Restaurants are ideal places to enjoy delicious food from various regions and cultures. They not only serve tasty dishes but also provide a relaxing atmosphere. This Part 2 topic gives you a chance to describe a restaurant you like visiting.
So how do you make your answer stand out? In this article, IDP IELTS will help you develop ideas creatively and express them effectively in English.
1. Topic Analysis – Describe a Restaurant That You Enjoyed Going To (Part 2)
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 1–2 minutes. The cue card will include prompts to help you structure your response.
Cue Card: Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.
You should say:
Where the restaurant was
Why you chose this restaurant
What type of food you ate in this restaurant
And explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant
2. Sample Outline – Describe a Restaurant That You Enjoyed Going To in Vietnam
Where the restaurant was:
Chay Garden restaurant is located in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.
Why you chose this restaurant:
The food is flavorful and creatively prepared.
The presentation is visually appealing and suits my taste.
What food you ate there:
One favorite starter is the chestnut cream mushroom soup with king oyster mushrooms, Shiitake, chestnuts, cream, and bay leaves.
It is slightly salty, mildly sweet, and served with black sesame bread.
The termite mushroom spring rolls filled with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables are another standout dish, served with rose sauce.
Why you enjoyed it:
The staff is highly professional, even during busy hours.
When my family first visited, they gave great food suggestions that made the experience even better.
3. Sample Answer – Part 2
Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to
On the first day of every lunar month, my family visits Chay Garden restaurant, located in Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, as part of our tradition to eat vegetarian food.
The food is excellent because the vegetables are prepared in a variety of creative ways. Not only do the dishes match my taste, but they are also beautifully decorated. One of my favorite starters is the light chestnut cream mushroom soup, made with king oyster and Shiitake mushrooms, chestnuts, cream, and bay leaves. It tastes slightly salty with a hint of sweetness and is served with black sesame bread.
Another dish I enjoy is the termite mushroom spring rolls. They are filled with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, served with a delicate rose sauce. The presentation is impressive, and my whole family enjoys the dish every time we order it.
Besides the food, the staff is very professional, even on the busiest days. When we first visited, they gave us helpful recommendations, which left a lasting impression.
From my perspective, Chay Garden is the best place for vegetarian meals, and I would recommend it to anyone who asks.
Useful Vocabulary:
Lunar month
Appetizer
Chestnuts
Slightly salty
Light sweetness
Mouthwatering
Vegetarian meals
4. Sample Answer – Part 3
Q: Why do people go to restaurants when celebrating something?
Restaurants are among the most popular public spaces, accessible to people from different backgrounds. Their comfort and ambiance make them ideal for celebrations. Unlike private spaces, restaurants are equipped to handle large groups with ease. More importantly, people often want to treat themselves to delicious dishes and enjoy a special dining experience.
Vocabulary:
Well-liked
Private space
Treat themselves
Palate
Q: Are fast food restaurants or traditional restaurants more popular in your country?
While fast food is gaining popularity, traditional restaurants remain the preferred choice. There are two main reasons: traditional food is usually healthier and tastier, and it’s often more affordable than fast food.
Vocabulary:
Traditional restaurant
Appeal
Healthier options
Q: Do you agree that expensive restaurants always serve better food?
I disagree. The quality of food depends more on the ingredients and cooking methods than on the price. I have dined at expensive places where the food was disappointing and had far better meals at modest restaurants. Price does not always guarantee taste or freshness.
Vocabulary:
Cuisine
High-end
Low-end
Raw ingredients
5. Useful Vocabulary – Describe a Restaurant That You Enjoyed Going To
Common Restaurant Vocabulary:
Word/Phrase | Type | Meaning |
À la carte | Adjective | Ordering individual dishes |
Service charge | Noun | Additional fee for service |
Head waiter | Noun | Restaurant manager |
Waiter/Waitress | Noun | Server |
Maitre d’ | Noun | Chief server |
Reservation | Noun | Table booking |
Hors d'oeuvre | Noun | Appetizer |
Entrée | Noun | Main course (in some contexts) |
Side dish | Noun | Accompanying dish |
Ambiance | Noun | Atmosphere |
Lavish | Adjective | Luxurious or extravagant |
Common Idioms and Phrases:
Expression | Meaning |
A quick snack | A fast light meal |
A slap-up meal | A big or fancy meal |
Gourmet restaurant | High-end dining place |
To be full up | To feel full |
To grab a bite to eat | To eat quickly |
To go on a diet | To restrict eating habits |
To stoke up with something | To eat or drink a lot |
To be starving hungry | To feel extremely hungry |
To eat in | To eat at home |
To eat out | To dine at a restaurant |
To wine and dine | To entertain with good food |
To shovel food | To eat very quickly |
Lean protein | Healthy source of protein |
To eat like a horse | To eat a lot |
To eat like a bird | To eat very little |
To have a sweet tooth | To like sweet food |
To make your mouth water | To look or smell appetizing |
To foot the bill | To pay for the meal |
Prepare for IELTS Speaking With IDP
With the sample ideas, vocabulary, and speaking strategies above, we hope you feel more confident tackling the topic Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to in your IELTS Speaking test. Practice regularly and try IDP’s free IELTS computer-based mock tests to get used to the test format and improve your timing.
When you register for the IELTS Speaking test with IDP, you can choose between IELTS Academic Speaking or IELTS General Speaking depending on your goals. To improve effectively, make sure you understand the IELTS Speaking band descriptors and scoring criteria.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and start your journey to your target score!