How to query a restaurant bill in English

1. Your main course arrived 25 minutes after everyone else's and was cold in the middle.
2. You ate a few bites, then told the waiter, but he was rushed and never came back to sort it out.
3. When the bill came, you asked to speak to the manager.
4. The bill includes the full price of the main and a 12.5% service charge.

Say each line out loud from its hint, then tap to check.

1. 1 · Open

   Polite and direct without sounding confrontational

   “Hi, could we go through the bill, please? I think there's a problem.”

2. 2 · Explain

   Gives the key facts calmly

   “My main came about twenty-five minutes late, and it wasn't hot in the middle.”

   Explains how little you ate

   “I'd only had a few bites when I mentioned it to the waiter.”

   "I'm afraid" softens the complaint

   “He was very busy, and I'm afraid no one came back to sort it out.”

3. 3 · Ask

   A clear, polite request

   “Could you take the main course off the bill, please?”

4. 4 · Push back

   Acknowledges their side while keeping your position clear

   “I understand it's busy, but I don't think I should be charged for it.”

5. 5 · Meet halfway

   Clarifies which part of the bill you're questioning

   “I'm happy to pay for the drinks and the rest of the food.”

6. 6 · Wrap up

   Leaves the next move with them, politely

   “Thanks for listening. Let me know what you can do.”

A question sounds firm but polite; "I demand" is unusually confrontational.