Restaurant Roleplay

Lesson Stages

  1. Brainstorm words and discussion:

Prompt Questions:

  • Do you like eating in restaurants?

  • What kind of food do you usually order?

  • What do waiters and customers usually say?

Task:

  • In pairs or small groups, brainstorm as many restaurant-related words as they can in 2 minutes.

  • Share with class; list on board (e.g., menu, waiter, bill, reservation, appetizer, main course, tip, etc.).

  1. Vocabulary Presentation

Introducing Key Vocabulary:

People & Places

  • waiter/waitress, server, host/hostess, customer, chef, kitchen, dining area

Menu Items

  • appetizer/ starter, main course, side dish, dessert, beverage, drink, specials

Useful Verbs

  • order, serve, recommend, reserve, book, pay, tip

Others

  • bill, seat, table for two, reservation/ booking, receipt, cash, card,

Phrases for Customers

  • “I’d like to order…”

  • “Can I see the menu, please?”

  • “What do you recommend?”

  • “Could we have the bill, please?”

  • Can we pay separately?

  • Could I have this to go? (takeaway)

Phrases for Staff

  • “Are you ready to order?”

  • “Would you like something to drink?”

  • How is everything?

  • Is everything okay with your meal?

  • That will be (amount) please

  • Would you like to pay by cash or card?

  • Would you like to see the dessert menu?

  • Here or for takeaway?

  1. Listening or Reading Model Dialogue

Example Dialogue: At the Restaurant

Setting: A small restaurant. The customer is sitting at a table, and the waiter approaches.

Waiter: Good evening! Welcome to The English Garden Café.

Customer: Good evening. Could I see the menu, please?

Waiter: Of course. Here you are. Can I get you something to drink while you look at the menu?

Customer: Yes, I’ll have a glass of orange juice, please.

Waiter: Sure. I’ll be right back with your drink.

(Waiter brings the drink)

Waiter: Here you go. Are you ready to order?

Customer: Yes, I’d like the grilled chicken with vegetables.

Waiter: Excellent choice. Would you like a starter or dessert?

Customer: Hmm… I’ll have the tomato soup to start, please.

Waiter: Great. Would you like anything else?

Customer: No, that’s all for now, thank you.

(After the meal)

Waiter: How was everything?

Customer: It was delicious, thank you!

Waiter: I’m glad to hear that. Would you like the bill?

Customer: Yes, please.

Waiter: That will be $17.50.

Customer: Here you go. Keep the change.

Waiter: Thank you very much! Have a great evening.

Customer: You too, goodbye!

🗣 Comprehension Check Questions:

  • What did the customer order?

  • Did they enjoy the meal?

  • How did the waiter offer help?

    Full Role-Play

Task:

When acting it out, one person can set the scene before the roleplay, saying where we are, what they’re celebrating if they are celebrating

  • In pairs or small groups, students prepare and perform their own restaurant scene.

  • Encourage creativity: maybe a fancy restaurant, a pizza place, or a diner.

  • Students should: (write up)

    • Greet

    • Order food and drinks

    • Ask for recommendations

    • Handle a problem (e.g., “My food is cold.”)

    • Ask for the bill and pay

The English Garden Café – Menu

🥗

Appetizers

  • Garlic Bread – $4.50

  • Tomato Soup – $5.00

  • Caesar Salad – $6.00

🍝

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken with Vegetables – $12.00

  • Spaghetti Bolognese – $11.50

  • Vegetable Stir-Fry (V) – $10.00

  • Fish and Chips – $13.00

🍰

Desserts

  • Chocolate Cake – $5.50

  • Apple Pie with Ice Cream – $6.00

☕

Drinks

  • Mineral Water – $2.00

  • Soft Drink (Cola / Lemonade) – $2.50

  • Coffee / Tea – $3.00

  • Fresh Orange Juice – $3.50