Ordering at a Restaurant

Activity Overview

Eating out can be enjoyable—but also stressful—for people with aphasia. Ordering involves reading menus, making choices, and communicating clearly in noisy or unfamiliar settings. This guide offers strategies to support confident and enjoyable dining experiences.

Goal

Help individuals with aphasia and their families prepare for and enjoy meals out using functional communication tools.

What to Expect

• Choose a Restaurant → Arrive and Get Seated → Review the Menu → Order Food → Enjoy Meal & Pay
• May involve asking about ingredients, portion sizes, or how something is prepared.
• The environment may be loud, fast-paced, or unfamiliar.

Preparation Tips

• Bring:
  • Menu preview (printed or online)
  • Picture cards or written food choices
  • Cash or card for payment
• Choose quieter times (early lunch, late dinner)
• Practice phrases and food words in advance (i.e.: if you are getting a meat, they may ask how you want it prepared/cooked.) 
• Consider writing down your order ahead of time
• If you or your loved one has dysphagia (check out our glossary for definition), you may need to request special preparation or bring along a thickener for liquids. 

Communication Supports

• Use communication cards like:
  • “I have aphasia. Please be patient.”
  • “I would like [dish name], no onions.”

• Point to items on the menu
• Use a phone or paper to write down or show the order

Support for Family & Care Partners

• Help review the menu before arriving
• Support using pictures or written orders when needed
• Wait to step in—give the person with aphasia space to try first
• Confirm with staff only when clarification is needed

Real-Life Examples

“I want to order for myself.  I’m not dumb!”  — Jason, person with aphasia

“We look up the menu together and circle what my mom wants. She shows it to the server.” — Tina, Care Partner

Additional Resources

• Aphasia Recovery Connection has a great video about Dining Out. It was made by people with aphasia for people with aphasia.