Phrases at Dinner / Lunch, etc.
Many languages use specific phrases before beginning a meal. Unfortunately, there are no traditional phrases used when beginning a meal. However, there are some phrases that are used during the meal, or by servers as they bring you your food.
At the Beginning of / During a Meal
This looks good / wonderful / tasty.
You've prepared a marvelous meal!
Yum, I can't wait to eat. (informal)
Server:
Enjoy your meal!
Example Dialogues
Person 1: You've prepared a marvelous meal! Thank you.
Person 2: I hope you like turkey!
Person 1: Enjoy your meal!
Person 2: Thank you.
At the End of a Meal
It's common to thank your host / cook at the end of a meal in a private home. Here are useful phrases to say thank you to the cook / host.
That was wonderful!
Thank you very much for such a great meal.
How did you prepare the ... it was wonderful!
Thank you so much for having us over for dinner.
Example Dialogues
Person 1: That was wonderful!
Person 2: I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Person 1: Thank you so much for having us over for dinner.
Person 2: It was our pleasure. We'll have to do it again.
