You're Saying It Wrong: 13 Restaurant Words You’ve Been Mispronouncing

Ordering food at a restaurant shouldn't come with a side of embarrassment. But we've all been there, scanning a menu, pointing at a word, and hoping the waiter knows what we mean. Whether it's a fancy bottle of wine or a humble bowl of noodles, some restaurant terms just trip us up.

In this post, we're calling out some of the most commonly mispronounced restaurant words and teaching you how to say them like a pro. No shame. Just knowledge (and maybe a few laughs).

🍣 1. Poke

Wrong: poke (like "poke someone") Right: poh-kay

This Hawaiian raw fish bowl isn't trying to start a fight. It's pronounced with two syllables. Extra points if you add a slight island flair.

🌯 2. Gyro

Wrong: jai-roh or gee-rohRight: yee-roh

Straight from Greece, this delicious meat wrap has nothing to do with spinning tops. Think "yee-roh" and thank us later.

🥖 3. Bruschetta

Wrong: broo-shettaRight: broo-sketta

That "ch" is a hard c in Italian. Say it right and your appetizer will somehow taste better. It's science.

☕ 4. Espresso

Wrong: expressoRight: espresso

There's no "x" in espresso. Say it with confidence, and baristas everywhere will silently thank you.

🥘 5. Pho

Wrong: fohRight: fuh

Vietnam's most beloved noodle soup deserves your respect and the correct pronunciation. It rhymes with "duh."

🍣 6. Acai

Wrong: ah-kai or a-kayRight: ah-sah-EE

This Brazilian berry powers your smoothies and bowls. Give it the vibrant pronunciation it deserves.

🥩 7. Salmon

Wrong: sal-mon (with the L)Right: sam-en

The L is silent. Always. No exceptions. Say it like you've been fishing in Alaska for years.

🥂 8. Moët et Chandon

Wrong: mo-ay shan-dawn (ignoring the "t")Right: mo-ett ay shan-dawn

Yes, you actually pronounce the "T" in Moët. It's not French pretension, it's the Dutch influence in the name.

🍷 9. Veuve Clicquot

Wrong: vee-voh click-kwahtRight: vuhv klee-koh

This luxurious champagne brand is easier to drink than to pronounce, but now you can do both like a boss.

🥖 10. Croissant

Wrong: kruh-sahnt (overly Americanized)Right: kwah-sahn

You don't have to sound too French, but dropping that harsh "t" goes a long way.

🍝 11. Vermicelli

Wrong: ver-mih-sellyRight: ver-mih-chel-ee

Italian pronunciation for this thin pasta uses a "ch" sound. Use it when you're feeling fancy.

🍷 12. Sauvignon Blanc

Wrong: saw-vee-gnon blankRight: so-vin-yawn blahnk

This white wine has French flair. Soft endings, nasal tones, and a lot of flavor.

🥃 13. Glenfiddich

Wrong: glen-fid-itchRight: glen-fid-ick

This single malt Scotch ends with a hard "k" sound. Bonus points if you order it neat.

🤔 Final Thoughts

No one expects you to be fluent in every language a menu draws from, but learning the correct pronunciation of common dishes and drinks is a subtle flex and a sign of respect for the culture behind the cuisine.

So next time you're dining out, speak up. Say it right. And if the waiter gives you that knowing smirk... you'll know you nailed it.