Essential Spanish Phrases for Dining at a Restaurant

Published: 9th October, 2009

Here are some useful Spanish expressions that can help you in a restaurant, along with their situations:

1. Ordering Food

"¿Me puede traer la carta, por favor?" (When you want the menu)
"Quisiera [plato], por favor." (To order a dish, e.g., “I would like the paella, please.”)
"¿Qué me recomienda?" (To ask for a recommendation from the waiter)
"Voy a pedir [plato]." (To inform the waiter of your order)
"¿Tienen opciones vegetarianas/veganas?" (To ask if they have vegetarian/vegan options)

2. Asking for Specific Information

"¿Cuáles son los platos del día?" (To ask about the specials of the day)
"¿Qué lleva este plato?" (To ask about the ingredients in a dish)
"¿Este plato es picante?" (To ask if the dish is spicy)
"¿Hay gluten en este plato?" (To ask if the dish contains gluten)
"¿Me puede traer más pan?" (To ask for more bread)

3. Asking for Drinks

"¿Me puede traer un vino tinto/blanco?" (To ask for a red/white wine)
"¿Tienen jugos naturales?" (To ask if they have natural juices)
"Un agua con gas, por favor." (To ask for sparkling water)
"¿Puedo pedir un cóctel?" (To ask if you can order a cocktail)

4. Complimenting the Food

"¡Está delicioso!" (To say the food is delicious)
"Todo está muy bueno, gracias." (To say everything is very good, thank you)
"Este plato es increíble." (To compliment a dish)

5. Asking for the Bill

"La cuenta, por favor." (To ask for the bill)
"¿Me puede traer la cuenta?" (Another way to ask for the bill)
"¿Está incluida la propina?" (To ask if the tip is included)
"¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?" (To ask if you can pay by card)

6. Asking About the Service

"¿A qué hora cierran?" (To ask what time they close)
"¿Tienen servicio a domicilio?" (To ask if they offer delivery service)
"¿Tienen mesas disponibles?" (To ask if they have available tables)

7. Special Requests

"¿Me puede traer la comida sin [ingrediente]?" (To ask for the food without a specific ingredient, e.g., “Can you bring my food without nuts?”)
"¿Me puede hacer la comida más ligera?" (To ask for lighter food)
"¿Puedo pedir algo para llevar?" (To ask if you can take food to go)

8. Asking for Assistance

"¿Puedo usar el baño?" (To ask if you can use the bathroom)
"¿Me puede ayudar con el menú?" (To ask for help with the menu)
"¿Cómo se llega a [lugar] desde aquí?" (To ask for directions to a place from the restaurant)

These expressions will allow you to navigate a restaurant in Spain and have a smooth dining experience. From ordering food to asking for recommendations, these phrases are essential to getting the most out of your meal!