ashushu 
Learn Japanese
for Restaurants
If you’re learning Japanese and planning to visit Japan — or just want to explore more of the language — it’s important to know how to order food, ask questions, and interact politely at a restaurant. This guide is ideal for foreigners learning Japanese, particularly those living in Australia who may be planning a trip to Japan or enjoying Japanese cuisine locally.
Essential Restaurant Vocabulary in Japanese
| English | Japanese (Kanji) | Hiragana | Romaji |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant | レストラン | れすとらん | resutoran |
| Menu | メニュー | めにゅー | menyū |
| Order | 注文 | ちゅうもん | chūmon |
| Waiter/Waitress | 店員 | てんいん | ten’in |
| Bill | お会計 | おかいけい | okaikei |
| Reservation | 予約 | よやく | yoyaku |
| Table | テーブル | てーぶる | tēburu |
| Water | 水 | みず | mizu |
| Chopsticks | 箸 | はし | hashi |
| Delicious | 美味しい | おいしい | oishii |
Useful Japanese Phrases for Restaurants
When You Arrive
- 予約しています。名前はジョンです。
Yoyaku shiteimasu. Namae wa Jon desu.
“I have a reservation. My name is John.” - 二人です。
Futari desu.
“We are two people.” - テーブル席をお願いします。
Tēburu seki o onegaishimasu.
“A table seat, please.”
Ordering Food
- おすすめは何ですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
“What do you recommend?” - これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
“I’ll have this, please.” (when pointing to the menu) - ベジタリアンメニューはありますか？
Bejitarian menyū wa arimasu ka?
“Do you have a vegetarian menu?” - アレルギーがあります。
Arerugī ga arimasu.
“I have an allergy.”
During or After Your Meal
- お水をください。
Omizu o kudasai.
“Water, please.” - 美味しいです！
Oishii desu!
“It’s delicious!” - お会計をお願いします。
Okaikei o onegaishimasu.
“The bill, please.” - ごちそうさまでした。
Gochisōsama deshita.
“Thank you for the meal.” (Said after eating)
Cultural Tips for Dining in Japan
- Don’t Tip: Tipping is not customary in Japan.
- Use Chopsticks Politely: Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice.
- Say It Right: Start your meal with いただきます (Itadakimasu) and end with ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita).
- Quiet Courtesy: Keep your voice down; many Japanese restaurants are quiet places.
Tips to Practise Restaurant Phrases
- Role-play ordering food with a tutor or language partner.
- Watch Japanese cooking shows with subtitles to hear real dialogue.
- Visit local Japanese restaurants and try using basic phrases.
- Use language learning apps to review food and dining-related vocabulary.
Conclusion
Whether you’re ordering sushi in Tokyo or enjoying ramen at a local spot in Sydney, learning Japanese restaurant phrases helps you enjoy the experience more fully. These expressions can boost your confidence and make your dining experiences smoother and more enjoyable.