Ordering pizza is one of those universal pleasures that transcends language barriers. Whether you’re craving a cheesy slice in New York, a pepperoni feast in London, or a veggie-packed pie in Sydney, knowing how to order pizza in English can make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from basic phrases to more advanced tips—so you can order pizza confidently and correctly in English-speaking countries.
Step 1: Choose How You Want to Order
There are several ways to order pizza:
- In person at a pizzeria or restaurant
- By phone for delivery or pickup
- Online using an app or website
Each method requires slightly different language skills, but the basics are very similar.
Step 2: Know the Basic Vocabulary
Before you order, it’s helpful to know some important words:
- Pizza size: small, medium, large, extra-large
- Crust: thin crust, thick crust, stuffed crust, gluten-free crust
- Toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, sausage, bacon, extra cheese, peppers, olives, pineapple, etc.
- Type of pizza: Margherita, Meat Lovers, Veggie, Supreme, Hawaiian, etc.
- Delivery or Pickup: Delivery means they bring it to you; pickup means you go and get it.
- Order for here or to go: If you’re eating at the restaurant, say “for here.” If you want to take it home, say “to go.”
Step 3: Ordering In Person
If you’re standing at the counter in a pizzeria, you can follow a simple pattern:
1. Greet the staff.
Start politely:
- “Hi, how are you?”
- “Hello!”
2. Make your order.
Example phrases:
- “I’d like to order a large pepperoni pizza, please.”
- “Can I get a medium Veggie pizza with extra cheese?”
- “I would like a small Margherita pizza to go, please.”
3. Answer follow-up questions.
The staff might ask:
- “Would you like thin or thick crust?”
- “Anything else?”
- “For here or to go?”
4. Pay for your order.
They will tell you the price, for example: “That’ll be $14.50, please.” You can pay with cash or card.
5. Wait for your pizza!
They might say:
- “It’ll be about 15 minutes.”
- “We’ll call your name when it’s ready.”
Step 4: Ordering by Phone
Ordering by phone is a bit more challenging because you can’t use gestures or body language. Here’s how to make it smooth:
1. Prepare before calling.
Know what you want to order and have your address ready if you want delivery.
2. Start the call politely.
- “Hi, I’d like to place an order for delivery, please.”
- “Hello, can I order a pizza for pickup?”
3. State your order clearly.
- “I’d like a large Supreme pizza with thin crust.”
- “Can I get a medium Hawaiian pizza and a bottle of soda?”
4. Give your details.
If it’s for delivery, you’ll need to provide your address and sometimes your phone number.
5. Confirm your order.
The person might repeat your order. Listen carefully and correct if needed.
6. Ask about the delivery time.
- “How long will it take?”
Usually, they’ll say something like, “About 30 minutes.”
7. Thank them and hang up.
- “Thank you very much!”
Step 5: Ordering Online
Ordering online is often the easiest method, especially if you’re still learning English.
Here’s how it usually works:
1. Go to the restaurant’s website or app.
Look for options like “Order Online,” “Delivery,” or “Pickup.”
2. Choose your items.
You’ll usually click to select your pizza size, crust, toppings, and extras.
3. Add to cart.
After selecting your pizza, you usually click “Add to Cart” or “Order Now.”
4. Checkout.
You’ll need to enter your address, choose payment method (credit card, PayPal, cash on delivery), and confirm your order.
5. Track your order.
Many apps let you track your pizza in real-time!
Step 6: Useful Phrases and Expressions
Here are some useful phrases to sound more natural when ordering:
- “Could I get a large cheese pizza, please?”
- “Can I add extra mushrooms to that?”
- “Is there a deal for two pizzas?”
- “What toppings come with the Supreme pizza?”
- “Do you have gluten-free options?”
- “Can I substitute olives for mushrooms?”
- “Can you make that half-and-half?” (half with one topping, half with another)
Step 7: Dealing with Problems
Sometimes mistakes happen. Here’s how to handle them:
- If they get your order wrong:
“Excuse me, I think there’s a mistake. I ordered a pepperoni pizza, but this one has mushrooms.” - If the pizza is late:
“Hi, I ordered a pizza about an hour ago. Could you check on it for me?” - If you don’t understand:
“Sorry, could you repeat that, please?” - If you need to cancel:
“Hi, I’d like to cancel my order. It’s under the name [your name].”
Always stay polite and calm—people will be more helpful that way!
Final Tips
- Practice your pronunciation of key words like “pepperoni,” “delivery,” and “pickup.”
- Listen carefully to any questions the staff asks.
- Don’t stress if you make a mistake—most people will be patient if they see you’re trying.
- Use apps like Google Translate if you get stuck when ordering online.
Ordering pizza is one of life’s simple joys, and doing it in English opens up even more delicious possibilities. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice with friends or planning a cozy night in, now you have all the tools you need to order with confidence.
So next time you’re hungry, remember:
Big smile, clear order, and extra cheese never hurts!
