Making Special Requests
The customer asks for specific seating (e.g., window table, quiet corner) or mentions dietary restrictions/allergies while confirming the reservation.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
reservation
A booking for a table at a restaurant in advance. Use it when you want to secure a spot, like 'I need to make a reservation.'
confirm
To check and make sure something is correct or scheduled. In reservations, say 'I'd like to confirm my reservation' to verify details.
special request
A particular wish or need beyond the standard service, like seating preferences. Politely ask for one to make your experience better.
allergy
A medical condition where your body reacts badly to certain foods, like peanuts. Mention it when booking to ensure safety.
accommodate
To provide what someone needs or wants, if possible. Restaurants use this to say they'll try to meet your request, like a special table.
inform
To tell someone important information. In service, staff 'inform' the kitchen about allergies to prevent problems.
server
The waiter or waitress who serves your table. It's a polite term used in American English for restaurant staff who take orders.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'd like to confirm a reservation for this Friday, under the name John Smith, for four people at 7 PM.
This sentence is useful for verifying a booking over the phone. It includes key details like date, name, group size, and time. Use 'I'd like to' for polite requests, and 'under the name' to specify the booking reference.
Also, I was hoping to make a special request.
A polite way to introduce an extra ask after the main topic. 'I was hoping to' softens the request, making it sound less demanding. Great for adding details like seating or dietary needs.
If possible, could we get a table by the window?
This is a conditional polite request for a specific seat. 'If possible' shows flexibility, and 'could we' is a gentle way to ask. Use it for preferences like views or quiet spots.
One of our guests has a severe peanut allergy, so we'd appreciate it if the kitchen could be extra careful.
Useful for mentioning health issues. 'Severe' means very serious, and 'we'd appreciate it if' is a polite conditional for requests. This ensures staff take precautions; always specify the allergen.
I'll make a note of your request, and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
A professional response from staff promising to try. 'Make a note' means record it, and 'do our best' shows effort without guarantees. This reassures the customer in service situations.
I'll inform the kitchen staff immediately, and your server will also be aware.
This explains how the request is handled. 'Inform' means notify, and 'be aware' means they'll know. It's reassuring for allergies; use similar phrasing to confirm actions taken.
No, that's everything. Thank you so much for your help!
A way to end the call politely after all questions are answered. 'That's everything' means no more needs, and 'thank you so much' shows strong gratitude. Common in customer service dialogues.