English Vocabulary: Ordering Food

Today, we will learn more about useful English vocabulary for an important aspect of our lives during the pandemic: ordering food. Many of my clients get confused about the different expressions used when ordering food. For example, you can order food “for pick-up”, “to go”, “to dine in”, and “for delivery”. So what does all that mean? Let’s look at the dialogues below to improve your English vocabulary:

Caller: Hi, I’d like to order some food for pick-up (= to pick up from the restaurant; usually placed on the phone).

Restaurant worker: Sure, what would you like?

Caller: Let me get two of your vegetarian spring rolls but without cilantro, two banh-mi without mayo, and your sticky rice with mango for dessert. When can you have our order ready?

Restaurant worker: You can pick it up in half an hour. Just make sure to wear a mask when you enter the restaurant. Also, we practice social distancing so please keep a six foot distance from other customers and staff. We will have your food ready sitting on a table next to the front door. Now can I have your credit card info, please?

Caller: Sure thing. The number is.....

Restaurant worker: What’s the security code on the back of your card?

Caller: It is....

Restaurant worker: Thank you for your order. See you later!

1. You arrive at the restaurant.

You: Hello, I am here to pick up my order.

Restaurant worker: Great. You will find it on the table over there. You’ll find silverware and napkins right next to it.

You: Thank you. Where can I put my tip?

Restaurant worker: The tip jar is on that table as well. Thank you so much. We appreciate your support.

Other expressions: I would like to make an order for pick-up, please.

I would like to place an order for pick-up, please.

2. You arrive at the restaurant and want to order food to go.

You: Hello, I would like to order some food to go.

Restaurant worker: You can place your order at the counter over there.

You: Thank you so much.

You: Hello, I would like to order some food to go (=to take with you and eat somewhere else)

Restaurant worker: Sure. What would you like? 

3. You: I would like to place an order for delivery (here you are ordering on the phone to get your food delivered to your home)

Restaurant worker: Great. What can I get you? 

You: …...

Restaurant worker: Okay. Would you like anything to drink?

You: No, thanks. That’s everything.

Restaurant worker: Can I have your address, please? Also, there’s a small delivery fee. I hope that’s fine with you.

You: Of course. No problem. How much is it?

4. You: Is it possible to dine in (=to have dinner at the restaurant ) tonight?

Restaurant worker: Yes, but we only offer outside seating (=tables outside). Is that ok with you? We have individual space heaters for each table so that you can stay warm during your dining experience with us.