Ordering at a restaurant

by Kenneth Beare/赫广铭（整理）

One of the most important tasks in England is ordering food at a restaurant.In general,use the form“I'd like...”when ordering food in a restaurant.

A common question for someone taking an order is“What would you like for...?”.

Customer:Hello! I'd like a table for lunch,please.

Host:Certainly,right this way.

Customer:Thank you.I'm really hungry! (sit down)

Host:Enjoy your meal!

Waitperson:Hello!My name is Kim.How can I help you?

Customer:Yes,I would like to have some lunch.

Waitperson:Great.Would you like a starter(开胃菜)?

Customer:Yes,I'd like a salad.

Waitperson:What else would you like?

Customer:I'd like some spaghetti(意大利式细面条).Is it good?

Waitperson:Yes,it's very good.Would you like something to drink?

Customer:Yes,I'd like a glass of root beer,please.

Waitperson:Certainly.Is there anything else I can do for you?

Customer:Yes,I can't read this menu.How much is the spaghetti?

Waitperson:It's$5.50,and the salad is$3.25.

Customer:Thank you.

Notice how the waitperson asks:“What would you like?”and I respond(应答):“I'd like...”“Would like”is the polite form used when asking and requesting.“Would...like”can be used in the question form.Please pay attention to the sentences below:

1.Would you like a cup of tea?

2.Would you like something to eat?

3.“Would like”can also be used to make a request.

4.I'd like a hamburger,please.

5.I'd like something to drink,please.

Notice that“I would like”is shortened to“I'd like”.This is an example of a contraction.