24 Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Ordering at Restaurants

Heading to a restaurant in Japan can feel like stepping into a whole new world.

Ordering food might seem tricky at first, but a handful of key phrases will make you feel right at home. It’s all about having fun and making connections over delicious meals.

Knowing what to say not only helps you order smoothly but also shows respect to your hosts. Japanese culture values politeness, so a little language goes a long way.

From casual ramen shops to formal sushi bars, these must-know phrases will boost your confidence and make dining out a breeze. Plus, they’ll help you enjoy every bite without the guesswork.

Learning these phrases also opens the door to new experiences—getting recommendations, asking about ingredients, or requesting adjustments.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 24 essential Japanese phrases that will turn you into a pro at ordering in any restaurant.

Getting Started: The Basics of Ordering in Japan

Before jumping into specific phrases, it’s good to know some basics.

Japanese restaurants often have menus with pictures or plastic food models, but speaking a little Japanese goes beyond convenience—it shows appreciation. A simple greeting or polite request can make your meal more enjoyable.

Remember, politeness counts! Using “please” and “thank you” can brighten the mood.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Also, listening carefully to pronunciation helps a lot. Japanese is rhythmic and clear, so mimicking what you hear is a smart tactic.

Try repeating phrases quietly as you wait for your order—it’s an easy trick that builds muscle memory and confidence.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. すみません (Sumimasen) – soo-mee-mah-sen (Excuse me / Sorry)

This is your go-to phrase for catching a server’s attention or apologizing if you bump into someone.

It’s simple, polite, and works in many situations—not just restaurants. Just say “Sumimasen” with a friendly tone to get help or apologize.

Using this phrase sets a respectful tone right from the start.

It’s like saying “excuse me” but with a softer, thoughtful feel.

Related phrase: “すみません、注文いいですか？” (Sumimasen, chūmon ii desu ka?) means “Excuse me, can I order now?”

Don’t hesitate to use “Sumimasen” often—it’s appreciated and helps you connect with the staff.

2. メニューをください (Menyū o kudasai) – meh-nyoo oh koo-dah-sigh (Menu, please)

Asking for the menu is straightforward with this phrase.

Just say “Menyū” (menu) followed by “kudasai” (please). It’s polite and shows you’re ready to decide.

Always include “kudasai” for politeness.

Avoid dropping “kudasai” to keep things courteous.

Example: “メニューをください。” (Menyū o kudasai.)

Once you master this, ordering becomes a lot easier and feels natural.

3. これをください (Kore o kudasai) – koh-reh oh koo-dah-sigh (This one, please)

Use this phrase when you want to order a specific item by pointing or referring to it.

“Kore” means “this,” and “kudasai” means “please.” It’s a quick and polite way to order without needing to know the full name.

Great for when menus have pictures or you want to avoid confusion.

It’s clear and effective—servers appreciate the clarity.

Related phrase: “それをください” (Sore o kudasai) means “That one, please,” for something a bit farther away.

Keep this handy for quick ordering when you’re unsure of the words.

4. おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – oh-soo-soo-meh wah nan dess kah? (What do you recommend?)

Want to try something special? This phrase asks the server what they suggest.

“Osusume” means “recommendation,” “wa” marks the topic, “nan” means “what,” and “desu ka” turns it into a question.

It’s a great way to discover local favorites or seasonal dishes.

Servers often enjoy sharing their top picks, so it’s a win-win.

Example: “おすすめは何ですか？” (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)

Using this phrase shows you’re interested and open to new tastes.

5. お水をください (O-mizu o kudasai) – oh mee-zoo oh koo-dah-sigh (Water, please)

Asking for water is easy and polite with this phrase.

“O-mizu” means “water” with an honorific “o” to show respect, and “kudasai” means “please.”

It’s common to request water, especially if you want cold water or tap water.

Adding the honorific “o” makes you sound courteous.

Example: “お水をください。” (O-mizu o kudasai.)

Keep this phrase ready to stay refreshed during your meal.

6. もう一つください (Mō hitotsu kudasai) – moh hee-toh-tsu koo-dah-sigh (One more, please)

This phrase helps you order an additional item easily.

“Mō” means “more” or “another,” “hitotsu” means “one (thing),” and “kudasai” means “please.”

Useful when you want seconds or to add something extra.

It’s polite and clear for waitstaff.

Example: “もう一つください。” (Mō hitotsu kudasai.)

Don’t hesitate to use it when you love the food and want more!

7. これでお願いします (Kore de onegaishimasu) – koh-reh deh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas (I’ll have this one)

This phrase politely confirms your choice when ordering.

“Kore de” means “with this,” and “onegaishimasu” is a polite “please” or “I request.”

It’s a respectful way to say “I’ll have this.”

Helps avoid confusion and shows good manners.

Example: “これでお願いします。” (Kore de onegaishimasu.)

Great for wrapping up your order smoothly and politely.

8. お会計お願いします (O-kaikei onegaishimasu) – oh-kai-kay oh-neh-gai-shee-mas (The bill, please)

When you’re ready to pay, this phrase is your friend.

“O-kaikei” means “bill” or “check” with honorific “o,” and “onegaishimasu” is a polite request.

It’s respectful and clear.

Avoid confusion by using this instead of just signaling.

Example: “お会計お願いします。” (O-kaikei onegaishimasu.)

Using it ensures a smooth and polite end to your meal.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. いただきます (Itadakimasu) – ee-tah-dah-kee-mahss (Thank you for the meal [before eating])

This phrase is said before eating to express gratitude for the food.

It’s polite and deeply rooted in Japanese culture, acknowledging the effort behind the meal.

Using it shows respect and appreciation.

It’s a must-know for formal dining and everyday meals alike.

Example: “いただきます！” (Itadakimasu!)

Saying it warmly connects you with Japanese dining traditions.

10. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita) – goh-chee-soh-sah-mah dess-hee-tah (Thank you for the meal [after eating])

After finishing your meal, this phrase thanks everyone involved in preparing it.

“Gochisōsama” means “a feast” or “treat,” and “deshita” puts it in past tense, meaning the meal is over.

It’s polite and appreciated by staff and hosts.

Example: “ごちそうさまでした。” (Gochisōsama deshita.)

Using this phrase leaves a positive impression.

It’s a great habit to adopt for polite dining experiences.

11. 〜をお願いします (…o onegaishimasu) – [item] oh oh-neh-gai-shee-mas (I would like [item], please)

This phrase is perfect for ordering specific dishes politely.

Just insert the item name before “o onegaishimasu.” For example, “ラーメンをお願いします” (Rāmen o onegaishimasu) means “Ramen, please.”

It’s formal and respectful, great for any restaurant.

Avoid skipping “onegaishimasu” to keep the tone polite.

Practice by pairing it with your favorite menu items.

This structure makes your order clear while showing good manners.

12. 少々お待ちください (Shōshō omachi kudasai) – shoh-shoh oh-mah-chee koo-dah-sigh (Please wait a moment)

This polite phrase is often used by staff, but good to know as a customer.

“Shōshō” means “a little,” “omachi” means “waiting,” and “kudasai” is “please.”

It teaches patience and understanding in conversations.

Don’t mistake it for refusal—it’s just a polite ask to wait.

Example: “少々お待ちください。” (Shōshō omachi kudasai.)

Knowing this helps you stay relaxed during busy times.

13. アレルギーがあります (Arerugī ga arimasu) – ah-reh-roo-ghee gah ah-ree-mahss (I have allergies)

This phrase is crucial if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions.

“Arerugī” means “allergy,” “ga” marks the subject, and “arimasu” means “there is” or “I have.”

It helps prevent unwanted ingredients in your meal.

Always clarify allergies when ordering to stay safe.

Example: “ピーナッツアレルギーがあります。” (Pīnattsu arerugī ga arimasu.) means “I have a peanut allergy.”

Use it confidently to protect your health.

14. お願いしてもいいですか？ (Onegaishite mo ii desu ka?) – oh-neh-gai-shee-teh moh ee dess kah? (May I please request…?)

This phrase is handy for asking special requests or modifications.

It’s polite and asks for permission, showing respect.

Great for asking to remove ingredients or change something.

Avoid being too direct without this phrase to keep things smooth.

Example: “塩抜きでお願いしてもいいですか？” (Shionuki de onegaishite mo ii desu ka?) means “May I have it without salt?”

Using it opens doors to customization politely.

15. 子供用のメニューはありますか？ (Kodomo-yō no menyū wa arimasu ka?) – koh-doh-moh yoh noh meh-nyoo wah ah-ree-mahss kah? (Do you have a kids’ menu?)

If you’re dining with kids, this phrase comes in handy.

“Kodomo-yō” means “for children,” “menyū” is “menu,” and “arimasu ka” asks “do you have?”

It helps find child-friendly options.

Don’t assume all restaurants have kids’ menus—asking is best.

Example: “子供用のメニューはありますか？” (Kodomo-yō no menyū wa arimasu ka?)

Use it to make family dining stress-free and fun.

16. お箸をください (O-hashi o kudasai) – oh-hah-shee oh koo-dah-sigh (Chopsticks, please)

Sometimes chopsticks aren’t automatically provided—this phrase helps you ask for them.

“O-hashi” means “chopsticks” with honorific “o,” and “kudasai” means “please.”

It’s polite and straightforward.

Avoid using bare “hashi” without “o” to sound more courteous.

Example: “お箸をください。” (O-hashi o kudasai.)

Perfect for ensuring you have the right utensils for your meal.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. これ、いい？ (Kore, ii?) – koh-reh ee? (Is this okay?)

This casual phrase is great when ordering with friends or in informal settings.

“Kore” means “this,” and “ii” means “good” or “okay.”

It’s a quick way to check if your choice is acceptable.

Good for casual situations but avoid in formal restaurants.

Example: “これ、いい？” (Kore, ii?)

Use it to sound natural and friendly among peers.

18. ちょっと待って (Chotto matte) – choh-toh maht-teh (Wait a moment)

Use this phrase when you need a moment to decide or gather your thoughts.

“Chotto” means “a little,” and “matte” is the command form of “wait.”

It’s informal but very common.

Avoid using it too bluntly—tone matters.

Example: “ちょっと待ってね。” (Chotto matte ne.) adds softness.

Perfect for casual, everyday conversations.

19. これ美味しい！ (Kore oishii!) – koh-reh oh-ee-shee-ee (This is delicious!)

Expressing enjoyment of the food is always appreciated.

“Oishii” means “delicious,” and adding “kore” points to the dish.

It’s a great compliment to the chef or friends.

Feel free to say it enthusiastically!

Example: “これ美味しい！” (Kore oishii!)

Sharing your joy strengthens bonds and makes dining more fun.

20. もういいです (Mō ii desu) – moh ee dess (I’m good / No more)

This phrase is useful when you’ve had enough.

“Mō” means “already” or “no more,” and “ii desu” means “it’s okay” or “I’m good.”

It’s polite and clear for servers.

Avoid sounding rude by keeping your tone gentle.

Example: “もういいです。” (Mō ii desu.)

Helps you communicate boundaries naturally.

21. おかわりください (Okawari kudasai) – oh-kah-wah-ree koo-dah-sigh (More, please / refill)

Use this phrase to ask for seconds or a refill, especially for rice or tea.

“Okawari” means “another helping,” and “kudasai” is “please.”

It’s casual but polite enough for most places.

Perfect when you want to enjoy more without fuss.

Example: “おかわりください。” (Okawari kudasai.)

Try it to sound like a local when ordering more.

22. ちょっと少なめで (Chotto sukuname de) – choh-toh skoo-nah-meh deh (A little less, please)

If you want a smaller portion, this phrase helps you say so politely.

“Chotto” means “a little,” “sukuname” means “less,” and “de” indicates the manner.

It’s useful for controlling portion sizes politely.

Avoid just saying “less” abruptly to keep the tone nice.

Example: “ちょっと少なめでお願いします。” (Chotto sukuname de onegaishimasu.)

Great for customizing your meal without fuss.

23. 辛いのは大丈夫ですか？ (Karai no wa daijōbu desu ka?) – kah-rah-ee noh wah die-joh-boo dess kah? (Is spicy food okay?)

This question is often asked by staff but good to understand as a customer.

“Karai” means “spicy,” “no wa” marks the topic, and “daijōbu desu ka” means “is it okay?”

It helps avoid surprises if you’re sensitive to spice.

Answer simply with “大丈夫です” (Daijōbu desu) for “It’s okay.”

Example: “辛いのは大丈夫ですか？” (Karai no wa daijōbu desu ka?)

Knowing this makes ordering more comfortable and safe.

24. ごゆっくりどうぞ (Goyukkuri dōzo) – goh-yook-koo-ree doh-zoh (Please enjoy your meal at your own pace)

This phrase is usually said by staff but a lovely one to recognize.

“Goyukkuri” means “slowly” or “at your leisure,” and “dōzo” means “please.”

It invites you to relax and savor your food.

Using it or hearing it adds warmth to the dining experience.

Example: “ごゆっくりどうぞ。” (Goyukkuri dōzo.)

Remember this phrase as a symbol of Japanese hospitality.

Concluding Thought

Learning these 24 phrases gives you a solid foundation to enjoy Japanese dining confidently.

Each phrase opens doors to better communication, deeper cultural appreciation, and more delicious experiences.

So go ahead, practice them, and let your meals be a joyful adventure in language and flavor!