Booking a family dinner table

Before the call

💡 What to know before you call

Japan's Ministry of Economy () published a 2018 "No show" report for restaurants: if you ghost a course-meal booking, the shop can charge up to the full course price; for a table-only booking, the guideline is roughly 50–70% of the average spend per person. Shops are supposed to show their cancellation policy in advance, so it's normal to ask はかかりますか when booking. If plans change (say, your son gets a fever), just call. Source: , summary at

Words this call depends on

  • をしたいんですが

    I'd like to make a reservation.

  • とです

    they'll ask!

    Two adults and one child.

  • のはありますか

    Do you have a child's chair?

  • のままでもですか

    Is it okay to come in with the stroller?

  • はかかりますか

    Is there a cancellation fee?

Grammar you'll use

  • 〜たいんですが

    I'd like to ~, but… (soft request / opener that invites help)

    Verb-ます stem + たいんですが

    明日の夜、予約をお願いたいんですが

    Hint: する

  • 〜ても大丈夫ですか

    Is it okay if I ~? (asking permission)

    Verb-て + も大丈夫ですか / Noun + でも大丈夫ですか

    ベビーカーのまま大丈夫ですか

    Hint: ても (after a noun)

The flow of the call6 steps · orange = they'll ask you

  1. 1Say you'd like to book for tomorrow eveningLines 1–2
  2. 2They ask how many; give the party size and ask about 6:00 (they ask you)Lines 3–4
  3. 3They confirm 6:00 is freeLine 5
  4. 4Ask about a child's chair and the strollerLines 6–7
  5. 5Ask about the cancellation feeLines 8–9
  6. 6Give your name and hear the booking read backLines 10–11

Up next · step 2 of 4

Listen to the call

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