table service

Meaning

This term refers to a restaurant style where a waiter or waitress takes your order at your table and brings your food to you. It is the opposite of self-service or ordering at a counter. You will often see signs or hear staff mention whether a place has table service.

Examples

• Do we need to order at the bar, or is there table service here?

  Do we need to order at the bar, or is there table service here?

• This cafe offers table service, so please take a seat anywhere you like.

  This cafe offers table service, so please take a seat anywhere you like.

• I prefer restaurants with table service because it feels much more relaxing.

  I prefer restaurants with table service because it feels much more relaxing.

• There is no table service on the outdoor patio, so you'll need to order inside.

  There is no table service on the outdoor patio, so you'll need to order inside.

• The pub has table service during dinner hours but not during lunch.

  The pub has table service during dinner hours but not during lunch.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We had a great table serving at the restaurant.

  ✓ We had great table service at the restaurant.

  'Service' is the correct noun here. 'Serving' refers to a portion of food or the act of putting food on a plate.

• ✗ Is this table service free?

  ✓ Is there table service here?

  'Table service' is a system, not an extra fee you purchase, though some places might add a separate 'service charge'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please sit down; this restaurant has full ___.

  💡 The waiter will come to your table.

  Show answer

  table service

• Excuse me, is there ___ on the terrace, or do we order inside?

  💡 A phrase for being served at your table.

  Show answer

  table service