Spanish Phrases for Dining at a Restaurant


Whether you're traveling in Latin America or Spain, knowing a few key Spanish phrases makes dining out much smoother. Here are the most practical expressions—from getting a table to paying the bill.

1. Getting a Table

English → Spanish

  • A table for two, please.
    Una mesa para dos, por favor.

  • Do you have a reservation?
    ¿Tiene una reserva?

  • I have a reservation under [name].
    Tengo una reserva a nombre de [nombre].

  • How long is the wait?
    ¿Cuánto tiempo hay que esperar?

2. Ordering Drinks

  • Water, please.
    Agua, por favor.

  • Still or sparkling?
    ¿Sin gas o con gas?

  • Can I see the drink menu?
    ¿Puedo ver la carta de bebidas?

  • A beer, please.
    Una cerveza, por favor.

3. Ordering Food

  • Can I see the menu?
    ¿Puedo ver el menú? or ¿Puedo ver la carta?

  • What do you recommend?
    ¿Qué me recomienda?

  • I would like…
    Quisiera… / Me gustaría…

  • Is this spicy?
    ¿Esto es picante?

  • I’m vegetarian.
    Soy vegetariano/a.

  • I don’t eat meat.
    No como carne.

4. Asking About the Food

  • What’s in this dish?
    ¿Qué lleva este plato?

  • Does this have dairy?
    ¿Esto tiene lácteos?

  • Does this have gluten?
    ¿Esto tiene gluten?

  • Can you make it without…?
    ¿Puede hacerlo sin…?

5. During the Meal

  • Everything is delicious.
    Todo está delicioso.

  • Can I have more water?
    ¿Me puede traer más agua?

  • Excuse me (to get attention).
    Disculpe. / Perdón.

6. Paying the Bill

  • Can I have the check, please?
    La cuenta, por favor.

  • Is service included?
    ¿Está incluido el servicio?

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

  • Keep the change.
    Quédese con el cambio.

7. Useful Courtesy Phrases

  • Thank you.
    Gracias.

  • You're welcome.
    De nada.

  • Excuse me.
    Perdón. / Disculpe.

  • Please.
    Por favor.

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