How to Take an Order at a Restaurant

Learning how to take an order at a restaurant is an important skill for all waitstaff. Accurately writing down the orders is the most important part of the job. Properly greeting guests, observing signals that diners are ready to order, explaining the available menu options and answering all questions about menu items are necessary parts of taking a restaurant order.

1. Greet guests properly. Make eye contact and smile as you approach the table. You will notice that guests are ready to order when they have stopped looking at menus and set them aside. 

2. Notify diners of specials. Take a few moments after you have greeted guests and describe the special items available. Answer all related questions.

3. Begin noting the orders. Guests will usually inform you if they are interested in the specials.  Write down each order and proceed to ask each person what they would like to eat and drink. Develop a system for writing down the orders that will allow you to serve the food to the right people. 

4. Ask for clarification.  There are many different options of meal preparation, side options and condiments. This includes questions about how they would like their meat cooked, salad dressing choices and whether they would like ketchup for their fries or steak sauce for their entree.

5. Take dessert orders. After the guests have finished their meals, ask if they would like to see a dessert menu. Alternatively, bring a dessert tray to the table to show them options. Some people like to order coffee or tea with dessert, so ask if they would like any.