Formal — to staff
Cultural · Dining
You
すみません、豚肉は食べられないのですが、この料理には入っていますか？
すみません、ぶたにくはたべられないのですが、このりょうりにははいっていますか？
Excuse me, I am unable to eat pork — is it included in this dish?
Romaji: Sumimasen, butaniku wa taberarenai no desu ga, kono ryouri niwa haitte imasu ka? / Reply Romaji: Shoushoushou omachi kudasai. Kakunin shite mairimasu.
Reply
少々お待ちください。確認してまいります。
しょうしょうおまちください。かくにんしてまいります。
Please wait just a moment. I'll go and check for you.
Gesture & etiquette
Approach the staff member directly and make clear eye contact before speaking. Point to the menu item if language is uncertain. Smile and be patient — the kitchen check may take a few minutes. Thank the staff regardless of the answer: 'Kakunin shite itadaite, arigatou gozaimashita' (Thank you for checking for me).
Asking about dietary restrictions in Japanese restaurants requires gentle, specific phrasing — Japanese kitchens often use ingredients that are not visible in the final dish. 'Taberarenai no desu ga' (I am unable to eat this) is more effective than 'I don't like' because it signals a genuine restriction. Staff will always try to accommodate if asked politely.