Food & drinkBeginner
Making a reservation in English (beginner)
Beginner English for making a reservation. Key line: “Hi, can I *book* a *table* *tonight*?”
Full script
Lin
Hi, can I book a table tonight?
Them
Sure. For how many, and what time?
Lin
Two, please, at seven.
Them
Of course. Any special request?
Lin
A quiet table, please. My date is shy.
Them
No problem. We have a nice corner table.
Lin
Perfect. I do most of the talking.
Them
Great. The table can listen, too.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Reserve
✓ Can I book a table tonight?Use this to ask for a table tonight.
book a table is very common
Party size
✓ For how many?Ask the number of people.
Common when taking reservations
Time
✓ At seven, please.Give the time politely.
Use at with a clock time
Request
✓ A quiet table, please.Polite: ask for a quiet table
Also for changing seats
Quick answers
Reserve: what to say in English
Say “Can I book a table tonight?” — use this to ask for a table tonight. book a table is very common.
Party size: what to say in English
Say “For how many?” — ask the number of people. Common when taking reservations.
Time: what to say in English
Say “At seven, please.” — give the time politely. Use at with a clock time.
Request: what to say in English
Say “A quiet table, please.” — polite: ask for a quiet table. Also for changing seats.