What do you say at an izakaya in Tokyo?

The whole conversation: An evening at an izakaya

A busy pub with small plates. You order a bit at a time, all evening.

1. You hear
   何名様ですか？ nanmei-sama desu ka How many people?
2. You say
   二人です。 futari desu Two.

   One person is hitori. Holding up fingers works too.

3. You hear
   お飲み物は？ o-nomimono wa Something to drink?
4. You say
   とりあえず生で。 toriaezu nama de A draught beer to start.

   "For now, a draught" is how half of Japan starts an evening. The staff will love it.

5. You hear
   こちらお通しです。 kochira o-tōshi desu Here's your starter.

   A small dish you did not order. It is the cover charge, usually a few hundred yen, and it is normal.

6. You say
   これとこれをください。 kore to kore o kudasai This and this, please.

   Point at the menu. Many places also have a tablet to order from.

7. You say
   乾杯！ kanpai Cheers!
8. You say
   お会計お願いします。 o-kaikei onegai shimasu The bill, please.

   Or catch a server's eye and cross your index fingers into a small X. You pay at the till, and there is no tipping.