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Learn Vocabulary Through Stories - A Delicious Night Out:Ordering Food At A Restaurant

Updated: Mar 16


Restaurant English - Essential Vocabulary


Whether you're traveling, dining out with friends, or practising English in everyday situations, this fun story will help you master the key phrases and vocabulary needed to feel confident when ordering at a restaurant. Don't forget to try the quiz at the end!


Now, let's join Sarah and John for their evening outing at a popular dining spot.



A Delicious Night Out


It was a beautiful evening when Sarah and John decided to visit Bella's Bistro, a cosy restaurant they had heard so much about.


As soon as they entered, they were greeted by a friendly waiter who showed them to a table near the window.


A couple sits at a cafe table smiling at a waiter holding a menu. The setting is bright and cheerful, with a glass of wine on the table.


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Check out the YouTube video:

A Delicious Night Out - Restaurant Vocabulary https://youtu.be/Fm9xhJ9sBHs





"Here are your menus," the waiter said with a smile.

Restaurant vocabulary poster with images of bruschetta, waiter, menu, appetizers, main course, steak, side dish, dessert, and bill.

Sarah and John opened them and began to look at the appetisers. Sarah was in the mood for something light, so she decided to order the bruschetta, while John was craving something with more substance and chose the mushroom soup.




"Have you decided on your main course?" the waiter asked after they finished with the starters.


"I think I'll have the grilled salmon with some roasted vegetables on the side," said Sarah. John wasn't sure, but he was tempted by the steak with mashed potatoes.


"I'll go with the steak, please," John said finally.


The waiter nodded and asked, "How would you like your steak cooked?

Rare, medium, or well done?"


"Medium, please," John replied.


As they waited, they talked about their plans for the week. The restaurant was quiet and cosy, and the ambiance was perfect.


Soon, the waiter returned with their drinks. Sarah chose a glass of white wine, while John opted for a cold beer.


Restaurant vocabulary chart with food images: steaks (rare, medium, well done), salmon, potatoes, soup, mousse, pie, and a bill.


The food arrived quickly. The presentation was beautiful, and the smell was irresistible. Sarah couldn't wait to try the salmon, and John was eager to dig into his steak. They ate happily, savouring every bite.




When they were finished, the waiter came to clear the table and asked, "Would you like to see the dessert menu?"


"Yes, please," said Sarah. She decided to have the chocolate mousse, while John ordered the apple pie with vanilla ice cream. The desserts were the perfect end to a delicious meal.


Finally, the waiter brought the bill to the table. John paid, and they left the restaurant, already planning their next visit.




Key Restaurant Vocabulary from the Story:


  1. Waiter - A person who serves food and drinks at a restaurant.

  2. Menu - A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant.

  3. Appetisers - Small dishes served before the main course.

  4. Main Course - The primary dish in a meal.

  5. Steak - A thick piece of meat, usually beef, often grilled.

  6. Side Dish - An additional food served with the main course.

  7. Cooked - Refers to how a steak or other meat is prepared (e.g., rare, medium, well done).

  8. Ambiance - The atmosphere or mood of a place.

  9. Drinks - Beverages served at a meal.

  10. Presentation - The way food is arranged and presented on the plate.

  11. Dessert - A sweet dish typically served at the end of a meal.

  12. Bill - The statement showing the total cost of the meal.




A Delicious Night Out - Quiz


  1. What is the first thing the waiter does when Sarah and John enter the restaurant?

    • A) Takes their orders

    • B) Gives them the menu

    • C) Shows them to their table

    • D) Brings their drinks


  2. Which appetiser did Sarah choose?

    • A) Mushroom soup

    • B) Grilled salmon

    • C) Bruschetta

    • D) Steak


  3. What did John order for his main course?

    • A) Grilled salmon

    • B) Mushroom soup

    • C) Steak with mashed potatoes

    • D) Bruschetta


  4. How did John want his steak cooked?

    • A) Rare

    • B) Medium

    • C) Well done

    • D) He didn’t care


  5. What drink did Sarah choose?

    • A) Cold beer

    • B) White wine

    • C) Water

    • D) Lemonade


  6. What is the term used for small dishes served before the main course?

    • A) Side dishes

    • B) Main courses

    • C) Appetizers

    • D) Desserts


  7. What did Sarah order for dessert?

    • A) Chocolate mousse

    • B) Apple pie with vanilla ice cream

    • C) Cheesecake

    • D) Tiramisu


  8. What did John order for dessert?

    • A) Chocolate mousse

    • B) Apple pie with vanilla ice cream

    • C) Fruit salad

    • D) Ice cream sundae


  9. What did the waiter bring after they finished their meal?

    • A) The dessert menu

    • B) The bill

    • C) A glass of wine

    • D) More appetizers


  10. What word describes the atmosphere or mood of the restaurant?

    • A) Waiter

    • B) Presentation

    • C) Ambiance

    • D) Bill



Answer Key:

  1. C - Shows them to their table

  2. C - Bruschetta

  3. C - Steak with mashed potatoes

  4. B - Medium

  5. B - White wine

  6. C - Appetisers

  7. A - Chocolate mousse

  8. B - Apple pie with vanilla ice cream

  9. B - The bill

  10. C - Ambiance


What’s your favourite story for learning new words? Share with us in the comments below!



Thank you for reading & Happy Learning!




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