30 Japanese Restaurant Phrases for Dining in Japan

WeXpats

2024/09/03

Learn Japanese

Although there are many restaurants in Japan that offer English or multilingual support, there are also establishments that are unable to do so. Therefore, knowing some basic phrases for restaurant scenes will be handy for visiting establishments that can only provide service in Japanese. Not only will it offer you more dining options, you will also feel more at ease when visiting such establishments.

In this article, we will introduce some need-to-know phrases when visiting restaurants in Japan.

Table of Contents

Quick Lesson on Japanese Dining Etiquette
Japanese Restaurant Phrases #1: Making a Reservation
Japanese Restaurant Phrases #2: Entering a Restaurant
Japanese Restaurant Phrases #3: Ordering
Japanese Restaurant Phrases #4: When Dining
Japanese Restaurant Phrases #5: Paying the Bill

Quick Lesson on Japanese Dining Etiquette

Before diving into the Japanese phrases, let’s have a quick look at the basics of Japanese dining etiquette. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.

“Itadakimasu” Before a Meal

In Japan, “Itadakimasu (いただきます)” is a phrase used before eating. It means “I humbly receive” and expresses gratitude for the meal. “Itadakimasu” is a way to acknowledge the effort that went into preparing the food, from the people who grew and cooked it to the animals and plants that provided it.

Saying "Itadakimasu" is considered polite and is a way to show respect for the food and those involved in the meal. It's often accompanied by a slight bow of the head or bringing hands together in a gesture similar to prayer.

“Gochisousamadeshita” After a Meal

"Gochisousama (ごちそうさま)" is a phrase used after finishing a meal in Japan. It translates to something like "Thank you for the feast" or "That was a feast," but it's more about expressing gratitude for the meal you've just enjoyed.

Chopsticks Manners

There are several chopsticks taboos to avoid such as pointing with chopsticks (which is incredibly rude), sticking them upright in rice (resembles funeral incense sticks), or passing food from a pair of chopsticks to another (resembles funeral rituals). Proper chopstick etiquette is essential in Japanese culture and reflects mindfulness and respect during dining.

No Slurping Unless Its Noodles

While slurping noodles is acceptable and even encouraged as a compliment to the chef, avoid making noise while eating rice or other dishes.

Tidying Up After a Meal

Cleaning up after yourselves is basic manners in Japan. Food courts and some restaurants require diners to bring their used trays to a “Tray Return” area. Some places even require trash separation. A dust cloth might be available to wipe up any spills on your table. Practise courtesy and show consideration for the next diner.

Writer's Pick

Japanese Restaurant Phrases #1: Making a Reservation

Want to make a reservation for a restaurant in Japan? You can do so via their online reservation system, or if that is not available, through a telephone call. When making a reservation, these phrases will come in handy:

1. Excuse me, I would like to make a reservation. - すみません、予約をしたいのですが (Sumimasen, yoyaku o shitai no desu ga)

When the restaurant picks up the call, use this phrase to let them know the purpose of your call.

2. For how many people? - 何名様ですか？(Nan meisama desuka?)

The restaurant will usually respond by asking “How many people?” or “What date and time would you like?”. Answer the question about how many diners with:

One Person - 一人 (Hitori)
Two Persons - 二人 (Futari)
Three Persons - 三人 (Sannin)
Four Persons - 四人 (Yonnin)
Five Persons - 五人 (Gonin)
Six Persons - 六人 (Rokunin)
Seven Persons - 七人 (Nananin)
Eight Persons - 八人 (Hachinin)
Nine Persons - 九人 (Kyuunin)
Ten Persons - 十人 (Jyuunin)

and so on.

3. I would like to make a reservation for [date] at [time]. - ▲月▲日に▲時の予約をお願いします (▲gatsu ▲nichi ni ▲ji no yoyaku o onegaishimasu)

Answer the question about reservation date and time with the above phrase. Example: “I would like to make a reservation for September 5th at 7PM.” - 9月5日に19時の予約をお願いします。(Kugatsu itsuka ni jyuukuji no yoyaku o onegaishimasu).

4. My name is [name]. - 名前は▲です（Namae wa ▲ desu）

You will be inquired for the name your reservation will be under. Use this phrase to answer.

5. My phone number is [phone number]. - 電話番号はxxx-xxxx-xxxxです。(Denwa bangou wa xxx-xxxx-xxxx desu)

Some establishments may ask you for your phone number.

The restaurant will repeat back to you what you said to reconfirm your reservation details. Listen carefully and confirm before hanging up. The restaurant may give you a call nearer to your reservation date to confirm once more.

Japanese Restaurant Phrases #2: Entering a Restaurant

6. Welcome! - いらっしゃいませ (Irrashaimase)

A standard greeting when visiting a restaurant, cafe etc. eateries in Japan. It means “Welcome!” or “Come in!” and is a way for staff to acknowledge a customer’s arrival and make you feel welcome. More casual and informal versions of “Irrashaimase”, such as “Irasshai (いらっしゃい)” may be used at places with casual settings.

7. Will you be dining in? - 店内ですか？(Tennai desuka?)

Many restaurants and cafes in Japan do both dine-in and take-out these days, so this has become a common question. Answer “店内です (Tennai desu)" if you’re dining in, and “テイクアウトです (Teiku Auto desu)” or “持ち帰りです (Mochikaeri desu)” if you’re taking away.

8. Do you have a reservation? - 予約はされていますか？(Yoyaku wa sarete imasuka?)

If you have a reservation, say, “I have a reservation under [name]” - ▲での予約です。(▲ de no yoyaku desu). If you do not have a reservation, answer “I don’t have a reservation, are there any seats available?” - 予約なしですが、席はありますか？(Yoyaku nashi desu ga, seki wa arimasu ka?).

9. How many people? - 何名様ですか？(Nan meisama desuka?)

You will be asked how many people are dining. Answer the same as when making a reservation, “[How Many People].” - ▲です (▲ desu). Example: “Two.” - 二人です (Futari desu)

One Person - 一人 (Hitori)
Two Persons - 二人 (Futari)
Three Persons - 三人 (Sannin)
Four Persons - 四人 (Yonnin)
Five Persons - 五人 (Gonin)
Six Persons - 六人 (Rokunin)
Seven Persons - 七人 (Nananin)
Eight Persons - 八人 (Hachinin)
Nine Persons - 九人 (Kyuunin)
Ten Persons - 十人 (Jyuunin)

10. Would you prefer a smoking or non-smoking seat? - 喫煙席と禁煙席、どちらになさいますか？(Kitsuenseki to kinenseki, dochira ni nasaimasu ka?)

At restaurants with smoking or non-smoking seat options, the server will ask for your preference. Smoking seat is called “Kitsuenseki (喫煙席)” and non-smoking seat is called “Kinenseki (禁煙席)”.

Answer with this phrase, “[Smoking / Non-Smoking] Seat, please.” - 「喫煙席 / 禁煙席」をお願いします ([Kitsuenseki / Kinenseki] o onegaishimasu).

11. I will show you to your table. - テーブルにご案内します (Te-buru ni goannai shimasu)

A phrase used by the server when guiding you to your seat.

12. Sorry, we are full now. - 申し訳ございません。只今、満席となっております (Moushiwake gozaimasen. Tadaima manseki to natte orimasu)

Restaurants may not be available due to full capacity (満席, Manseki) or even reserved for private events (貸切, Kashikiri). If the restaurant is full, you may queue until a seat is available. However, if it is reserved for the day, you will have to come back another day.

Other Useful Words to Know

Dine-in: 店内 (Tennai)
Take-out: 持ち帰り (Mochikaeri) / テイクアウト (Teiku Auto)
Fully Occupied - 満席 (Manseki)
Fully Reserved - 貸切 (Kashikiri)
Smoking Seat - 喫煙席 (Kitsuenseki)
Non-Smoking Seat - 禁煙席 (Kinenseki)
Table Seat - テーブル (Te-buru)
Counter Seat - カウンター席 (Kaunta-seki)

Japanese Restaurant Phrases #3: Ordering

13. Menu, please. - メニューをお願いします (Menyu- o onegaishimasu)

A phrase used to ask for the menu. If you would like to have an English menu, ask for one with this phrase, “英語のメニューはありますか？(Eigo no menyu- wa arimasuka?)”

14. May I take your order now? - ご注文はお決まりですか？ (Gochuumon wa okimari desuka?)

After some time, the server will return to your table to ask for your order. Or else, you may ask for your order to be taken by saying, “Please take my order” - ご注文をお願いします (Gochuumon o onegaishimasu).

If you need more time to decide, say, “もう少し時間をいただけますか？(Mou sukoshi jikan o itadakemasuka?” which translates to “Could I have a little more time, please?”

15. This, please. - これをください (Kore o kudasai)

A phrase used to order an item from the menu. Simply point and say the phrase. Indicate how many you wish to order with:

One (一つ, Hitotsu)
Two (二つ, Futatsu)
Three (三つ, Mittsu)
Four (四つ, Yotsu)
Five (五つ, Itsutsu)

and so on. Example: “One of this, please.” - これを一つください (Kore o hitotsu kudasai)

You can also use this phrase to order or ask for things - ▲をください (▲ o kudasai). Example: “Water, please.” - 水をください (Mizu o kudasai)

16. What do you recommend? - おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)

When you are not sure what to order, use this phrase to ask the server for their recommendation.

17. What is this? - これは何ですか？(Kore wa nan desuka?)

Use this phrase to inquire about a dish and what it contains. It is especially useful if you want to avoid food allergens.

18. Is there [ingredient] in this dish? - ▲は入っていますか？(▲ wa haitte imasuka?)

Another useful phrase to check what a dish contains and to help avoid food allergens.

19. Can you remove [ingredient] from this dish? - ▲を抜きにしてもらえますか? (▲ o nuki ni shite moraemasuka?)

This phrase is used to ask for an ingredient to be removed from a dish. Example: “Can you remove onions from this dish?” - 玉ねぎを抜きにしてもらえますか? (Tamanegi o nuki ni shite moraemasuka?).

Other Useful Japanese Vocabulary for Restaurants and Ordering

Drink - ドリンク (Dorinku)
Dessert - デザート (Deza-to)
Water - 水 (Mizu)
Tea - お茶 (Ocha)
Coffee - コーヒー (Ko-hi-)
Sugar - 砂糖 (Satou)
Milk - ミルク (Miruku)
Chopsticks - お箸 (Ohashi)
Spoon - スプーン (Su-pun)
Fork - フォーク (Fo-ku)
Knife - ナイフ (Naifu)
Rice - ごはん (Gohan)
Bread - パン (Pan)
Meat - 肉 (Niku)
Chicken - 鶏肉 (Toriniku), チキン (Chikin)
Beef - 牛肉 (Gyuuniku), ビーフ (Beef)
Pork - 豚肉 (Butaniku), ポーク (Po-ku)
Vegetable - 野菜 (Yasai)
Large Serving - 大盛 (Oomori)
Lesser Serving - 少なめ (Sukuname)
Small Serving - 小盛 (Komori)

Japanese Restaurant Phrases #4: When Dining

20. Excuse me. - すみません (Sumimasen)

To call for a server’s attention.

21. Refill, please. - おかわりください (Okawari kudasai)

A phrase used to ask for an additional serving of food or drink, such as more rice, soup, or tea.

22. I’m good. - 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu)

Servers may ask you whether you would like a refill, to order a dessert, etc. If you have had enough, use this phrase to politely decline. An alternative phrase is “結構です(Kekkou desu)”.

23. Can you help us take a photo, please? - 写真を撮ってもらえますか？

Tourists may want their dining experience photographed, just politely ask a staff member to help take your photo.

24. Where is the toilet? - トイレはどこですか？(Toire wa dokodesu ka?)

To ask for directions to the restaurant’s toilet. Establishments in shopping malls may not have their own lavatory and will require you to leave the restaurant to use the malls’ shared washroom.

Japanese Restaurant Phrases #5: Paying the Bill

25. Bill, please. - お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu)

Use this phrase when you are ready to pay after finishing your meal at a restaurant. In Japan, there are establishments that bring the bill to your table for payment, while others require you to pay at the register on your way out or when ordering. Keep in mind that tipping is not practised in Japan.

26. Can we pay separately? - 別々にできますか？(Betsu betsu ni dekimasuka?)

Not all establishments in Japan accept separate payments, it is best to ask. Some establishments only accept separate payments if done by cash.

27. Do you take credit cards? - クレジットカードは使えますか？(Kurejitto ka-do wa tsukaemasuka?)

There are many restaurants in Japan that only accept cash. If you are unsure, use this phrase to inquire.

28. Do you take cash only? - 現金のみですか？(Genkin nomi desuka?)

Use this phrase to confirm if cash is the only acceptable payment method.

29. Receipt, please. - レシートをください。(Reshi-to o kudasai)

To request a receipt.

30. Thank you for the meal. - ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita)

Used after finishing a meal to express gratitude for the food and the effort that went into preparing it. Also used when leaving a restaurant as an alternative to “ありがとうございました。(Arigatou gozaimashita)”.

To Close

This guide will equip you with the essential phrases and vocabulary needed to navigate a Japanese restaurant with ease, from making a reservation to paying the bill. Enjoy your dining experience in Japan!