Vocabulary for Food and Dining

Menu

A list of dishes available at a restaurant or cafe.

Example: The menu features a variety of vegetarian options.

Appetizer

A small dish served before the main course, designed to stimulate the appetite.

Example: We ordered a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.

Entrée

The main course of a meal.

Example: For the entrée, I chose the grilled salmon.

Dessert

A sweet course typically served at the end of a meal.

Example: I can’t resist chocolate cake for dessert.

Beverage

A drink, especially one other than water.

Example: Would you like to order a beverage with your meal?

Reservation

An arrangement made in advance to secure a table at a restaurant.

Example: I made a reservation for two at 7 PM.

Waiter/Waitress

A person who serves food and drinks to customers in a restaurant.

Example: Our waitress was very attentive and helpful.

Check/Bill

A statement of the amount owed for food and drinks at a restaurant.

Example: Can we get the check, please?

Tip

A small amount of money given to service staff as a reward for their service.

Example: It’s customary to leave a tip for your waiter.

Cuisine

A style or method of cooking, often associated with a particular country or region.

Example: Italian cuisine is known for its pasta and pizza.

Buffet

A meal where guests serve themselves from a variety of dishes set out on a table.

Example: The hotel offers a breakfast buffet every morning.

Takeout

Food purchased at a restaurant to be eaten off the premises.

Example: We decided to order takeout for dinner tonight.

Food allergy

An immune response to certain foods that can cause adverse health effects.

Example: Please inform the server of any food allergies.

Portion

The amount of food served to one person.

Example: The portions at this restaurant are quite generous.

Seasoning

A substance (such as salt, pepper, or herbs) added to food to enhance flavor.

Example: The chef added some seasoning to the soup for extra flavor.

Fresh

Food that is recently made or harvested, not preserved or frozen.

Example: I prefer fresh vegetables over canned ones.

Ingredients

The individual components used to prepare a dish.

Example: The recipe lists all the ingredients needed for the cake.

Gourmet

Food that is of high quality, often elaborately prepared.

Example: We enjoyed a gourmet meal at the new restaurant.

Vegetarian/Vegan

A vegetarian does not eat meat, while a vegan avoids all animal products.

Example: There are many vegetarian options on the menu.

Satisfaction guarantee

A promise from a restaurant that customers will be satisfied with their food or service, often leading to a refund if they are not.

Example: This restaurant offers a satisfaction guarantee on all its dishes.