Essential Restaurant Phrases: Japanese Dining Guide for Your Next Trip 🍜🍣

Are you packing your bags for Japan soon? Perhaps you’ve booked a long-awaited family holiday, or you're preparing for an upcoming business trip to Tokyo. Or maybe, as a parent, you are getting ready to send your child off on an exciting school exchange trip!

Whatever is taking you to Japan, I'm sure there is one thing you can't wait for: the incredible Japanese food. From quiet ramen bars to lively Izakaya pubs, dining out is easily one of the best parts of visiting Japan!

To help you (or your kids!) feel completely confident when ordering, I’ve put together this handy guide to the essential restaurant phrases Japanese servers and chefs will easily understand. Click the links below to jump straight to the section you need:

• 📖 Part 1: The Essential Japanese Restaurant Phrases Cheat Sheet — Simple phrases from entering the shop to paying the bill.

• 💡 Part 2: Quick Etiquette Tips for a Smooth Experience — Handy Japanese dining manners to keep you stress-free.

Part 1: The Essential Japanese Restaurant Phrases Cheat Sheet 🗣️

Here are the most useful restaurant phrases Japanese locals actually use at every stage of a meal, organised by situation so you can easily reference them on your phone.

1. Entering & Sitting Down 🚪

When you walk in, the staff will welcome you with a cheerful 「いらっしゃいませ！」 (Irasshaimase!). They will then ask how many people are in your party.

Situation / English	Japanese	Reading / Romaji
"Two people, please."	二人です。	Futari desu.
"Do you have an English menu?"	英語のメニューはありますか？	Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?

• Handy Numbers Guide for Groups: * One person = 一人 (hitori)

  • Two people = 二人 (futari)

  • Three people = 三人 (sannin)

  • Four people = 四人 (yonin)

2. Ordering Your Food 🍺

When you're ready to order, simply raise your hand slightly and call out 「すみません！」 (Sumimasen!) to get the waiter's attention, then use these easy restaurant phrases:

Situation / English	Japanese	Reading / Romaji
"This one, please." (while pointing)	これ、お願いします。	Kore, onegai shimasu.
"Two of these, please."	これを二つ、お願いします。	Kore o futatsu, onegai shimasu.
"What do you recommend?"	おすすめはありますか？	Osusume wa arimasu ka?

3. Dietary Requirements & Allergies 🚫🌾

If you or your children have dietary restrictions, showing these written phrases on your phone is the most reliable way to make sure the kitchen understands:

Situation / English	Japanese	Reading / Romaji
"I cannot eat meat."	お肉は食べられません。	Oniku wa taberaremasen.
"Does this contain pork?"	これは豚肉が入っていますか？	Kore wa butaniku ga haitte imasu ka?
"I have a gluten allergy."	グルテンのアレルギーがあります。	Guruten no areregii ga arimasu.

4. During & After the Meal 🥢

Situation / English	Japanese	Reading / Romaji
"Thank you for the meal!" (Before eating)	いただきます！	Itadakimasu!
"Thank you for the feast!" (After eating)	ごちそうさまでした！	Gochisousama deshita!

• Tip: Saying Gochisousama deshita to the staff as you leave is a lovely way to show your appreciation!

5. Paying the Bill 💳

Remember, in Japan, you usually take the bill slip from your table and bring it to the cash register near the entrance to pay.

Situation / English	Japanese	Reading / Romaji
"Check, please."	お会計、お願いします。	O-kaikei, onegai shimasu.
"Can I pay by card?"	カードは使えますか？	Kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?

Part 2: Quick Etiquette Tips for a Smooth Experience 💡

Now that you have the most practical restaurant phrases Japanese dining requires down, here are a few simple cultural habits to keep in mind so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

• There is No Tipping: Excellent service is simply part of the job in Japan. If you try to leave extra cash on the table, the staff will likely run down the street after you to return the money you "forgot"!
  

• The Oshibori (Wet Towel): You’ll be handed a rolled-up wet towel when you sit down. This is just for wiping your hands before you eat—avoid using it on your face, neck, or to wipe down the table!
  

• The "Table Charge" (お通し - Otoshi): At Japanese pubs (Izakaya), you’ll be served a tiny appetiser as soon as you sit down. This is Otoshi. It acts as a small cover charge (usually around 300 to 500 yen per person) and is a normal part of the dining culture.
  

• Calling the Waiter: Unlike in Australia, where we usually try to catch a waiter's eye, in Japan, it is completely normal to raise your hand and call out 「すみません！」 (Sumimasen! — Excuse me!) Many modern places also have a call button on the table!

Pack More Confidence in Your Pocket! 🗺️🎒

Dining out in Japan is such an amazing experience, and trying to use even a little bit of Japanese will make the staff's day. They will appreciate your effort so much!

To help you get fully prepared for your trip, I have created a Free 100 Travel Phrasebook! It is packed with the most essential daily phrases for transit, shopping, emergencies, and of course, even more restaurant phrases Japanese travellers need on a daily basis.

Download your free copy today and keep it handy on your phone during your travels!

👉 Download Your Free 100 Travel Phrasebook Here!