Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Restaurant
You
このお通しは、必ず注文しなければなりませんか？
このおとおしは、かならずちゅうもんしなければなりませんか？
Is this appetizer (otoshi) mandatory to order?
Romaji: Kono otōshi wa, kanarazu chūmon shinakereba narimasen ka? / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake gozaimasen, tōten de wa otōshi ga seki-ryō to natte orimasu.
Reply
申し訳ございません、当店ではお通しが席料となっております。
もうしわけございません、とうてんではおとおしがせきりょうとなっております。
We apologize, but at our establishment, the appetizer serves as a table charge.
Gesture & etiquette
Point to the small appetizer that was served.
In many izakayas, otoshi is mandatory and cannot be refused. It's polite to ask beforehand if you have a strong preference, but be prepared for it to be non-negotiable.
#izakaya#otoshi#table charge#appetizer#mandatory#restaurant