Useful Japanese Restaurant Phrases You’ll Actually Use

Getting a table

Futari desu means “two people.” Replace futari with hitori for one person. You can also hold up the number with your fingers.

Yoyaku shiteimasu means “I have a reservation.” Follow it with the name used for the booking.

Ordering

Kore o kudasai means “this, please.” Pointing at a menu item while saying it is simple and natural.

Osusume wa nan desu ka? asks what they recommend. It is useful only if you are comfortable receiving an answer you may not fully understand.

Paying

Okaikei onegaishimasu means “the bill, please.” In many restaurants you take a slip to the register near the exit instead of paying at the table.

For allergies, use more than a memorized phrase

Serious allergies are too important to handle with one sentence learned phonetically. Carry a clearly translated allergy card listing the ingredient and cross-contamination risk, and confirm that staff understand it.