No More Fear! Interactions and Manners in Restaurants

2025.04.29

When dining in Japanese restaurants, it’s not just about the language but also about understanding the culture and manners. If you’re not fluent in Japanese, knowing how to respond and behave can make your experience more comfortable. This article explains restaurant interactions and proper manners in detail.

Handling Upon Entering the Restaurant

• “いらっしゃいませ!” (Irasshaimase!)
  Meaning: This is the greeting often used by staff when you enter the restaurant.
• “何名様ですか？” (Nan-mei sama desu ka?)
  Meaning: The staff will ask how many people are dining. Example: “二人です” (Futari desu – We are two).

When You Hear “いらっしゃいませ!”
In Japanese restaurants, when you enter, you will always hear “いらっしゃいませ!” from the staff. At this point, wait for the staff to guide you to your seat rather than sitting down on your own. Especially when it’s crowded, even if there are available seats, it’s important to wait for instructions.

When Asked “何名様ですか？”
The staff will ask, “何名様ですか？” to confirm the number of people. It’s common to answer by showing the number with your fingers, saying, for example, “二人です” (We are two) or “一人です” (I am one).

Guidance to Your Seat and Behavior After Seating

• “こちらへどうぞ” (Kochira e douzo)
  Meaning: This is used by the staff when they guide you to your seat.
• “禁煙席と喫煙席、どちらになさいますか？” (Kin-en seki to kitsuen seki, dochira ni nasaimasu ka?)
  Meaning: This asks whether you prefer a non-smoking or smoking section.

Guidance to Your Seat
The staff will guide you to your seat by saying “こちらへどうぞ” (Please follow me). Follow their lead to your seat. If you have a lot of luggage, some restaurants provide a place to store it, so use it if needed.

Behavior After Sitting
Once seated, you’ll usually receive a wet towel (おしぼり – oshibori) to clean your hands. Use it to wipe your hands, but avoid using it to wipe your face or body, as that would be considered bad manners.

Ordering

• “ご注文はお決まりですか？” (Go-chuumon wa okimari desu ka?)
  Meaning: This is asked when the staff wants to know if you’re ready to order.
• “○○をお願いします” (○○ wo onegaishimasu)
  Meaning: Use this phrase when ordering a specific dish or drink. Example: “カレーをお願いします” (Karee wo onegaishimasu – Curry, please).
• “おすすめは何ですか？” (Osusume wa nan desu ka?)
  Meaning: Use this to ask for the restaurant’s recommendations.
• Checking the Menu
  Before deciding, thoroughly review the menu. If you’re unsure about any dishes, you can ask the staff, “これは何ですか？” (What is this?), and they will explain it for you.
• When to Order
  Once you’re ready to order, the staff will ask, “ご注文はお決まりですか？” (Are you ready to order?). If the staff is not nearby, you can raise your hand gently and say, “すみません” (Excuse me) to get their attention.

Dining Etiquette

Starting the Meal
Before starting your meal, say “いただきます” (Itadakimasu), which is a phrase expressing gratitude for the food and those who prepared it.

Additional Requests
If you need anything during your meal (e.g., extra water), call the staff by saying “すみません” (Excuse me) and make your request. They will respond kindly.

Maintaining a Quiet Environment
In Japanese restaurants, it’s generally considered rude to talk loudly or make noise while eating. It’s important to be considerate of others and enjoy your meal quietly.

Paying the Bill

• “お会計をお願いします” (Okaikei wo onegaishimasu)
  Meaning: Use this phrase when you’re ready to pay.
• “クレジットカードは使えますか？” (Kurejitto kaado wa tsukaemasu ka?)
  Meaning: This is used to ask if credit cards are accepted.
• “ごちそうさまでした” (Gochisousama deshita)
  Meaning: This phrase is used after finishing your meal to express gratitude for the meal.
• “またお越しくださいませ” (Mata okoshi kudasai mase)
  Meaning: This is what the staff says when you leave, encouraging you to visit again.

Where to Pay
In Japanese restaurants, you may either pay at the table or go to the cash register. If the staff says, “お会計はあちらでどうぞ” (Please pay over there), follow their instructions.

Greeting When Leaving

When leaving, say “ごちそうさまでした” (Gochisousama deshita) to express your thanks for the meal. The staff will often reply with “ありがとうございました” (Arigatou gozaimashita – Thank you very much).