Food & drinkAdvanced

Making a reservation in English (advanced)

Advanced English for making a reservation. Key line: “Hi, could I reserve a table for two this Friday at seven?”

Full script

LinHi, could I reserve a table for two this Friday at seven?
ThemYeah, absolutely. Could I get your name and a phone number, please?
LinSure—it's Lin, and the number is 555-0189. Could we sit somewhere quiet?
ThemNo problem. Is this for anything special, or do you just want peace and quiet?
LinMostly quiet—my dad treats menus like mystery novels and narrates everything.
ThemGot it. I've definitely met that kind of diner before. Any seating preferences besides quiet?
LinA booth would be great, if one's available. He sounds serious, but he's harmless.
ThemDone—Friday at seven, quiet booth for two. We'll let your dad enjoy his menu mystery.

Key phrases

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

Booking

✓ Could I reserve a table for two this Friday at seven?

polite way to book a table

Could I is more polite than I want

Quiet

✓ Could we sit somewhere quiet?

ask for a quieter place

somewhere quiet sounds natural

Booth

✓ A booth would be great, if one's available.

ask for a booth if available

common when making requests

Preferences

✓ Any seating preferences besides quiet?

ask about other seat requests

preferences sounds softer

Quick answers

Booking: what to say in English

Say “Could I reserve a table for two this Friday at seven?” — polite way to book a table. Could I is more polite than I want.

Quiet: what to say in English

Say “Could we sit somewhere quiet?” — ask for a quieter place. somewhere quiet sounds natural.

Booth: what to say in English

Say “A booth would be great, if one's available.” — ask for a booth if available. common when making requests.

Preferences: what to say in English

Say “Any seating preferences besides quiet?” — ask about other seat requests. preferences sounds softer.

Next: Viewing an apartment All scenes