Ordering Food in Spanish: Restaurant Survival Guide

The Joy of Spanish Dining

Food is central to Spanish culture, and dining out provides wonderful opportunities to practice your Spanish. This guide ensures you can navigate any restaurant situation with confidence.

Getting a Table

Making a Reservation

• "Quisiera reservar una mesa para dos personas" - I would like to reserve a table for two
• "Para esta noche a las nueve" - For tonight at nine
• "A nombre de..." - Under the name of...

Arriving Without a Reservation

• "Tiene mesa para cuatro?" - Do you have a table for four?
• "Cuanto tiempo hay que esperar?" - How long is the wait?
• "Podemos sentarnos en la terraza?" - Can we sit on the terrace?

Understanding the Menu

Menu Sections

• Entrantes/Aperitivos - Starters
• Primeros platos - First courses
• Segundos platos - Main courses
• Postres - Desserts
• Bebidas - Drinks
• Menu del dia - Set menu of the day

Common Cooking Methods

• A la plancha - grilled on a flat grill
• Al horno - baked/roasted
• Frito/a - fried
• Asado/a - roasted
• Crudo/a - raw
• Al vapor - steamed

Asking About Dishes

• "Que lleva este plato?" - What is in this dish?
• "Como es...?" - What is ... like?
• "Que recomienda?" - What do you recommend?
• "Cual es la especialidad de la casa?" - What is the house specialty?

Placing Your Order

Getting Attention

• "Disculpe" or "Perdone" - Excuse me
• "Podemos pedir?" - Can we order?

Ordering

• "Para mi..." - For me...
• "Voy a tomar..." - I will have...
• "De primero... y de segundo..." - For first course... and for main...
• "Lo mismo para mi" - The same for me

Drinks

• "Una botella de agua con/sin gas" - A bottle of sparkling/still water
• "Una copa de vino tinto/blanco" - A glass of red/white wine
• "Una cerveza" - A beer
• "Un cafe solo/con leche" - A black coffee/coffee with milk

Dietary Requirements

Allergies and Restrictions

• "Soy alergico/a a..." - I am allergic to...
• "No como carne/pescado" - I do not eat meat/fish
• "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
• "Soy vegano/a" - I am vegan
• "Sin gluten, por favor" - Gluten-free, please
• "Tiene opciones sin lactosa?" - Do you have lactose-free options?

During the Meal

• "Podemos tener mas pan?" - Can we have more bread?
• "Me podria traer...?" - Could you bring me...?
• "Falta un cubierto" - There is a utensil missing
• "Esto no es lo que pedi" - This is not what I ordered
• "Esta delicioso" - This is delicious

Paying

• "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
• "Puedo pagar con tarjeta?" - Can I pay by card?
• "Podemos pagar por separado?" - Can we pay separately?
• "Esta incluida la propina?" - Is the tip included?
• "Quedese con el cambio" - Keep the change

Tipping in Spain

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for excellent service. Service charges are not typically added automatically.