Table for two
Restaurant request
Use this phrase to quickly and politely ask for a seat for two people at any restaurant.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to request a restaurant seat for two people.
- Used immediately upon entering a restaurant or making a phone reservation.
- Short, polite, and works in both casual and fancy settings.
Meaning
This is a simple way to tell a restaurant host how many people are in your group. You are asking for a place to sit and eat with one other person.
Key Examples
3 of 6Arriving at a cafe
Hi there, could we have a table for two, please?
Hi there, could we have a table for two, please?
Calling a fancy restaurant
I would like to reserve a table for two for 7:00 PM tonight.
I would like to reserve a table for two for 7:00 PM tonight.
Texting a partner about dinner
Just booked a table for two at that new Italian place!
Just booked a table for two at that new Italian place!
Cultural Background
In many Western countries, the 'host' or 'maitre d' controls the seating to ensure servers aren't overwhelmed. This phrase is the standard 'opening move' in the ritual of dining out, dating back to the rise of modern restaurant culture in the early 20th century.
The 'Please' Power
Always add `please` at the end. It changes the phrase from a command to a polite request, which often gets you a better seat!
Wait for the Host
In the US and UK, don't just walk in and sit down. Wait for the person at the front and use your phrase there.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to request a restaurant seat for two people.
- Used immediately upon entering a restaurant or making a phone reservation.
- Short, polite, and works in both casual and fancy settings.
What It Means
Table for two is the golden key to dining out. It tells the staff exactly what you need. You want one table and two chairs. It is short, clear, and very effective. You do not need a long sentence. Just say these three words to get seated. It is the most common way to start a meal.
How To Use It
Walk up to the host stand at the entrance. Smile and make eye contact. Say, "Hi, table for two, please." You can also add "by the window" if you feel fancy. If they ask if you have a reservation, say "No, just a table for two." It works like a charm every time. Don't worry about perfect grammar here. The shorter, the better for busy servers.
When To Use It
Use this at cafes, bistros, and fancy restaurants. It is perfect for a date. Use it when grabbing lunch with a coworker. It is the standard greeting for any host. You can even use it when calling to book a spot. "I'd like to book a table for two for Saturday."
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a fast-food counter. If you are at McDonald's, just order your food. They don't seat you there. Also, don't use it if you are alone. That would be a table for one, which is also totally fine! Avoid using it if your third friend is "parking the car." Wait until you know the final count. Nothing is more awkward than moving to a bigger table mid-appetizer.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we wait to be seated. You usually don't just grab a random table. The host manages the "flow" of the kitchen. Saying table for two helps them keep the balance. In busy cities like New York or London, this phrase is a survival tool. It is the start of the social dining ritual. It signals that you are ready to spend money and enjoy life.
Common Variations
If you have more people, just change the number. You might say table for four or table for six. If you want to be extra polite, say "Could we get a table for two?" If the place is packed, you might hear, "Is a table for two in the bar area okay?" Always listen for the follow-up questions about booth or table preferences!
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe for all levels of English. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you are speaking to the host/hostess and not just a random diner!
The 'Please' Power
Always add `please` at the end. It changes the phrase from a command to a polite request, which often gets you a better seat!
Wait for the Host
In the US and UK, don't just walk in and sit down. Wait for the person at the front and use your phrase there.
The Finger Signal
It is common to hold up two fingers while saying this. It helps the host hear you in a loud, busy restaurant.
Examples
6Hi there, could we have a table for two, please?
Hi there, could we have a table for two, please?
Adding 'could we have' makes it slightly more polite.
I would like to reserve a table for two for 7:00 PM tonight.
I would like to reserve a table for two for 7:00 PM tonight.
Used here for a formal booking over the phone.
Just booked a table for two at that new Italian place!
Just booked a table for two at that new Italian place!
Informal usage between friends or partners.
I asked for a table for two, but my dog doesn't have a chair!
I asked for a table for two, but my dog doesn't have a chair!
A joke about bringing a pet to dinner.
I want every table for two to be with you for the rest of my life.
I want every table for two to be with you for the rest of my life.
Using the phrase as a metaphor for companionship.
I've secured a table for two so we can discuss the contract quietly.
I've secured a table for two so we can discuss the contract quietly.
Professional context for a business lunch.
Test Yourself
You walk into a bistro with your friend. What do you say to the host?
Hello! A ___ ___ ___, please.
The standard pattern is 'Table for [Number]'.
Complete the phone reservation.
I'd like to book a ___ ___ ___ for Friday night.
In restaurants, you always book a 'table', not just a chair.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Table for two'
Quickly saying it to a busy host.
Table for two?
Standard polite request.
A table for two, please.
Full sentence for reservations.
We would like to request a table for two.
Where to use 'Table for two'
Romantic Date
Dinner at a candlelit bistro.
Business Lunch
Meeting a client for a meal.
Phone Booking
Calling ahead to save a spot.
Casual Coffee
Grabbing a latte with a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Simply swap the number. You can say table for three, table for four, or even table for ten for a big party.
Yes, two people or just two is also common. However, table for two sounds a bit more polished and clear.
Not at all. In a busy restaurant, the host prefers the short version. Table for two, please is perfect.
Say, "Hi, I have a reservation for [Name], a table for two." This confirms your details quickly.
No, it is neutral. It works everywhere from a roadside diner to a Michelin-star restaurant.
They might say, "Follow me," or "It will be a ten-minute wait." Be ready to give your name if there is a wait.
If the bar has a host and sit-down dining, yes. If it's a walk-up bar, you just find your own stools.
Always use for. A table of two sounds like the table itself is made of two things. Table for two means the table is intended for two people.
Always say 'Hello' or 'Hi' first. It’s much friendlier than just shouting the number of people at the staff!
Say, "Table for two, preferably outside?" or "Table for two in a booth?" to specify your preference.
Related Phrases
Party of [number]
A more formal way to state your group size (e.g., 'Party of four').
To stay or to go?
What a server asks to know if you will eat in the restaurant or take food away.
Do you have a reservation?
The question a host asks to see if you booked a table in advance.
Walk-in
A customer who arrives without a reservation.
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