These server greeting examples help you start every table well. The first 30 seconds set the mood for the whole meal.
Many waiters know the menu but freeze at “hello”. By the end of this post, you’ll have 12 easy greetings and a simple 3-step plan. Tap 🔊 to hear each one.
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The Time–Name–Offer greeting
A good greeting has three small parts: time, name, offer.
Time: say hello with the time of day. “Good evening.”
Name: say who you are. “I’m Ana, I’ll be looking after you.”
Offer: give the guest an easy next step. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Why the offer? After “hello” and a name, guests often don’t know what to say. A small question keeps the talk moving.
Step 1: Say hello (time of day)
“Good evening, and welcome.”
From about 5 or 6 pm. Safe anywhere.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to the Garden Café.”
From 12 pm. Add your restaurant’s name if you can.
“Hi there! How are you all doing tonight?”
Friendly and casual. Good for cafés, bars and family places.
“Welcome back! It’s nice to see you again.”
For regulars = guests who come often.
Step 2: Say your name
“My name’s Ana, and I’ll be looking after you tonight.”
Warm and natural. Common in the UK.
“Hi, I’m Ana. I’ll be your server today.”
The classic US version. Short and clear.
Step 3: Offer the next step
“Can I get you started with something to drink?”
The most common next step. “Get you started” = the first thing you order.
“Would you like still or sparkling water?”
Still = no bubbles. Sparkling = with bubbles.
“Have you been here before?”
If they say no, explain the menu or the specials.
“Take your time. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.”
When they need time with the menu.
When you’re busy
“Hi! I’ll be right with you.”
Say it as you walk past. The guest knows you saw them.
“Sorry for the wait. Thanks for your patience.”
Use it when you finally arrive. Then greet as normal.
Save this card and look at it before your next shift. On Pinterest? Pin it so you can find it fast.
Server greeting examples in a real dialogue
Waiter: Good evening, and welcome. My name’s Ana, and I’ll be looking after you tonight.
Guest: Hi, Ana. Thanks.
Waiter: Have you been here before?
Guest: No, it’s our first time.
Waiter: Great! The specials are on the board. Everything else is on the menu.
Waiter: Can I get you started with something to drink?
Guest: Could we have some water, please?
Waiter: Of course. Would you like still or sparkling?
Guest: Still is fine, thanks.
Waiter: Perfect. Take your time with the menu. I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.
See it? Time, then name, then an offer.
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Most of these come from direct translation. They are easy to fix.
Quick quiz
1. Guests arrive at 8 pm. What do you say?
“Good evening” is hello. “Good night” is goodbye.
2. What are the three parts of a good greeting?
Say hello with the time, say your name, then offer a next step.
3. You’re busy and a new table sits down. What do you say?
It’s short and polite. The guest knows you saw them.
FAQ
How should a server greet a table?
Say hello with the time of day, say your name, then ask a simple question. For example: “Good evening, I’m Ana. Can I get you something to drink?”
Do I have to say my name?
No, it depends on your restaurant. In the US it’s very common. If you do, keep it short.
How fast should I greet a new table?
As soon as you can. If you’re busy, smile and say “I’ll be right with you.”
Related guides
- How to seat guests: a simple host script
- Taking orders script: 12 phrases for waiters
- Formal vs casual restaurant English
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