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Role-play

Ordering at a Restaurant Role Play (A2–B1)

A nut allergy, a film to catch and a kitchen that's very busy tonight.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
A2–B1
Skill
Speaking
Format
Teacher guide
More in the library

The situation

A small Italian restaurant at 7.15 on a Friday evening. A customer is waiting for a friend who's running late.

5-minute timer

Role card A

Customer

You are having dinner at a small Italian restaurant with a friend who's on the way.

Your goals

  • Order a drink, a starter and a main course.
  • Ask what the waiter recommends.
  • Ask for the bill early.

Only you know

  • You're allergic to nuts.
  • You and your friend must leave by 8 pm to catch a film, and it's 7.15 now.

Role card B

Waiter

You are a waiter at a busy Italian restaurant on a Friday evening.

Your goals

  • Take the drinks and food order.
  • Recommend a dish.
  • Make sure the customer is happy.

Only you know

  • The popular pesto pasta contains pine nuts, and the fish special has sold out tonight.
  • The kitchen is very busy: pizzas take about 25 minutes tonight, but pasta only takes about 10.

Model dialogue

One good version. Read it after the pairs have tried, not before.

Show the model dialogue
A
Hi, could we have a table for two, please? My friend's on the way.
B
Of course. Here's the menu. Can I get you something to drink while you wait?
A
Just a sparkling water, please. What do you recommend?
B
The pesto pasta is very popular. I'm afraid the fish special is finished tonight, though.
A
Does the pesto have nuts in it? I'm allergic.
B
Yes, it's made with pine nuts. The tomato and basil pasta is nut-free, and I'll let the chef know about your allergy.
A
Great, I'll have that. How long does a pizza take? We need to leave by eight.
B
Pizzas are taking about 25 minutes tonight because we're really busy. Pasta's quicker — about ten minutes.
A
Then my friend will probably have pasta too. Could we have the garlic bread to start?
B
Sure. Shall I bring it now, or wait for your friend?
A
Now, please. And could we have the bill with our main courses, so we don't miss our film?
B
No problem at all. I'll bring it with your food.

Extension for stronger students

The friend arrives and is vegan, and A has to order for them. Then the food arrives with a dish that looks like it has nuts on top, and A must politely send it back while B apologises and sorts it out quickly.

Printable role cards

Card A and card B on one page, with a cut line between them, plus the phrases.