Details

Written by IELTS Mentor

IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.

You should say:

• where the restaurant was
• why you chose this restaurant
• what type of food you ate in this restaurant

and explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Sample Answer 1:
I do not dine in a restaurant very frequently as I like to eat homemade foods. However, there are occasions when I prefer meeting people at a restaurant and like to taste the delicious menus the restaurants offer. One such restaurant is ‘Plaza de Capita Foods’. I really like this restaurant and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about my experience of going there.

I went to this restaurant a couple of weeks ago with my parents and siblings. The restaurant is situated in a large shopping mall in the city we live in and it is almost 30 minutes drive from our home. The restaurant is on the 18th floor and offers a nice panoramic view.

It was my younger sister’s birthday and we planned prior to the occasion to celebrate this special day outside. As part of our whole day plan, we had our dinner at this restaurant. We liked the way the restaurant offers an excellent dining experience at a moderate price. So from our previous experience, we decided to revisit this restaurant for this special occasion.

We ate the buffet on that occasion and that included almost 40 items in total. I remember eating around 10 to 12 items while my parents ate far less than that. But my younger brother John enjoyed more than 30 items (Sidenote: He did not eat all the items. He just tasted many of them!)

The common items we ate included fried rice, sandwiches, fried chicken, curry chicken, cheese and onion rolls, seafood platter, garlic bread, prawns and ice cream.

We all agreed that it was a perfect place to enjoy our dinner and have some fun. They even offered a free birthday cake! We loved the food and it did not burn a hole in my pocket. Since it was my younger sister’s birthday, and this place helped us enjoy the evening with my family, we enjoyed being there so much.

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
Eating out is one of my favourite activities, especially when it comes to trying out new restaurants. Today, I would like to talk about a restaurant that I particularly enjoyed going to.

Where the restaurant was:
The restaurant I am going to describe is located in the heart of the city centre, near the main square. It is a small and cosy restaurant that is always crowded, especially during peak hours.

Why you chose this restaurant:
I first heard about this restaurant from a friend who highly recommended it for its authentic cuisine. I was curious to taste their food and decided to visit it with my partner on a weekend evening.

What type of food you ate in this restaurant:
The restaurant served Italian cuisine, with a focus on homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. We ordered a couple of dishes, including a Margherita pizza, pasta with bolognese sauce, and a side of garlic bread. The pizza was perfectly cooked with a crispy crust, and the pasta was al dente, cooked just right. The bolognese sauce was flavourful and the garlic bread was fresh and warm.

And explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant:
What I enjoyed the most about this restaurant was the cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the decor was tastefully done. Additionally, the food was freshly prepared and served hot, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The restaurant also had a good selection of drinks and desserts. In my opinion, it was a wonderful experience, and I look forward to visiting this restaurant again.

Sample Answer 3:

Introduction:
Bangkok is famous for its mouth-watering street food, but it also has a great selection of restaurants from all over the world. One of my favourite restaurants in Bangkok is a Chinese restaurant called Baiyoke Sky. I'd like to talk about it in more detail.

Where the restaurant was: 
Baiyoke Sky restaurant is located on the 81st floor of the Baiyoke Sky Tower in Bangkok. This tower is one of the tallest buildings in Thailand, and the view from the top is simply breathtaking.

Why you chose this restaurant:
I chose this restaurant because of its reputation for serving delicious Chinese food. I had heard a lot of positive reviews about the restaurant from my friends, so I decided to give it a try.

What type of food you ate in this restaurant: 
I ordered some dumplings, sweet and sour chicken, and stir-fried vegetables with rice. The dumplings were absolutely delicious, with a perfectly cooked filling and a thin, delicate skin. The sweet and sour chicken had a perfect balance of sweetness and sourness, and the vegetables were fresh and crunchy.

And explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant: 
Apart from the great food, I enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant. The interior decor was very elegant, with traditional Chinese lanterns and artwork on the walls. The staff were also very friendly and attentive, and they made sure that we were comfortable throughout our meal. But the highlight of the experience was definitely the view from the restaurant. We had a panoramic view of the city from the top of the tower, and it was absolutely breathtaking, especially at night. It was truly a memorable dining experience that I would recommend to anyone visiting Bangkok.

Sample Answer 4:

Last January, during a short business trip to Yangon, I stumbled upon a restaurant that quite literally redefined my idea of dining. Although I’ve never considered myself a food enthusiast, I do enjoy indulging in good food when I travel. This particular experience took place at Le Planteur, an elegant fine-dining restaurant nestled along University Avenue, in the serene Bahan Township of Yangon.

I discovered Le Planteur after doing some research online. Before I travel, I usually spend some time looking up quality restaurants and accommodations—and Le Planteur kept popping up with glowing reviews. Since I was tasked with evaluating the potential success of our company’s new hardware branch in Myanmar, I had little time to explore the city. I wanted a place that offered not only great food but also a calm, refined atmosphere to unwind after long meetings. This restaurant seemed to promise both—and it delivered beyond expectations.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated. The ambience was warm and inviting, with soft lighting, elegant table settings, and colonial-style interiors that beautifully fused European charm with Southeast Asian grace. The staff was incredibly attentive without being intrusive, and they made every guest feel genuinely welcome.

Over the course of my three-day stay, I dined there several times—usually for lunch and dinner. Their menu was a delightful mix of international cuisine and traditional Burmese flavours. I tried a variety of dishes, but one that truly stood out was the local grilled fish served with fragrant lemongrass rice and a tangy tamarind sauce. For dessert, I had a mango panna cotta infused with subtle local spices—it was heavenly. Some of my colleagues leaned more toward the Western bistro menu, and their praises for the steak and lamb were just as enthusiastic.

What impressed me most—beyond the exceptional food—was the overall experience. There was a sense of thoughtful detail in everything: from the pacing of the meal to the presentation of the dishes. On one evening, we even considered trying their candlelight dinner setup, which overlooked a lush garden and seemed perfect for a romantic evening. Although we ultimately decided against it, the ambience left a lasting impression.

Le Planteur wasn’t just a restaurant—it felt like a retreat in the middle of a bustling city. The quality of food, the professional service, the calm and refined environment, and even the reasonable pricing made it a place I still think about. It was more than just a meal—it was a memory. If I ever return to Yangon, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll revisit Le Planteur for another round of indulgence.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

1. Restaurant in a foreign city:
I once visited a famous restaurant in Bangkok called “Blue Elephant” during a holiday trip. It was a well-known place offering royal Thai cuisine in a colonial-style building. The restaurant was highly rated online, which is why I chose it. I ordered traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai and green curry. I enjoyed it because of the authentic taste, elegant ambience, and polite service.

2. Local café in your city:
There's a cozy café near my home called “The Brew House.” I found it during my morning walks and decided to try it based on friends’ recommendations. They serve a range of breakfasts and handcrafted coffees. I usually go for their eggs benedict and cappuccino. The peaceful atmosphere, friendly staff, and beautiful interior make it one of my favourite spots to relax and work.

3. Special occasion dinner:
I went to a fine-dining restaurant named “La Mer” in London for my graduation celebration. My family booked it because of its elegant setting and excellent seafood menu. I had grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce. The reason I enjoyed eating there was the classy environment, professional service, and the joy of celebrating an important milestone with my loved ones.

4. Beachside seafood restaurant:
While vacationing in Goa, India, I dined at a beachside restaurant called “Fisherman's Cove.” I chose it for its location and fresh seafood. I ordered butter garlic prawns and crab curry with rice. The open-air seating with a sea view, live music, and delicious food made it a memorable dining experience.

5. A hidden gem in a quiet town:
In a small village in Italy, I found a family-run restaurant named “Trattoria da Luca.” A local guide recommended it. They served traditional Italian dishes, and I had homemade lasagna and tiramisu. I loved the place because of its authentic local flavours, warm hospitality, and charming rustic décor.

6. Restaurant with cultural performance:
I went to a restaurant in Bali that offered traditional Indonesian food along with live cultural performances. I discovered it through a travel blog. I ate satay, gado-gado, and nasi goreng. Watching the dance performance while enjoying tasty food made the evening unique and unforgettable.

7. Vegetarian restaurant experience:
I visited a fully vegetarian restaurant named “Green Bites” during a business trip to Singapore. I chose it because I was trying a vegetarian diet that month. I ordered tofu stir-fry and lentil soup. The food was light, fresh, and well-prepared. The calm ambience and health-conscious menu impressed me.

8. Restaurant with a unique theme:
There’s a restaurant in my city that’s Harry Potter-themed, called “The Wizard’s Table.” I went there with friends out of curiosity. I tried their magical-themed dishes like “Butterbeer pasta.” The décor was fantasy-based, and the staff were dressed as characters. It was a fun and imaginative experience.

9. Rooftop restaurant experience:
I once had dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Dubai called “Skyline Lounge.” I picked it because of the panoramic view of the city skyline. I ate grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and had a mocktail. The view, the breeze, and the soft music created a romantic and relaxing vibe.

10. Family-owned local restaurant:
There's a restaurant in my hometown run by a local family called “Home Taste.” I chose it because it serves food just like my grandmother’s cooking. I had traditional curry, rice, and lentils. I love going there because of the homely taste, personal service, and nostalgic feeling.

Part 3 – Two-way discussion:

Discussion Topic: Restaurants

Q. Why do you think people go to restaurants when they want to celebrate something?
Q. Which are more popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional restaurants? Why do you think that is?
Q. Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than food in a cheap restaurant – would you agree?

Discussion Topic: Producing Food 

Q. Do you think there will be a greater choice of food available in shops in the future, or will there be less choice?
Q. What effects has modern technology had on the way food is produced?
Q. How important is it for a country to be able to grow all the food it needs, without importing any from other countries?
 

Discussion Topic: Restaurants

Q. Why do you think people go to restaurants when they want to celebrate something?
Answer: In my opinion, restaurants probably are one of the most popular public places, where all kinds of people can visit with the most ease. And it is probably this high level of “ease”, and the absence of an “uncomfortable feeling” for many of being stuck in a private place, that makes restaurants a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or event. Besides, it is just not always possible to accommodate and serve so many guests together in a private place, like a home or office, because of the lack of logistic support and other things, which is usually not the case with restaurants. Finally, people often want to indulge themselves with the menus that are served at a restaurant to satisfy their taste buds and decide to celebrate an event at a restaurant.  

Q. Which are more popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional restaurants? Why do you think that is?
Answer: There is no doubt that fast food restaurants are gaining huge popularity steadily, but traditional restaurants are still, by far, the more popular food outlet of the two in our country. There could be a number of reasons that contribute to the popularity of traditional restaurants, but I will just mention two of those reasons here: the first reason, of course, traditional foods, more often than not, are generally more healthy and tasty. The second reason is that the traditional foods, surprisingly in many cases, are cheaper than that of the fast food restaurants.

Q. Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than food in a cheap restaurant – would you agree?
Answer: If the word “better” in the question here means that the foods at an expensive restaurant are always delicious and healthy, then I will just have to disagree with the substance of this question. After all, the quality of foods, be it served at an expensive restaurant or a cheap one, doesn’t depend on how much exactly is charged for the foods, but on how fresh or good the raw materials really are, and how they are cooked or prepared on a given day. From my experince I can say that, several times, I have tasted far better food in a moderate restaurant while I could not enjoy my food in a highly expensive restaurant. 
 

Discussion Topic: Producing Food 

Q. Do you think there will be a greater choice of food available in shops in the future, or will there be less choice?
Answer:  Well, I do think that markets and shops will serve a greater choice of foods in the future as the taste and preferences of people always keep changing, not only with regard to the foods, but also with many other things. Besides, foods are something which we have to have on a regular basis to survive, and sometimes, it just may not always be possible to grow or have the same kinds of foods or food grains because of the changes in the weather system or market trends. And so, it is only natural that people will try to find different types of foods to meet their demands. Finally, global trade agreements and technological development will make it possible to import foods, fruits, and grains from all around the world, giving consumers a much wider choice. 

Q. What effects has modern technology had on the way food is produced?
Answer: Well, for better or worse, technology has changed the way we live and produce the things that we may need. In fact, it is because of the food engineering technologies today, like genetic modification of foods, that we have managed to produce a rather large quantity of foods within a short period of time. Besides, by using these modern technologies, things like food preservation, processing, packaging and distribution have always become relatively easy and effective as far as the issue of using safe foods is concerned. 

Q. How important is it for a country to be able to grow all the food it needs, without importing any from other countries?
Answer: It is very important that a country is able to grow all the foods without importing anything from other countries because it would ensure some kind of food security for its own citizens. Besides, such schemes would also help a country gain even more financially and economically by opening doors to more economic activities and creating better job opportunities for its own citizens. Finally, it will also stop a country from falling victim to more powerful nations – powerful nations who might use the supply of foods as a “weapon” - at a time of international conflict. However, practically speaking, it is not feasible for most countries in the world to grow and produce all the fooods they need, which means importing foods and grains will always be an important aspect.

Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:

Fine dining: A high-end restaurant experience with gourmet food and elegant service.
Ambiance/ ambience : The overall atmosphere and mood of a restaurant.
Culinary experience: The overall enjoyment and impression of food and dining.
Signature dish: A popular or unique item the restaurant is best known for.
Mouth-watering: Extremely delicious or appetizing.
Courteous staff: Polite and respectful restaurant employees.
Plating: The artistic presentation or arrangement of food on a plate.
Set menu: A fixed menu offered at a set price, often including several courses.
Reservation: An arrangement made in advance to secure a table at a restaurant.
Cozy/cosy atmosphere: A warm, comfortable, and inviting environment.
Local delicacies: Traditional or regional specialty foods.
Generous portion: A large and satisfying amount of food served per dish.
Reasonably priced: Food or services that are affordable and fairly priced.
Tastefully decorated: A well-designed and aesthetically pleasing interior.
Exceptional service: Outstanding or high-quality customer service.
Aromatic: Having a pleasant or strong smell, especially of food.
Fusion cuisine: A blend of culinary elements from different cultures or regions.
Candlelit dinner: A romantic or elegant meal served with candles for lighting
Wait time: The duration a customer has to wait before being seated or served.
Highly recommended: Strongly endorsed by others for its quality or experience.

Similar Cue Card Topics

Your ability to talk about this Cue Card would enable you to talk about the following Cue Cards as well:

1) Describe a restaurant you often visit.
2) Describe a popular restaurant in your hometown.
3) Describe a place you often go to.
4) Describe a place where you meet your friends often.
5) Describe your favourite restaurant or coffee shop.
6) Describe your favourite place to eat out.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

• Prev
• Next