Waiter’s “Hope you like the food!” NYT crossword clue

The clue “Waiter’s ‘Hope you like the food!’” leads to the friendly and familiar answer ENJOY. This one-word expression is commonly used by servers when delivering a meal, as a polite and upbeat way to encourage diners to have a pleasant eating experience. It’s short, warm, and perfectly fits the kind of real-life language the Mini crossword often incorporates.

Clues like this draw on everyday moments and conversational phrases, making them relatable and intuitive. ENJOY captures that universal moment when a meal arrives and the server offers a parting smile. While the clue may look like it’s setting up a full sentence, the answer is just the concise, heartfelt word that carries the sentiment on its own—simple yet effective.