Must-Know Japanese Restaurant Phrases for Food Lovers

Planning to eat your way through Japan? Whether you're slurping ramen in a back-alley shop or enjoying sushi at a high-end restaurant, knowing a few key Japanese restaurant phrases can make your dining experience smoother, more respectful, and a lot more fun.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential Japanese phrases you’ll need in restaurants—categorized by situation and restaurant type. From making a reservation to asking for the bill, this is your go-to cheat sheet for eating out in Japan.

Important Japanese Restaurant Phrases In Different Situations

Asking for Recommendations

To start things off, we’ll cover some basic phrases on how to ask the staff for recommendations or what’s popular on the menu. Great for when you’re unsure what to order or want to try the local favorite:

For Booking

Next, you’ll find some basic Japanese phrases for making reservation at a restaurant, including stating your group size and asking about available times. Useful for both casual eateries and high-end dining.

Entering the Restaurant

After entering a restaurant or cafe, use the phrases below to help you communicate with the staff at the entrance—whether you’ve made a reservation or prefer a seat by the window.

Ordering Food from the Menu

Once you’re seated, these go-to Japanese phrases to order food will help you ask for a menu, request vegetarian options, or check if English menus are available.

Requesting During the Meal

Sometimes, when you feel the need to make a request for water, or to inquire about dessert options while dining, you can use these phrases as well:

Phrases for Ramen Shops

During your Japan trip, you’re definitely going to want to try out some of the local ramen shops. These restaurants often let you customize your noodles and broth, so use these phrases to help you order different types of ramen:

Phrases for Sushi Restaurants

If you’re still feeling hungry afterwards, pop over to one of the hundreds of sushi restaurants all over Japan. These phrases will come in handy when you order specific sashimi, want to avoid raw fish or allergens, and enjoy the chef’s recommendations:

Phrases for Izakaya

Izakayas are casual Japanese pubs with shared small plates. These phrases are perfect for ordering drinks, appetizers, and checking if certain dishes are available:

Finishing the Meal and Bill Payments

Finally, when you’re done eating, use these phrases below to help you ask for the check, thank the staff, or split the bill politely.

Manners and Important Tips for Japanese Restaurants

Dining in Japan isn’t just about enjoying delicious food—it’s also about showing respect through proper etiquette. Understanding basic manners and important tips for Japanese restaurants can help you avoid cultural misunderstandings and make a great impression while you dine.

Dining Etiquettes

Japanese dining etiquette is rooted in respect and mindfulness. From how you use chopsticks to when you say “itadakimasu,” following these unspoken rules shows appreciation for the food, the chef, and the culture.

• Don’t tip: Tipping is not expected in Japan and may even cause confusion.

  
  

• Slurping noodles is okay: Especially in ramen shops—it’s seen as a sign you’re enjoying the food.

  
  

• Wait to be seated: Don’t seat yourself unless you’re told to.

  
  

• Say "Itadakimasu" before eating and "Gochisousama deshita" after—it shows respect and gratitude.

Phrases After Eating

After finishing your meal in Japan, it's customary to express appreciation. Using the right Japanese phrases after eating shows respect for the chef and the meal, and leaves a positive impression. Here are a few simple expressions to remember.

FAQs

1. Do I need to speak fluent Japanese to eat out in Japan?

No, many restaurants have picture menus or even English ones in tourist areas. Still, learning a few key phrases goes a long way.

2. What should I do if I have allergies?

• アレルギーがあります。 (Arerugii ga arimasu.) – “I have an allergy.”

• ○○アレルギーです。 (___ arerugii desu.) – “I’m allergic to ___.”

You can also show it written down in Japanese to be safe.

3. Can I ask for customizations like “no onions”?

Yes! If you like no onions in your meal, you can try saying:

• 玉ねぎ抜きでお願いします。 (Tamanegi nuki de onegaishimasu.) – “No onions, please.”

Conclusion

Navigating restaurants in Japan doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these must-know phrases, you’ll be able to order, ask questions, and express gratitude like a local. Whether you’re in a sushi bar or a cozy ramen spot, a little Japanese goes a long way.

Practise Restaurant Conversations with SakuraSpeak

If you’re looking for a faster and more effective way to practise Japanese restaurant phrases, SakuraSpeak is here to help. Our AI-powered language learning app is designed for real-life conversations—perfect for travelers who want to feel confident speaking Japanese. Practise asking for menus, placing orders, and thanking staff in a stress-free environment. You can make mistakes, try again, and get instant feedback—no pressure, just progress.

Ready to order your next meal in Japanese like a pro? Try SakuraSpeak today.