☕ Ordering at a Café

Australian café culture is a big deal, and ordering is quick and friendly. Short, polite orders are normal. You usually order and pay at the counter, then wait for your name or number.

Placing your order

Can I get a flat white, please?A polite, very common way to order. "Can I get…" is more natural here than "I want…".

Flat white, please.Short and perfectly normal. Add "please" and a smile. Full phrase page →

Can I have a large cappuccino to go?"To go" is understood, but many Australians say "takeaway".

Could I get that with oat milk?Most cafés offer soy, oat and almond milk, sometimes for a small extra charge.

Tip: Coffee names differ between countries. A flat white is espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of foam. A long black is espresso poured over hot water. A short black is a single espresso.

Questions the staff might ask

Takeaway or sit in?Do you want your drink to go, or will you stay at the café?

Name for the order?They write your name on the cup so they can call it out.

Anything else for you?Reply "That's all, thanks" or add a food item.

Would you like that hot or iced?Common in summer.

Paying and finishing

Can I pay by card?Cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere.

Could I get the bill, please?If you are seated, you can ask for "the bill". Many cafés expect you to pay at the counter.

Thanks, cheers!"Cheers" is a casual way to say thanks. Full phrase page →

Tip: Tipping is not expected in Australia. Some people round up or leave a little extra for great service, but it is optional.

Phrases from this guide

Practise it

Reading is not enough. Say these phrases out loud: listen, repeat, and keep the rhythm.

Start the 20-minute lesson →

Keep going

🦘 Want the slang meanings?
Look up Aussie slang and origin stories on Fair Dinkum.

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