10 Must-Know Japanese Phrases for Ordering Food
Nervous about ordering food in Japan? As a Tokyo local who often dines out with foreign friends, I’ve seen the same struggles again and again. Here are 10 magical Japanese phrases that’ll get you fed—with confidence.
Before You Order: Phrases for Entering and Seating
- “Hitori desu” / “Futari desu” – I’m alone / We’re two people
- “Kin-en seki arimasu ka?” – Do you have a non-smoking seat?
- “Eigo no menyū arimasu ka?” – Do you have an English menu?
Tip: In a small yakitori bar in Kichijoji, I once had to draw pictures to help my guest order. Some English menus can be hilariously outdated—just smile and improvise!
During the Meal: Magic Words to Order Like a Local
- “Osusume wa nan desu ka?” – What do you recommend?
- “Kore kudasai” – I’ll have this, please (pointing works!)
- “Sukuname ni shite kudasai” – Please make it smaller / less
Jiro-style ramen is a culture of its own. At Momijiya in Nakano, saying "Zembu" (everything) will get you a towering bowl of noodles, veggies, garlic, and fat—no judgment!
When You Leave: Paying and Thanking
- “O-kaikei onegai shimasu” – Check, please
- “Gochisōsama deshita” – Thank you for the meal (say this loudly when leaving!)
- “Oishikatta desu” – It was delicious
FAQ: Restaurant Etiquette in Japan
Q: Is it rude to point when ordering?
A: Not really! Especially if you smile and say "Kore o kudasai." It helps more than hurts.
Q: Do I pay at the table or register?
A: Look around or ask "O-kaikei wa doko desu ka? (Where can I pay?)"—usually the front register.
Q: What’s this random small dish at the start?
A: That’s "otoshi," a cover charge appetizer. It’s standard in izakayas!
Final Thoughts
Japanese people are used to seeing tourists who don't speak a word of Japanese—and that’s totally okay. But even a small effort, like trying Google Translate or using ChatGPT, can go a long way. From a Tokyo local's perspective, it’s not about fluency—it’s about showing heart.