Ordering at a restaurant

The four phrases you'll use most often before your food arrives.

1. すみません。

   Excuse me.

   In Japanese restaurants, this is how you call the server — no need to wave, and no need to shout "waiter".

2. メニューをお願ねがいします。

   Could I get a menu, please?

3. これをください。

   This one, please.

   Pointing at the menu or the food models in the display window and saying this phrase is the easiest way to order.

4. お水みずをください。

   Water, please.

Ask what a dish is, order your meal, request a drink, and pay the bill.

1. customer

   すみません、これは何なんですか。

   Excuse me, what's this?
2. Clerk

   天てんぷら定食ていしょくです。

   It's the tempura set meal.

   定食 is a complete set meal: a main dish, rice, miso soup, and side dishes.
3. customer

   じゃあ、それを一ひとつください。

   Then I'll have one of those, please.
4. Clerk

   お飲のみ物ものはいかがですか。

   Would you like something to drink?
5. customer

   冷つめたいお茶ちゃはありますか。

   Do you have any cold tea?
6. Clerk

   はい、ございます。

   Yes, we do.

   「ございます」 is the formal way to say 「あります」, used by shop staff when speaking to customers.
7. Clerk

   少々しょうしょうお待まちください。

   One moment, please.

   This is what store staff say; when you want to say "please wait a moment" yourself, use ちょっと待ってください.
8. customer

   すみません、お会計かいけいをお願ねがいします。

   Excuse me, could I get the check, please?