Making a Reservation and Being Seated
A customer calls to make a reservation or arrives at a restaurant, speaks with the host/hostess, and gets seated at a table.
Dialogue8
Good evening! Welcome to The Corner Bistro. Do you have a reservation with us tonight?
Good evening! Yes, we do. It's under the name 'Smith' for 7 PM. Party of two.
Smith, for two at 7 PM. Let me check for you. Ah, yes, here it is. Welcome, Mr. Smith. Your table is ready.
Great, thank you. Could we possibly get a table by the window, if one is available?
Let me see... We do have one window table that just opened up. Perfect timing! Follow me, please.
Wonderful, thank you so much! This is perfect.
Here's your table. Your server, Mark, will be with you shortly to take your drink order. Enjoy your evening!
Thank you!
Vocabulary7
- reservation
A booking or arrangement made in advance for a table at a restaurant. Use it when confirming or making a dinner plan.
- hostess
A female staff member who greets guests and shows them to their seats at a restaurant. It's similar to a host but for women.
- party
In restaurant contexts, it means the number of people in a group, like 'party of two' for two people dining together.
- table
A piece of furniture with a flat top where people sit to eat. In restaurants, you request a specific type, like by the window.
- available
Something that is free or ready to be used, like an empty table. Ask if something is available to check options.
- server
A waiter or waitress who takes orders and serves food and drinks to customers at the table.
- shortly
Soon or in a short time. Use it to say something will happen very quickly, like 'He'll be with you shortly.'
Key Sentences6
- 1
Do you have a reservation with us tonight?
This is a polite question used by restaurant staff to check if a customer has booked a table. It's useful for greeting arrivals; the word 'with us' emphasizes the specific restaurant.
- 2
It's under the name 'Smith' for 7 PM. Party of two.
This sentence helps confirm a booking by giving the name, time, and group size. 'Under the name' means registered as; 'party of two' is a common phrase for two people. Use it when checking in.
- 3
Your table is ready.
A simple announcement that the seating is prepared. It's reassuring and direct; use it to welcome guests after confirming reservations.
- 4
Could we possibly get a table by the window, if one is available?
This is a polite request for a preferred seat, using 'could...possibly' for extra courtesy and 'if one is available' to show flexibility. Great for making special requests without being demanding.
- 5
Follow me, please.
An instruction to guide someone to their seat. It's polite with 'please'; use it in service situations like showing directions in a restaurant or store.
- 6
Your server will be with you shortly to take your drink order.
This informs guests about the next step in service. 'Will be with you' means arriving soon; 'shortly' adds that it's quick. Useful for setting expectations after seating.