Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Restaurant
すみません、お通しはありますか？それとも、席料だけですか？ — Excuse me, is there an otōshi (small starter/appetizer)? Or is it just a table charge? (Izakaya · Restaurant, Formal — to staff, JLPT N3)
You
すみません、お通しはありますか？それとも、席料だけですか？
すみません、おとおしはありますか？それとも、せきりょうだけですか？
Excuse me, is there an otōshi (small starter/appetizer)? Or is it just a table charge?
Romaji: Sumimasen, otōshi wa arimasu ka? Soretomo, sekiryō dake desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Hai, otōshi to shite, marumaru (ryōrimei) o goyōi shite orimasu.
Reply
はい、お通しとして、〇〇（料理名）をご用意しております。
はい、おとおしとして、まるまる（りょうりめい）をごよういしております。
Yes, we serve [dish name] as an otōshi.
Gesture & etiquette
Slight bow.
Otōshi (お通し) is a common practice at izakayas where a small appetizer is served along with a seating charge, even if you didn't order it. It's usually non-negotiable and will be added to your bill. Asking beforehand is polite, but refusing it might be seen as rude.
#izakaya#otōshi#table charge#appetizer#bill#etiquette