Going on a business lunch or having lunch with your work colleagues in a restaurant is a very normal part of business, and can sometimes be stressful. It is more difficult when you have to spend the time speaking in English or having to translate things into English.
To make this easier, you need to know the English vocabulary and phrases used when choosing and paying for dishes (the name for each different plate of food you have) in a restaurant. And this is what you'll learn here.
In this online exercise on food, you'll both learn and remember the essential English vocabulary and phrases connected to ordering food, understanding menus and paying in restaurants.
The vocabulary you will learn here can also be used in restaurants in non-business situations as well.
This exercise is perfect for learning the basics of English restaurant vocabulary. When you have done it, I recommend that you then learn some more advanced English food vocabulary by either doing an exercise on 'describing how food is cooked' or an exercise on 'describing tastes and textures of food'.
Click here to see more online exercises on food, drink and restaurant vocabulary
Read the following conversation between Juan and Peter in a restaurant in Leeds.
From the context, try to guess what the meaning of the words/phrases in bold are. Then do the quiz at the end to check if you are right.
Peter:'There's a table free over there. Do you want to sit there?'
Juan:'Ok, I'm still not looking forward to eating English food.'
Peter:'Don't worry, I had dinner here the last time I visited the head office. It's good food.'
Juan:'What do you recommend?'
Peter:'Well, you can select from the menu. Or you can order one of the specials which isn't on the menu, they are written on the board next to the bar. Or you can have the set-menu. It was good last time, it has three courses, a starter, main and dessert. It's also cheaper than choosing dishes from the menu. But you don't have a lot of choice in what dishes you can have.'
Juan:'It looks ok, but I fancy a bit of salad. Can I ask for a side dish of salad as well?'
Peter:'Yes, there are side dishes as well on the menu. Do you want to have a drink? Wine or beer?'
Juan:'I'll be ok with water. I'm going to pay the bill, it's my treat.'
Peter:'No, Juan. I'm not going to let you. We should split the bill. Pay half each.'
Juan:'Ok, but I'm going to leave the tip. Is it like America here? Should I leave 10 pounds?'
Peter:'No, you only leave a couple of pounds. Are you ready to order now?'
Juan:'Yes.'
Match the words/phrases in bold from the above text to each of the definitions/descriptions below. Click on the "Check" button at the bottom of the quiz to check your answers.
When the answer is correct, two icons will appear below the answer. The "" icon contains extra information on the word/phrase. In the "" icon, you can listen to the pronunciation of the word/phrase.
Now that you understand the meaning of the words/phrases and when to use them, practise using them by creating your own sentences with them in English. Also click on the "" icon under each correct answer and listen how each is pronounced correctly.
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