Eating at restaurants in Japan is one of the best parts of traveling.
You can enjoy sushi, ramen, tempura, curry, set meals, soba, udon, izakaya food, sweets, and many other delicious dishes.
However, ordering in Japanese can feel a little nervous for first-time visitors.
The good news is that you do not need perfect Japanese to enjoy a meal in Japan.
With a few simple phrases, you can ask for help, order food, request the bill, and show appreciation politely.
In this guide, Keiko will show you 5 useful Japanese phrases to use at a restaurant in Japan.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}🌟 3 Key Points to Remember
Before learning the phrases, keep these simple points in mind.
1. Pointing at menu photos is okay
Many restaurants in Japan have menu photos, food samples, or pictures outside the restaurant.
If you cannot read the menu, pointing at a photo is usually okay.
2. Simple Japanese is enough
You do not need long sentences.
Short phrases like “Kore o kudasai” and “Okaikei onegaishimasu” are very useful.
3. Politeness matters
A calm voice, a small smile, and simple words like “Sumimasen” and “Arigatou gozaimasu” can make restaurant interactions smoother.
📖 1. 英語のメニューはありますか？
Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?
This means, “Do you have an English menu?”
This phrase is useful when you enter a restaurant and cannot read the Japanese menu.
Some restaurants in tourist areas have English menus, but smaller local restaurants may not.
If the staff has an English menu, they may bring it to your table or point to a QR code.
If there is no English menu, do not worry.
You can use menu photos, food samples, translation apps, or simple pointing to order.
You can also say:
“Sumimasen, eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?”
This means, “Excuse me, do you have an English menu?”
⭐ 2. おすすめは何ですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
This means, “What do you recommend?”
This is a helpful phrase when you are not sure what to order.
Restaurant staff may recommend a popular dish, seasonal dish, lunch set, chef’s special, or local specialty.
You may also see the word おすすめ on menus or signs.
It means recommended.
If you want to try something popular, this phrase is very useful.
You can point to the menu and ask:
“Osusume wa nan desu ka?”
Even if you do not understand every word in the answer, staff may point to the recommended item for you.
👉 3. これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
This means, “This one, please.”
This is one of the most useful phrases for travelers in Japan.
You can use it when pointing at a menu photo, food sample, ticket machine item, or dish name.
For example, if you see a ramen photo you want to order, point to it and say:
“Kore o kudasai.”
If you want to order two of the same item, you can say:
“Kore o futatsu kudasai.”
This means, “Two of this, please.”
If you are nervous, pointing and saying “Kore o kudasai” is usually enough.
🧾 4. お会計お願いします。
Okaikei onegaishimasu.
This means, “The bill, please.”
Use this phrase when you are ready to pay.
In some restaurants, the bill may already be placed on your table.
In other places, you may need to ask the staff for it.
Sometimes you pay at the table, but often in Japan you take the bill to the cashier near the entrance.
If you are not sure, watch what other customers do or ask politely.
You can say:
“Sumimasen, okaikei onegaishimasu.”
This means, “Excuse me, the bill please.”
🙏 5. ごちそうさまでした。
Gochisousama deshita.
This means, “Thank you for the meal.”
This is a polite phrase used after eating.
You can say it when leaving a restaurant, after paying, or when thanking the staff for the meal.
It is a warm and natural way to show appreciation in Japan.
You do not have to say it perfectly.
A simple smile and “Gochisousama deshita” can leave a very good impression.
💡 Useful Restaurant Phrases
Here are more simple phrases that can help you at restaurants in Japan.
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| すみません | Sumimasen | Excuse me |
| 英語のメニューはありますか？ | Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka? | Do you have an English menu? |
| おすすめは何ですか？ | Osusume wa nan desu ka? | What do you recommend? |
| これをください | Kore o kudasai | This one, please |
| お水をください | Omizu o kudasai | Water, please |
| お会計お願いします | Okaikei onegaishimasu | The bill, please |
| ごちそうさまでした | Gochisousama deshita | Thank you for the meal |
📌 Keiko’s Tip
If you cannot read the menu, pointing at menu photos is totally okay in Japan.
You can point to a dish and say “Kore o kudasai”.
If you are unsure what to order, ask “Osusume wa nan desu ka?”.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, it is safer to prepare a translation card or clear written note before visiting restaurants.
Also, tipping is generally not expected at everyday restaurants in Japan.
A polite “Arigatou gozaimasu” or “Gochisousama deshita” is usually a good way to show thanks.
Final Thoughts
Eating at a restaurant in Japan becomes much easier when you know a few simple phrases.
You can ask for an English menu, ask for a recommendation, order by pointing, request the bill, and thank the staff after your meal.
You do not need perfect Japanese to enjoy Japanese food.
Start with these 5 phrases, speak politely, and enjoy your restaurant experience with confidence.
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