Are you planning to dine in Spain or visit a Spanish-speaking restaurant? Knowing how to order food in Spanish will make your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a tourist visiting Spain, a student learning Spanish, or simply a foodie who loves exploring different cultures, this guide provides you with essential phrases and tips to navigate any restaurant with ease.
In this article, we’ll cover the most important phrases for ordering food, how to do so politely, and some regional variations, especially focusing on Spain. You’ll also learn how to order food to go and ask for the bill in a courteous manner. Let’s dive in!
How to Order Food at a Restaurant in Spanish
The first step in ordering food in a Spanish-speaking restaurant is knowing the basic phrases to ask for a menu, make your choice, and communicate clearly with the waiter or waitress. These are some essential phrases you should know:
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“¿Me puede traer el menú, por favor?” (Can you bring me the menu, please?)
Asking for the menu is the first thing you’ll do when you sit down in a restaurant. Make sure to use “por favor” (please) to sound polite. -
“Quisiera pedir…” (I would like to order…)
When you’re ready to place your order, this is a polite way to start your sentence. -
“¿Cuáles son las especialidades de la casa?” (What are the house specials?)
It’s always a good idea to ask about the restaurant’s specialty. This will show the staff that you’re interested in what they do best. -
“¿Tienen opciones vegetarianas/veganas?” (Do you have vegetarian/vegan options?)
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter for alternative options.
How to Order Food Politely in Spanish
Politeness is key in Spanish-speaking cultures, and how you phrase your order can influence your experience. Here are some important phrases to order food politely:
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“¿Sería posible…?” (Would it be possible…?)
This is a very polite way to ask for something. For example: “¿Sería posible que me trajera la carta de postres?” (Would it be possible to bring me the dessert menu?) -
“Me gustaría… ¿Podría traerme…?” (I would like… Could you bring me…?)
This is a respectful and polite way of ordering food. You could say, “Me gustaría una ensalada, ¿podría traerme la cuenta después?” (I would like a salad, could you bring me the bill afterwards?) -
“¿Me podría recomendar algo?” (Could you recommend something?)
When you don’t know what to order, asking for a recommendation is a great idea. It shows you trust the expertise of the staff. -
“Disculpe, ¿podría ayudarme?” (Excuse me, could you help me?)
Always remember to be polite when asking for assistance.
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How to Order Food to Go in Spanish
Ordering food to go, or “para llevar”, is common in many Spanish-speaking countries. Whether you’re on the go or prefer to take your meal home, use these phrases to make the process easier:
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“¿Me lo puede poner para llevar?” (Can you make it to go?)
This is a simple and direct way to ask for your food to be packed up. -
“Quisiera pedir para llevar, por favor.” (I would like to order it to go, please.)
Adding “por favor” (please) makes your request more polite and respectful. -
“¿Puedo llevarme esto?” (Can I take this with me?)
Another useful expression when you want to take leftover food or an extra item with you.
It’s important to be aware that some restaurants may charge extra for takeout containers, so always ask if you’re unsure.
How to Order Food in Spanish in Spain
When you’re dining in Spain, there are some regional differences in how food is ordered, and there are unique terms and expressions you may want to know. Here are some Spanish-specific phrases:
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“Voy a tomar una caña.” (I will have a small beer.)
In Spain, especially in the south, ordering a “caña” (a small beer) is very common. This phrase is popular when you’re having a drink with tapas. -
“¿Me puede traer una tapa?” (Can you bring me a small portion of food?)
Tapas are an essential part of dining in Spain. Don’t hesitate to ask for one if you’re in the mood for a small dish. -
“¿Tienen menú del día?” (Do you have a set menu of the day?)
Many restaurants in Spain offer a “menú del día”, a fixed-price menu with a few options for each course. Asking for it can save you money and help you experience local dishes. -
“¿Cuál es el plato del día?” (What is the dish of the day?)
If you’re not sure what to order, the dish of the day might be a great option. -
“Una ración de…” (A portion of…)
This is the way to order a larger serving of food. For example, “Una ración de paella, por favor” (A portion of paella, please).
How to Order Food in a Spanish Restaurant
In a Spanish-speaking restaurant, ordering can be quite similar to ordering in other countries, but knowing a few local phrases can enhance your experience. Here’s how to navigate the restaurant setting in Spain:
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“¿Qué me recomienda?” (What do you recommend?)
Asking for a recommendation is always a good idea if you’re unsure of what to choose. -
“¿Puedo pedir una ración de…?” (Can I order a portion of…?)
Some dishes are served in larger portions, so if you’re dining with others, don’t hesitate to ask for a shareable portion. -
“¿Tiene algún plato sin gluten?” (Do you have any gluten-free dishes?)
In Spain, many restaurants now cater to dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. -
“¿Me puede traer más pan, por favor?” (Can you bring me more bread, please?)
Bread is a staple in many Spanish meals, and asking for more is common.
Asking for the Bill Politely
When you’re ready to leave, it’s time to ask for the bill, or “la cuenta”. Here’s how to do it politely:
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“¿Me trae la cuenta, por favor?” (Can you bring me the bill, please?)
This is the standard way of asking for the bill. -
“¿Podría darme la cuenta?” (Could you give me the bill?)
This is another polite expression you can use. -
“¿Está incluida la propina?” (Is the tip included?)
In some Spanish-speaking countries, tips may be included in the bill, so it’s always good to check.
Now that you’re armed with all the necessary phrases to order food in Spanish, you’ll be ready to navigate any Spanish-speaking restaurant with confidence. Whether you’re ordering for yourself or in a group, these phrases will ensure you have a smooth dining experience. If you want to continue improving your Spanish and immerse yourself further in the language and culture, why not consider enrolling in an immersive Spanish course at Academia Teba? Explore our programs today and start your journey to mastering Spanish in Spain!
