Taking an order is not one question. It is a small loop: ask, listen, check, repeat.
Know the loop and you won’t panic, even when a guest speaks fast.
This taking orders script gives you 12 phrases for the four steps. Tap 🔊 to hear each one. Learn them today and use them on your next shift.
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The order loop: 4 steps
- Ask – start the order.
- Listen – write it down. Don’t talk yet.
- Check – ask what the kitchen needs to know.
- Repeat – say the order back.
Most mistakes happen at step 3. The guest says “steak”. The kitchen needs to know how to cook it. Asking is your job, not the guest’s.
Step 1: Ask
“Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”
Gives the guest an easy way to say “not yet”.
“What can I get for you?”
Short, friendly, and works in any restaurant.
“Would you like to start with some drinks?”
Use it when they are not ready for food.
Step 2: Listen
“Sorry, could you say that again, please?”
Polite and normal. Native speakers say it all the time.
“Just one second. Let me write that down.”
Buys you time and sounds professional.
“Is that the chicken or the fish?”
Point at the menu while you ask. Pointing is fine!
Step 3: Check
“How would you like your steak cooked?”
The answer is usually rare, medium or well done.
“Would you like fries or salad with that?”
For any dish that comes with a side.
“Do you have any allergies I should know about?”
Ask every table. More help: phrases for allergies and diets.
“Anything else for you?”
Ask this before you move to the next person.
Step 4: Repeat
“So that’s one burger, medium, with fries. Is that right?”
“So that’s…” + the order + “Is that right?”
“Perfect. I’ll bring your drinks first.”
Tells the guest what happens next.
Save this card and look at it before your next shift. On Pinterest? Pin it so you can find it fast.
Taking orders script: full example
Waiter: Hi there. Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?
Guest: We’re ready. I’ll have the steak, please.
Waiter: Great choice. How would you like your steak cooked?
Guest: Medium, please.
Waiter: And would you like fries or salad with that?
Guest: Fries. Oh, and no onions.
Waiter: No problem. Do you have any allergies I should know about?
Guest: No, just no onions.
Waiter: So that’s one steak, medium, with fries and no onions. Is that right?
Guest: Perfect.
Waiter: Great. I’ll bring your drinks first.
Learn 100+ phrases like these.
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Quick quiz
1. The guest says “the spicy one”. What do you say back?
Repeat their words and add the dish name. Now you both know it’s right.
2. Which question is more polite?
“Would you like” is the polite form waiters use every day.
3. A guest orders a steak. What must you ask?
The kitchen needs to know: rare, medium or well done.
FAQ
What do waiters say when taking an order?
Most waiters start with “Are you ready to order?” or “What can I get for you?”. Then they ask about cooking, sides and allergies, and repeat the order back.
How do I take an order politely in English?
Use “would you like” instead of “do you want”, and finish with “Is that right?”. Those two changes make you sound polite.
What if I don’t understand the guest?
Say “Sorry, could you say that again, please?” or ask an A-or-B question while pointing at the menu.
Related guides
- How to take a big order for a large group
- Food adjectives for describing dishes
- How to ask about allergies and diets
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