The Big Idea
Ask what the staff recommend, then narrow it down with a useful follow-up question. You can share a favourite just as simply.
We all know every restaurant has those one or two dishes that are just absolutely amazing.
The thing everybody orders.
The thing the staff actually likes.
The thing you might never have picked on your own.
So when we’re out and about, let’s make sure we know how to ask for recommendations — and also how to give them when somebody asks us.
How to ask for a recommendation
- “What do you recommend?”
- “What’s popular here?”
- “What’s your favorite?”
- “What’s the house specialty?”
- “Which one would you choose?”
- “I like chicken. What would you recommend?”
Narrow it down
You can also ask:
- “Is this spicy?”
- “What comes with it?”
- “Is this enough for two people?”
- “What’s good if I want something light?”
How to give a recommendation
If someone asks you, try:
- “I’d recommend the steak.”
- “The pasta is really good.”
- “You should try the house special.”
- “If you like spicy food, get the curry.”
- “I had the burger last time. It was excellent.”
- “The seafood is what they’re known for.”
Keep it simple
You do not need fancy restaurant English.
You just need enough to ask:
“What do you recommend?”
And enough to answer:
“I’d recommend the ___.”
That is real English.
Stop memorizing English. Start using it.
What dish do you always recommend at your favorite restaurant?
Related: Restaurant English: How to Order Without Sounding Like a Textbook
THE FOUR FINGER RULE
Stop memorizing English.
Start using it.
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Restaurant English: How to Order Without Sounding Like a Textbook
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