Can we order?
Ordering ready
Use this phrase to politely signal that your table is ready to choose food and start the meal.
In 15 Seconds
- Use this when you have finished choosing your food.
- It signals the server to come to your table.
- Always say it with a polite tone and a smile.
Meaning
This is a polite way to tell a waiter or server that you have finished looking at the menu and are ready to choose your food.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a busy lunch cafe
Excuse me, can we order now? We have a meeting soon.
Excuse me, can we order now? We have a meeting soon.
Dinner with a friend
I'm so hungry! Can we order?
I'm so hungry! Can we order?
A formal business dinner
Pardon me, I believe we are ready. Can we order?
Pardon me, I believe we are ready. Can we order?
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the 'service-oriented' culture of Western dining, where the customer initiates the pace of the meal. It is often accompanied by the 'closed menu' body language, which is a silent cultural cue recognized globally. In many English-speaking countries, making eye contact while saying this is considered polite and professional.
The Menu Trick
If you want the waiter to come over without saying a word, simply close your menu and put it on the table. It is the international 'I am ready' sign.
Wait for the group
Never say 'Can we order?' if someone at your table is still looking at the menu. It looks like you are ignoring their needs!
In 15 Seconds
- Use this when you have finished choosing your food.
- It signals the server to come to your table.
- Always say it with a polite tone and a smile.
What It Means
This phrase is your green light at a restaurant. It tells the staff you are ready to spend money. It is short, clear, and very helpful. You are asking for permission, but you are also giving a signal. It means the 'looking' phase is over. Now, the 'eating' phase can begin.
How To Use It
You usually say this when a server walks past your table. You can also say it when they ask, 'Are you ready?' Just look them in the eye and smile. It works best as a question: Can we order?. If you are alone, change it to Can I order?. It is a simple tool for hungry people.
When To Use It
Use it at a cafe, a diner, or a fancy bistro. Use it when everyone at your table has closed their menus. Closing the menu is the secret physical signal. Once the menus are flat on the table, say the phrase. It is perfect for a busy lunch break. It helps the server manage their time better too.
When NOT To Use It
Do not say this if your friend is still reading. It is a bit rude to rush your guests. Don't shout it across a quiet, expensive restaurant. Avoid using it at a fast-food counter where you just stand in line. In those places, just start speaking when you reach the front. Also, don't say it if the server is clearly carrying hot soup!
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we value 'polite efficiency.' We don't like to bother servers, but we don't want to wait forever. This phrase balances those two feelings perfectly. In the US, servers rely on tips, so they want you to order quickly. In the UK, it might be said a bit more softly. It is a universal 'handshake' between the customer and the kitchen.
Common Variations
You might hear Are we ready to order? from the server. You can reply with a simple Yes, please. Other people might say We're ready when you are. If you are in a rush, you could say Could we order quickly?. But Can we order? remains the classic, most reliable choice for any situation.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and works in almost any dining situation. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring the rest of your party is actually ready before you speak for everyone.
The Menu Trick
If you want the waiter to come over without saying a word, simply close your menu and put it on the table. It is the international 'I am ready' sign.
Wait for the group
Never say 'Can we order?' if someone at your table is still looking at the menu. It looks like you are ignoring their needs!
The 'May' vs 'Can' Debate
Strict teachers say you should say 'May we order?' because 'can' refers to ability. However, in real life, 99% of people use 'can' and it is perfectly polite.
Examples
6Excuse me, can we order now? We have a meeting soon.
Excuse me, can we order now? We have a meeting soon.
Adding 'now' and a reason helps in a time-sensitive situation.
I'm so hungry! Can we order?
I'm so hungry! Can we order?
A casual way to prompt your friend to hurry up and choose.
Pardon me, I believe we are ready. Can we order?
Pardon me, I believe we are ready. Can we order?
Using 'Pardon me' makes the phrase feel more sophisticated.
The waiter keeps asking if we can order yet. Hurry up!
The waiter keeps asking if we can order yet. Hurry up!
Using the phrase to describe the pressure from the restaurant staff.
This menu is a book! Can we order, or do I need to graduate first?
This menu is a book! Can we order, or do I need to graduate first?
Using humor to complain about a menu that is too long.
The kids are getting cranky, can we order as soon as possible?
The kids are getting cranky, can we order as soon as possible?
Expressing urgency due to the children's mood.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the polite request.
Excuse me, ___ we order?
We use `can` to ask for permission or to state that we are ready to do something.
If you are eating alone, how do you change the phrase?
Can ___ order?
When you are the only person eating, use the first-person singular pronoun `I`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Can we order?'
To a friend: 'Ready to order?'
Ready?
Standard way to ask a server.
Can we order?
Very polite/upscale setting.
May we order, please?
Where to use 'Can we order?'
Coffee Shop
Ordering a latte
Family Diner
Ordering breakfast
Fancy Restaurant
Ordering wine and dinner
Pub/Bar
Ordering appetizers
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is a standard, polite way to get a server's attention when you are ready.
Yes, if you are sitting at a table in a bar. If you are standing at the bar, usually you just wait for them to look at you.
You can say, Could we order quickly? We have a train to catch. This explains your rush politely.
Use Can we if you are with other people. Use Can I if you are dining alone.
It is more formal. Use May we in very expensive restaurants or during a formal business lunch.
Wait for a small gap in their movement. A gentle wave or eye contact followed by Can we order? is best.
It is always a good idea! Can we order, please? sounds much friendlier.
You can say, Can we order some drinks first?. This tells the server you aren't ready for food yet.
No, that is considered rude. Wait until they have finished with the other customers.
The most common mistake is saying it too loudly. A normal speaking volume is enough for the server to hear you.
Related Phrases
We're ready.
A shorter version of 'We are ready to order.'
Could we see the menu?
Used when you first sit down and don't have a menu yet.
Check, please!
Used at the end of the meal when you want to pay.
Give us a few more minutes.
Used when the server asks if you are ready, but you need more time.
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