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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 19
Eating Out – Restaurants and Cafés
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Talk about eating out experiences at restaurants and cafés.
2. Order food, ask questions about the menu, and discuss preferences.
3. Use polite expressions and vocabulary for dining situations.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
noun
Menu
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈmɛnjuː/
Meaning:
A list of food and drink options in a restaurant
- Can I see the menu, please?
Real Life Tip:
In the U.S., menus often include prices, descriptions, and daily specials.
noun
Reservation
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˌrɛzərˈveɪʃən/
Meaning:
Booking a table in advance
- I made a reservation for 7 PM.
Real Life Tip:
Making a reservation is common for popular or busy restaurants.
Go out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/ɡoʊ aʊt/
Meaning:
Leave home to eat at a restaurant
- We like to go out on Fridays.
Real Life Tip:
Very common in American English when talking about eating at restaurants.
Pick out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/pɪk aʊt/
Meaning:
Choose something from a menu or selection
- I can’t decide; can you help me pick out a dessert?
Real Life Tip:
Frequently used when making choices in restaurants or shops.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Sarah and Tom are eating out at a restaurant in town.
Hi, Tom! I’m glad we decided to go out for dinner.
Sarah
Me too! Have you looked at the menu yet?
Tom
Yes, I’m thinking about trying the grilled salmon special.
Sarah
Sounds good! I’ll pick out the pasta with mushrooms.
Tom
Did you make a reservation?
Sarah
Yes, for 7 PM. It’s a busy place tonight.
Tom
Great! I love eating out at cafés and restaurants.
Sarah
Me too! It’s nice to relax and enjoy someone else’s cooking.
Tom
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What special does Sarah want to try?
2. What dish does Tom choose?
3. Did Tom make a reservation?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
I _______ (go out / pick out / try on) for dinner tonight.
Tom _______ (made / make / makes) a reservation for 7 PM.
Sarah _______ (is / are / was) thinking about trying the special.
I _______ (pick out / go out / try on) the pasta with mushrooms.
5. Eating out _______ (is / are / be) fun and relaxing.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. What type of restaurant do you like to go to the most?
2. Do you prefer cafés or formal restaurants? Why?
3. Have you ever had a bad experience eating out? What happened?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. How often do you eat out at restaurants or cafés?
2. What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
3. Do you usually order the same dish or try something new?
4. Have you ever tried international cuisine at a restaurant?
5. What is the most expensive meal you’ve had at a restaurant?
6. Do you prefer eating alone or with friends?
7. How important is the restaurant atmosphere to you?
8. Have you ever made a reservation for a special occasion?
9. Do you tip waiters/waitresses? How much is normal in your country?
10. Would you recommend your favorite restaurant to a friend? Why?
