ESSENTIAL JAPANESE CONVERSATIONS AT RESTAURANTS IN JAPAN

Eating out is one of the most enjoyable parts of traveling in Japan. Knowing simple Japanese conversations helps you order food, ask for recommendations, handle dietary restrictions, and pay bills politely. This blog covers must-know restaurant phrases, explanations, and romaji so anyone can use them confidently.

BASIC GREETINGS AND POLITE EXPRESSIONS

Polite greetings create a good impression in restaurants.

- いらっしゃいませ。

irasshaimase

Welcome (used by staff)

- こんにちは。

konnichiwa

Hello / Good afternoon

- ありがとうございます。

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you very much

- すみません。

sumimasen

Excuse me / Sorry

- おねがいします。

onegaishimasu

Please

ASKING FOR A TABLE

These phrases are used when entering a restaurant.

- テーブルをひとつください。

teeburu o hitotsu kudasai

One table, please

- にんずうはふたりです。

ninzuu wa futari desu

We are two people

- すわるところはどこですか。

suwaru tokoro wa doko desu ka

Where can we sit?

- まえのよやくがあります。

mae no yoyaku ga arimasu

I have a reservation

ASKING ABOUT MENU AND RECOMMENDATIONS

These phrases help you understand the menu and get suggestions.

- おすすめはなんですか。

osusume wa nan desu ka

What do you recommend?

- メニューをみせてください。

menyuu o misete kudasai

Please show me the menu

- これをおねがいします。

kore o onegaishimasu

I will have this one

- なにがおいしいですか。

nani ga oishii desu ka

What is delicious?

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS AND ALLERGIES

These are important for health and safety.

- べじたりあんです。

bejitarian desu

I am vegetarian

- にくをたべません。

niku o tabemasen

I do not eat meat

- アレルギーがあります。

arerugii ga arimasu

I have an allergy

- さかなをたべられません。

sakana o taberaremasen

I cannot eat fish

ORDERING DRINKS AND EXTRA ITEMS

Use these phrases for drinks and side orders.

- みずをください。

mizu o kudasai

Water please

- コーヒーをひとつください。

koohii o hitotsu kudasai

One coffee please

- もうひとつください。

mou hitotsu kudasai

One more, please

- おしぼりをください。

oshibori o kudasai

Please give a wet towel

ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL HELP

Sometimes you need extra help or clarifications.

- すみません、てんいんさん。

sumimasen, tenin-san

Excuse me, staff

- これをもういちどください。

kore o mou ichido kudasai

Please give me this again

- ちゅうもんをかえることができますか。

chuumon o kaeru koto ga dekimasu ka

Can I change my order?

- おすすめのドリンクはなんですか。

osusume no dorinku wa nan desu ka

What drink do you recommend?

ASKING FOR THE BILL

Polite ways to pay the bill in Japan.

- おかいけいをおねがいします。

okaikei o onegaishimasu

Bill please

- カードでしはらえますか。

kaado de shiharaemasu ka

Can I pay by card?

- おつりはいりません。

otsuri wa irimasen

Keep the change

- レシートをください。

reshiito o kudasai

Please give me a receipt

POLITE ENDING PHRASES

These phrases help end the restaurant experience smoothly.

- ごちそうさまでした。

gochisousama deshita

Thank you for the meal

- おいしかったです。

oishikatta desu

It was delicious

- ありがとうございました。

arigatou gozaimasu

Thank you very much

- またきます。

mata kimasu

I will come again

FINAL TIPS FOR RESTAURANT CONVERSATIONS

Speak slowly and clearly

Use onegaishimasu to sound polite

Repeat items with gestures if needed

Always say gochisousama deshita after eating

Romaji helps if you cannot read hiragana quickly

CONCLUSION

Knowing basic Japanese restaurant conversations makes dining in Japan easy, enjoyable, and polite. These phrases allow travelers to order confidently, ask about food, handle dietary restrictions, and pay correctly. With romaji support, beginners can speak naturally and enjoy authentic Japanese dining experiences.

Restaurant Japanese Conversations for Travelers | Easy Japanese Phrases to Order Food in Japan