here, often with 'a'.
Wait here: what to say in English
Say “Can we wait here?” — ask to stay here while waiting. here = in this place.