How to say it · Out and about

Ordering food and drinks

You know exactly what you want, but the words come out as an order: "Give me a coffee." A small question or "I'll have" makes it sound friendly.

6 ways to say it

At a station coffee kiosk, Sam points at the menu and orders, with a coffee cup on an open hand in his speech bubble.

How politeCasualPolite

Can I getbest default I'll havewhen they ask Could I haveextra polite I'd likeclear and calm Could I get that to go?takeaway Same again, pleasenext round

Way 1 · best default

Can I get

The everyday way to order at a counter, café or bar. Add "please" and it fits almost anywhere.

How politeMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, can I get a flat white, please?

Can I get two cheeseburgers and a large chips?

In a conversation

A: Hi there, what can I get you?
B: Hi, can I get a small latte, please?

Common mistake

Not: ~~Give me~~ a ~~coffee.~~

Say: Can I get a coffee, please?

"Give me" sounds like an order, even with a smile. A question sounds friendly, and "please" at the end finishes the job.

Practice saying this

Next: I'll have

Way 2 · when they ask

I'll have

Your answer when the waiter asks "What would you like?" Relaxed and natural at a table.

How politeCasual

ToneCasual

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'll have the chicken curry, please.

I think I'll have the same as her.

In a conversation

A: Are you ready to order?
B: Yes, I'll have the fish and a side salad, please.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I want~~ the ~~steak.~~

Say: I'll have the steak, please.

"I want" sounds like a child asking for sweets. "I'll have" says the same thing calmly.

Practice saying this

Next: Could I have

Way 3 · extra polite

Could I have

A softer question for a nice restaurant, or when you're asking for something extra.

How politeVery polite

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Could I have the soup to start, please?

Sorry, could I have some more water when you get a minute?

Practice saying this

Next: I'd like

Way 4 · clear and calm

I'd like

A clear statement of what you want. Good on the phone, or when you start a bigger order.

How politePolite

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Hi, I'd like to order a large pizza for delivery.

I'd like a table for two at eight, if possible.

In a conversation

A: Luigi's, how can I help?
B: Hi, I'd like to place an order for collection, please.

Practice saying this

Next: Could I get that to go?

Way 5 · takeaway

Could I get that to go?

You want to take your food or drink with you instead of eating there.

How politeMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Actually, could I get that to go? I've got a train to catch.

Could I get that to go, please? And a lid, if you've got one.

Practice saying this

Next: Same again, please

Way 6 · next round

Same again, please

Ordering the same drinks as last time, usually at a bar. Short, friendly and very common.

How politeVery casual

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Same again, please, and a bag of crisps.

Could we have the same again, please? We're by the window.

In a conversation

A: Another round?
B: Yes, same again, please.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

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Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

Can I get I'll have Could I have I'd like

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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