Placing an order at a restaurant or bar

In Japan, service people do not normally come to check on you. You will likely need to get their attention when you are ready to order or need something.

How to place an order

See Japanese phrases in daily life for specific phrases and words for ordering items.

Try to meet the eyes of a staff member and say "Sumimasen!" and they should come right over.

You might need to get pretty loud if the place is busy.

When the staff comes over you can either point to a menu item or just try to say the name of the item slowly in English.

Some restaurants and bars have different systems

There may be a button on the table which you push to call the staff and place your order.

https://gyazo.com/9f698afe1c441a1d4b6cce978ccaa583

There may be a tablet device you can use to browse the menu and order. Look for a button that says English on the screen.

https://gyazo.com/c3297923438101b9c314ba8406270477

Some places may have a Ticket-vending machine near the door where you select the items you want and pay first before sitting down. Again, look for a button that says english on the screen.

Also see Getting seated at a restaurant or bar