How does getting a meal in a restaurant work? 

It varies minorly per location but for the most part you will be shown to a table and given the menu to look at. The waiter will come  back soon and ask for drinks orders but you can also ask to order food at this point too if you are ready. When ordering food, you should ask for starters (if you are having any) and mains - not any desserts. The waiter will then bring your food when it is ready and will often check midway through to ensure all the food is good.

Once you have finished they will clear plates and ask if you would like to see the dessert menu. If you do, the ordering process is the same as above. If not, you must request for the bill (the receipt) which will be brought to your table for you to check out - the waiter will likely leave it and come back after a few minutes.

They will bring the card machine to you to complete the purchase. You are then free to leave.