Japanese Restaurant Phrases: Order Food & Pay the Bill with Confidence (2026)
25 essential Japanese phrases for restaurants and cafes. Learn how to order food, handle dietary restrictions, ask for the bill, and more — with audio-ready flashcards.
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Eating Out in Japan Without the Guesswork
Japanese restaurants are some of the best in the world — but without the right phrases, even ordering can feel stressful. Staff rarely speak English, menus are often kanji-only, and the etiquette is different from what most visitors expect.
These 25 phrases cover everything from walking through the door to paying the bill. Learn them before your trip and you'll handle any restaurant situation with confidence.
25 Japanese Restaurant & Cafe Phrases
Arrival & Seating
一人です、お願いします。 — Table for one, please.
二人です、お願いします。 — Table for two, please.
今、席はありますか？ — Do you have any seats available now?
禁煙席で二人、お願いします。 — Non-smoking seat for two, please.
今夜の予約をしたいのですが。 — I'd like to make a reservation for tonight.
Ordering
すみません、メニューをください。 — Excuse me, can I have the menu?
今日のおすすめは何ですか？ — What do you recommend from today's menu?
これをください、お願いします。 — I'll have this one, please.
ソフトドリンクは何がありますか？ — What soft drinks do you have?
ちょっと待ってください、まだ決めていません。 — Please wait a moment, I'm still deciding.
Dietary Restrictions
ベジタリアンです、ベジタリアンメニューはありますか？ — I'm vegetarian, do you have vegetarian options?
ピーナッツアレルギーがあります。 — I have a peanut allergy.
卵アレルギーがあります、これに卵は入っていますか？ — I have an egg allergy, does this contain eggs?
辛いものが食べられないので、辛くしないでください。 — I can't eat spicy food, please make it not spicy.
このパンはグルテンフリーですか？ — Is this bread gluten-free?
During the Meal
このラーメンはおいしいです！ — This ramen is delicious!
すみません、お水をください。 — Excuse me, can I have some water?
この料理は何ですか？ — What is this dish?
このカレーは辛いですか？ — Is this curry spicy?
お箸をください、お願いします。 — Can I have chopsticks, please?
お箸の代わりにフォークをください。 — Can I have a fork instead of chopsticks?
Paying & Leaving
すみません、お会計をお願いします。 — Excuse me, check please.
クレジットカードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by credit card?
お会計は別々でお願いします。 — Can we have separate checks?
これを持ち帰りできますか？ — Can I take this to go?
Tips for Dining Out in Japan
1. すみません is how you call a waiter
Unlike many countries, you don't wave or make eye contact to get a server's attention — say sumimasen (すみません) clearly. Many modern restaurants also have a call button on the table, but the phrase works everywhere.
2. Cash is still king at many restaurants
Japan is more cash-dependent than most developed countries. Always ask カードで払えますか？ before assuming cards are accepted — especially at ramen shops, izakayas, and family-run restaurants.
3. Point at the menu with これをください
これをください combined with pointing at a menu item or plastic food sample is a complete order. You don't need to pronounce the dish name — this phrase alone will get you fed.
4. Dietary restrictions need preparation
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited in Japan, and hidden ingredients like dashi (fish stock) appear in many seemingly meat-free dishes. Learn the allergy phrases and consider carrying a dietary restriction card in Japanese for serious allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I call a waiter in Japan?
Say すみません (sumimasen) clearly toward the staff. In chain restaurants there is often a call button (呼び出しボタン) on the table. Avoid snapping your fingers or waving aggressively, as this is considered rude.
Do Japanese restaurants have English menus?
In major tourist areas (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto) many restaurants offer English or picture menus. Outside these areas it's less common. Knowing メニューをください and pointing at dishes covers most situations.
Is tipping expected at Japanese restaurants?
No — tipping is not customary in Japan and can be confusing or even offensive. The service charge is always included. A sincere おいしいです！ at the end of the meal is the best way to show appreciation.
What does いただきます mean?
Itadakimasu (いただきます) is said before eating — it expresses gratitude for the food and everyone involved in preparing it. Saying it yourself, even as a foreigner, always makes a great impression.
Practice These Phrases Before Your Next Meal
All 25 phrases above are available as a ready-made deck in Onigiri Anki. Each card includes native Japanese audio, furigana, and an example sentence — so you can hear the correct pronunciation before you need it in a real restaurant.
