Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Dining
You
すみません、お通しは結構です。
すみません、おとおしはけっこうです。
Excuse me, the cover charge appetizer (otōshi) is not necessary. (I'll decline the otōshi.)
Romaji: Sumimasen, otōshi wa kekkō desu. / Reply Romaji: Mōshiwake arimasen, otōshi wa sekiryō to natte orimasu node, okotowari dekimasen.
Reply
申し訳ありません、お通しは席料となっておりますので、お断りできません。
もうしわけありません、おとおしはせきりょうとなっておりますので、おことわりできません。
We apologize, but the otōshi serves as a seating charge, so we cannot decline it.
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow, polite hand gesture indicating 'no thank you.'
In many izakayas, otōshi is mandatory and cannot be refused as it functions as a seating charge. It's polite to ask, but be prepared for refusal.
#otoshi#cover charge#izakaya#dining#refuse#appetizer