Ordering at a Restaurant or Café in Dutch
Ordering in Dutch is one of the most satisfying early wins. Here's exactly what to say — from getting a table to paying the bill — at restaurants and cafés.
From table to bill
Whether it's a café terras or a restaurant, these phrases carry you through the whole experience in Dutch.
Getting started
Bij binnenkomst.
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Een tafel voor twee, alstublieft | A table for two, please |
| Mag ik de menukaart? | May I have the menu? |
| Wat raadt u aan? | What do you recommend? |
| Ik wil graag … | I would like … |
| Voor mij … | For me … |
Drinks & paying
Drinken en betalen.
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| Een koffie, alstublieft | A coffee, please |
| Een biertje | A (small) beer |
| Nog een rondje | Another round |
| De rekening, alstublieft | The bill, please |
| Kan ik pinnen? | Can I pay by card? |
| Het was heerlijk | It was delicious |
Café culture tips
On a Dutch terras (terrace), you usually seat yourself and wait for service. ‘Een biertje’ (with the -tje diminutive) is the natural way to order a beer. Tipping is modest — rounding up or ~5-10% is plenty. And the magic word stays lekker: ‘Het was erg lekker, dank u wel.’
Order in Dutch like a local
Dutch Daily's scenario trainer lets you practise ordering until it's effortless. Free to start.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do you order food in Dutch?
'Mag ik de menukaart?' (menu please), then 'Ik wil graag …' or 'Voor mij …' (I would like / for me …). Ask 'Wat raadt u aan?' (what do you recommend?) and pay with 'De rekening, alstublieft'.
How do you order a beer in Dutch?
'Een biertje, alstublieft' — the diminutive '-tje' is the natural, friendly way Dutch people order a beer. 'Nog een rondje' means another round.
Do you tip in Dutch restaurants?
Tipping is modest in the Netherlands — rounding up the bill or leaving around 5-10% for good service is plenty. It's appreciated but not obligatory.