Formal — to staff
Izakaya · Restaurant
You
お肉が食べられないのですが、お通しを別のものに変えてもらうことはできますか？
おにくがたべられないのですが、おとおしをべつのものにかえてもらうことはできますか？
I cannot eat meat. Would it be possible to exchange the 'Otoshi' (mandatory appetizer) for something else?
Romaji: Oniku ga taberarenai no desu ga, otoshi o betsu no mono ni kaete morau koto wa dekimasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Sore deshitara, oniku no kawari ni otofu no kobachi o odashi shimasu ne.
Reply
それでしたら、お肉の代わりにお豆腐の小鉢をお出ししますね。
それでしたら、おにくのかわりにおとうふのこばちをおだししますね。
In that case, we can serve you a small tofu side dish instead of the meat one.
Gesture & etiquette
Place your hands together slightly in front of your chest (the 'gassho' position) as a sign of polite request.
Do not refuse the 'Otoshi' aggressively, as it is a deeply rooted Japanese seating fee custom. Politely asking for a dietary alternative is highly respected.