Japanese Phrases for Restaurants

Order with confidence and pay without the awkward pointing.

Eating out is one of the best parts of life in Japan — and with a few phrases, you can order exactly what you want and breeze through the bill. Many restaurants don't have English menus, and staff rarely speak English beyond basic greetings. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, being able to communicate that in Japanese isn't just convenient — it's essential for your safety. Here are the phrases that cover ordering, paying, and making special requests.

Ordering

  • すみません、注文してもいいですか？

    Sumimasen, chuumon shite mo ii desu ka?

    Excuse me, can I order now?

  • これをひとつください。

    Kore wo hitotsu kudasai.

    One of this, please.

  • おすすめは何ですか？

    Osusume wa nan desu ka?

    What do you recommend?

  • 辛くないものにしてください。

    Karakunai mono ni shite kudasai.

    Please make it not spicy.

  • お水をもらえますか？

    Omizu wo moraemasu ka?

    Could I have some water?

Payment

  • お会計をお願いします。

    Okaikei wo onegaishimasu.

    The bill, please.

  • 別々に払えますか？

    Betsubetsu ni haraemasu ka?

    Can we pay separately?

  • クレジットカードは使えますか？

    Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?

    Do you accept credit cards?

  • ごちそうさまでした。

    Gochisousama deshita.

    Thank you for the meal. (Said when finishing)

Requests & Allergies

  • アレルギーがあるのですが、卵は入っていますか？

    Arerugii ga aru no desu ga, tamago wa haitte imasu ka?

    I have allergies — does this contain egg?

  • ベジタリアン向けのメニューはありますか？

    Bejitarian muke no menyuu wa arimasu ka?

    Do you have a vegetarian menu?

  • 取り皿をもらえますか？

    Torizara wo moraemasu ka?

    Can I get a sharing plate?

  • 量を少なめにしてもらえますか？

    Ryou wo sukuname ni shite moraemasu ka?

    Can you make the portion smaller?

  • お持ち帰りはできますか？

    Omochikaeri wa dekimasu ka?

    Can I take this to go?

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Japanese Phrases for Shopping

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