Ordering in Spanish: Your Confidence Booster for Restaurants


Embarking on a culinary adventure in a Spanish-speaking country is one of the highlights of any trip. But to truly savor the experience, you'll want to navigate the restaurant scene with confidence. Forget the menu pointing and awkward mime acts – a few well-chosen Spanish restaurant phrases will have you ordering like a local in no time!

From greeting your server to understanding the nuances of the "menú del día," this guide will equip you with the essential vocabulary to make your dining experiences delicious and stress-free.

Getting Started: Seating and Initial Orders

When you walk into a restaurant, a polite greeting sets the tone.

  • ¡Hola! / ¡Buenas tardes! / ¡Buenas noches! - Hello! / Good afternoon! / Good evening!

  • ¿Una mesa para [dos/tres/cuatro], por favor? - A table for [two/three/four], please?

    • Tip: If you're unsure about the number, you can just say "una mesa, por favor" and point to yourself and your companions.

  • ¿Tienen una reserva? - Do you have a reservation?

    • If you do: Sí, a nombre de [your name]. - Yes, under the name of [your name].

    • If you don't: No, no tenemos reserva. - No, we don't have a reservation.

  • ¿Podemos sentarnos aquí? - Can we sit here? (If you want to choose your own table)

  • ¿Me puede traer el menú, por favor? - Can you bring me the menu, please?

    • A more casual alternative: La carta, por favor. - The menu, please.

The Art of Ordering: What to Eat and Drink

This is where the real deliciousness begins!

Expressing Your Preferences

  • Quisiera… / Me gustaría… - I would like… (This is a polite and common way to order.)

    • Example: Quisiera la paella, por favor. - I would like the paella, please.

  • Quiero… - I want… (More direct, but acceptable, especially in casual settings, always with "por favor.")

    • Example: Quiero una cerveza, por favor. - I want a beer, please.

  • Para mí… - For me… (Great for when ordering for yourself or others.)

    • Example: Para mí, la sopa del día. - For me, the soup of the day.

  • Vamos a compartir. - We are going to share. (Perfect for tapas or larger dishes.)

Asking for Recommendations

  • ¿Qué me recomienda? - What do you recommend?

  • ¿Cuál es la especialidad de la casa? - What is the house specialty?

  • ¿Qué lleva este plato? - What is in this dish? (Useful for understanding ingredients.)

Drinks

  • ¿Qué desea para beber? - What would you like to drink?

  • Una copa de vino [tinto/blanco/rosado] - A glass of [red/white/rosé] wine.

  • Una botella de agua - A bottle of water.

    • con gas - sparkling

    • sin gas - still

  • Un café - A coffee.

    • con leche - with milk (a common choice, like a latte)

    • solo - black coffee (espresso)

  • Una cerveza - A beer.

    • Una caña - A small draft beer (common in Spain).

Food – Common Items and How to Order

  • La sopa - Soup

  • La ensalada - Salad

  • El plato principal / El segundo plato - Main course / Second course

  • El pescado - Fish

  • La carne - Meat

  • El pollo - Chicken

  • La hamburguesa - Hamburger

  • La pizza - Pizza

  • Los postres - Desserts

Ordering Your Steak (if applicable):

  • Poco hecho / Rojo - Rare

  • Al punto - Medium

  • Bien hecho - Well-done

Dietary Needs and Specific Requests

Don't hesitate to mention any dietary restrictions!

  • Soy vegetariano/a. - I am vegetarian.

  • Tengo alergia a [los frutos secos/los mariscos/el gluten]. - I am allergic to [nuts/shellfish/gluten].

  • ¿Hay opciones sin [carne/pescado/gluten]? - Are there options without [meat/fish/gluten]?

  • ¿Lo pueden hacer sin picante? - Can you make it without spice?

The End of the Meal: Paying the Bill

When you're ready to settle up:

  • La cuenta, por favor. - The bill, please.

  • ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? - Can I pay by card?

  • ¿Aceptan tarjeta de crédito? - Do you accept credit cards?

  • En efectivo. - With cash.

  • ¿Nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor? - Can you bring us the bill, please?

Bonus Tips for a Seamless Experience

  • "Por favor" and "Gracias" go a long way! Always use them.

  • "Menú del día": Many restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu (usually with a starter, main, dessert, and drink) that's a great value. Don't be afraid to ask if it's available: ¿Tienen menú del día?

  • Tipping: In Spain and many Latin American countries, tipping is not as customary or as high as in the US. Service is often included, but leaving a small amount (a few euros or coins) for excellent service is appreciated.

  • Don't stress too much! Most servers are used to tourists and will appreciate your effort to speak Spanish. A smile and polite attitude are universal.

With these phrases in your pocket, you're ready to explore the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine with confidence. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)