Eating Out in Japan – Essential Phrases for Restaurants

Japan’s food culture is rich, diverse, and an essential part of the country’s unique charm. Whether you’re visiting a traditional izakaya, a sushi bar, or a casual ramen shop, knowing a few common Japanese phrases can make your dining experience much smoother.

While many restaurants in Japan have English menus or staff who understand some English, being able to communicate in Japanese—even just a little—can go a long way. It shows respect for the local culture and can help you navigate situations more comfortably.

Here’s a guide to some of the most useful Japanese phrases to use when dining out.

Arriving at the Restaurant
When you enter a restaurant, the staff will usually greet you with “Irasshaimase” (いらっしゃいませ), which is a welcoming phrase used in shops and restaurants. You don’t need to reply, but a polite nod or a smile is always appreciated.

If you have a reservation, you can say:
“Hello, I have a reservation under Anna.”
➡ こんにちは / こんばんは, アンナの予約です。
(Konnichiwa / Konbanwa, Anna no yoyaku desu.)

If you’re asked whether you have a reservation, the staff might say:
“Do you have a reservation?”
➡ 予約をしていますか？
(Yoyaku o shite imasu ka?)

If you don’t have a reservation, you can simply state the number of people in your party:
“Hello, table for one/two/three, please.”
➡ こんにちは / こんばんは, 一人 / 二人 / 三人 です。
(Konnichiwa / Konbanwa, hitori / futari / sannin desu.)

At some restaurants, you may be asked where you’d like to sit. In Japan, some places still allow smoking, so you might hear:
“Would you like smoking or non-smoking?”
➡ 喫煙席と禁煙席、どちらがよろしいですか？
(Kitsuen seki to kinen seki, dochira ga yoroshii desu ka?)
“Non-smoking, please.”
➡ 禁煙席をお願いします。
(Kinen seki o onegaishimasu.)

In izakayas and some restaurants, there may be private rooms available. If you prefer one, you can ask:
“Do you have private rooms?”
➡ 個室はありますか？
(Koshitsu wa arimasu ka?)

Ordering Food and Drinks
Once seated, you may need to ask for a menu:
“Could I have a menu, please?”
➡ メニューをください。
(Menyū o kudasai.)
“Do you have an English menu?”
➡ 英語のメニューはありますか？
(Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?)

When you’re ready to order, you can call the staff by saying:
➡ すみません！ (Sumimasen!) – “Excuse me!”
To place an order, say:
“Can I order, please?”
➡ 注文してもいいですか？
(Chūmon shite mo ii desu ka?)
“I’ll have this, please.”
(if pointing at the menu)
➡ これをお願いします。
(Kore o onegaishimasu.)
“What do you recommend?”
➡ おすすめは何ですか？
(Osusume wa nan desu ka?)

If you have dietary restrictions, you might need to ask about ingredients:
“Does this have meat?”
➡ これに肉は入っていますか？
(Kore ni niku wa
haitte imasu ka?)
“Do you have vegetarian options?”
➡ ベジタリアン向けの料理はありますか？
(Bejitarian muke no ryōri wa arimasu ka?)
“I’m allergic to gluten. Can you prepare it without?”
➡ 小麦グルテンアレルギーなので、抜いてもらえますか？
(Komugi guruten arerugī na node, nuite moraemasu ka?)

If you want to adjust an order:
“Can I have it without onions?”
➡ 玉ねぎ抜きでお願いします。
(Tamanegi nuki deonegaishimasu.)

During the Meal
While eating, you might need to request extra items:
“Could I have another plate, please?”
➡ 取り皿をください。
(Torizara o kudasai.)
“Can I have some more water?”
➡ お水をください。
(Omizu o kudasai.)
If you’re enjoying your meal and want a refill, you can ask:
“Can I get a refill of rice?”
➡ ご飯をおかわりできますか？
(Gohan o okawari dekimasu ka?)
“Can I get a refill of tea?”
➡ お茶のおかわりをお願いします。
(Ocha no okawari o onegaishimasu.)

In some restaurants, the staff may check in with you by asking:
“How is everything?”
➡ お味はいかがですか？
(Oaji wa ikaga desu ka?)

A polite response could be:
“It’s delicious!”
➡ 美味しいです！ (Oishii desu!)

If you need assistance, such as a utensil replacement, you can ask:
“Can I have another fork/spoon/chopsticks?”
➡ フォーク / スプーン / お箸をもう一本ください。
(Fōku / Supūn / O-hashi o mō ippon kudasai.)

Asking for the Bill & Leaving
When you’re ready to pay, you can ask:
“Can I have the bill, please?”
➡ お会計をお願いします。
(Okaikei o onegaishimasu.)
If you want to pay separately:
“Can we pay separately?”
➡ 別々にできますか？
(Betsubetsu ni dekimasu ka?)

To check payment options:
“Do you accept credit cards?”
➡ クレジットカードは使えますか？
(Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?)

“Can I pay with cash?”
➡ 現金で払えますか？
(Genkin de haraemasu ka?)
If you have leftovers and want to take them home:
“Can I get this to go?”
➡ これを持ち帰りできますか？
(Kore o mochikaeri dekimasu ka?)

Before leaving, it’s polite to thank the staff with:
“Thank you for the meal.”
➡ ごちそうさまでした。
(Gochisōsama deshita.)

Dining out in Japan is a fantastic experience, and knowing a few useful phrases can make your meal even more enjoyable. Even if you’re not fluent in Japanese, a little effort goes a long way in showing respect and making your dining experience smoother.


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