How to Order at a Japanese Restaurant

Inform the host or hostess of your party size. Upon entering, you'll be greeted with “irasshaimase,” meaning “welcome.” The host or hostess will then inquire about your party size with “Nan mei sama desu ka?” For instance, if your party consists of four people, respond with “Yon mei desu.”

• To indicate three people, say “San nin desu.”
• If dining solo, simply state “Hitori desu.”

Request an English menu. If you're uncertain about understanding a Japanese menu, it's completely fine to inquire about an English menu. To do so, simply ask, 'Do you have an English menu?' which translates to “Eigo no menyuu ga arimasu ka?” Typically, Japanese restaurants frequented by English-speaking tourists will offer an English menu without prompting.

• If an English menu isn't available, consider using a mobile device to translate or make do with the Japanese you know.

Inquire about prices. To ask about prices, say “How much is this?” which is “Kore wa ikura desu ka?” If you're uncomfortable asking, you can also familiarize yourself with Japanese numbers to gauge prices.

Familiarize yourself with numbers to comprehend the menu. While not essential, knowing numbers can be immensely beneficial. Begin with: ichi (一)=1; ni (二)=2; san (三)=3; shi/yon (四)=4; go (五)=5; roku (六)=6; shichi/nana (七)=7; hachi (八)=8; kyuu (九)=9; juu (十)=10; hyaku (百)=100; and sen (千)=1000.

• Combine numbers like this: 19 is 10 + 9, so it's juu-kyuu (十九). 90 consists of 9 sets of 10, making it kyuu-juu (九十). Therefore, 198 is hyaku-kyuu-juu-hachi (百九十八).

Ask for more time to peruse the menu.

If the server approaches before you're ready to order, simply say, “Can I have a little more time?” which is “Mou sukoshi jikan wo itadakemasu ka?”

Attract the attention of a staff member. If the staff hasn't approached yet, you can politely call out, 'Excuse me' or 'Please' by saying 'Onegaishimasu' or 'Sumimasen.' Additionally, many upscale restaurants have a call button to summon your waiter.

Request an individual item along with a beverage. Ordering a single item in Japanese is straightforward. Simply combine the name of the food or drink with “please.” For instance, to request tonkotsu ramen and a beer, say “tonkotsu ramen to beer, please.” “Kudasai” means “please.”

Order multiple items. If you desire more than one of a specific item, remember these words. State (food or drink name) + wo + number using tsu + please. For example, “Four waters, please” is “Mizu wo yonku kudasai.” Numerical endings include hitotsu (one), futatsu (two), mittsu (three), and yottsu (four).

• If you require more than ten of something, specify using regular numbers—juichi, juni, jusan, etc.

Wait until everyone has their drink. It's courteous to wait until everyone receives their drink before taking a sip. Once everyone is served, say “kanpai!” meaning “cheers!” Then, everyone can enjoy their drinks together.

Opt for Japanese green tea or sake alongside your meal. It adds authenticity, and the Japanese may appreciate your efforts to respect their customs. If you don't fancy either option, it's perfectly fine to have water or another beverage with your meal.

Ensure your hands are clean before and during the meal. Typically, you'll receive a wet towel before the meal for this purpose. Use it to clean your hands before and during the meal, placing it on the table when not in use.

Express gratitude before starting your meal. It's customary to say “itadakimasu” before eating. Translated, it means 'I receive (this meal).” It's a way to express gratitude for the meal you're about to enjoy.

Confirm your satisfaction with the order. After you've ordered and received your food, you might be asked “Is everything okay?” Answer “Yes” or “No” accordingly.

Utilize chopsticks. Generally, Japanese restaurants prefer chopsticks over utensils like forks. Try to use chopsticks for your meal, except when eating soup, which requires a spoon. If you're uncomfortable with chopsticks, it's fine to request a fork.

• Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is only done at funerals.

Express satisfaction after your meal. To convey your enjoyment at the end of the meal, say “Gochisousama deshita,” meaning 'It was a feast.' Alternatively, you can say “Oishikatta desu,” which translates to 'It was tasty.' While polite, this step is not strictly necessary.

Request the bill. If the server hasn't brought the bill, it's acceptable to ask for it. Simply say “Okaikei wo onegaishimasu,” which means “Please bring the bill.”

Do not tip. Tipping is not customary in Japanese culture. In fact, it may be considered impolite in some establishments.

Express gratitude to the staff. As you leave the restaurant, it's courteous to thank the staff for the meal. You can say “Arigato gozaimashita,” which is the past tense for “thank you.” Now, you've successfully navigated and hopefully enjoyed your experience at a Japanese restaurant!

• Don't hesitate to slurp your noodles. It's not just cultural etiquette; it also helps prevent burns.
• If you're unsure, take cues from your companions and other diners nearby.
• The Japanese word for refill is 'Okawari.'

• Be acquainted with unconventional Japanese dishes if you're particular about your food. This way, if you encounter ika (squid) or nattou (fermented soybeans known for their strong odor) on the menu, you can discreetly opt out.
• If you're taking home leftovers, remember that all raw fish should be consumed promptly and either cooked or discarded within a day.