Whether it is for business or pleasure, when visiting a country, going to a local restaurant is highly recommended, sometimes even mandatory. Do you want to go to a restaurant? There are phrases to order in a restaurant in Spanish that can be key to a completely satisfactory experience.

Language problems can lead to miscommunication and, therefore, an unpleasant situation that could have been avoided.

Read on to discover some tips on how to order food in a restaurant in Spanish so you only have to worry about preparing for your trip. Discard and avoid all the unnecessary stress of being in a foreign country and stepping out of your comfort zone. Eating abroad can be an unforgettable experience as many of the memories we create often come from the cuisine.

First Steps

Do you wonder how to ask for something at a restaurant in Spanish? Decide what type of restaurant you want to visit – you can ask someone who has already traveled to that country or friends you know who live there.

1. ¿Qué restaurante me recomiendas?

(Which restaurant do you recommend?)

2. ¿Hay algún restaurante cerca que sirva comida típica?

(Is there a restaurant nearby that serves typical food?)

Once you know where to go, we are going to give you some tips on booking a table in a restaurant in Spanish as you don’t want to wait, sometimes a long time, for the terrace to become free:

3. Me gustaría reservar una mesa para hoy a las 20 horas para tres personas.

(I would like to reserve a table for today at 8 pm for three people.)

4. La reserva es a nombre de Pedro Martín y mi número de teléfono es 123 456 789. Gracias.

(The reservation is in the name of Pedro Martin and my telephone number is 123 456 789. Thank you.)

Once at the Restaurant

5. Buenas tardes, tengo una reserva a mi nombre.

(Good afternoon, I have a reservation in my name.) This way you won’t have to wait for an available table.

6. ¿Nos puede traer agua mineral, por favor?

(Can you bring us some mineral water, please?) Water is a must for a meal.

7. ¿Tiene la carta de vinos?

(Do you have the wine menu?) If you wonder how to order how to order in a restaurant, think first that there is nothing more typical than accompanying a meal with a good local wine.

8. ¿Cuáles son las especialidades de la casa?

(What are the house specialties?) You’ll want to try the local specialties.

9. ¿Tienen algo fuera de carta?

(Do you have anything off the menu?) The local market always surprises the locals with some fresh product to prepare something special that day.

During the Meal

10. ¿Puede traernos otra botella de vino?

(Can you bring us another bottle of wine?) Conversations and after-food conversation in Spain, for example, can last a long time!

11. ¿Podría pedirle otro plato para acompañar este?

(May I ask for another dish to go with this one?) Don’t leave with an empty stomach…

12. Perdone, ¿sería posible pedir este plato sin cebolla?

(Excuse me, would it be possible to order this dish without onions?) Most restaurants adapt to the tastes and needs of the diners.

13. ¿Cuál es el postre típico de la zona?

(What is the typical dessert of the area?) Try what they recommend, it is always the best.

14. ¿Nos puede dar la carta de postres?

(Can you give us the dessert menu?) You will surely find some homemade liqueur to go with your favorite sweets.

15. ¿Tienen café descafeinado?

(Do you have decaffeinated coffee?) Maybe you don’t need more energy for the rest of the day.

Before you Go

16. Muchas gracias por todo, la comida estaba buenísima.

(Thank you very much for everything, the food was great). A good meal in the best company is always appreciated.

17. ¿Nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor?

(Can we have the bill, please?) The most unpleasant part of a meal… isn’t it?

18. ¿Podemos pagar por separado?

(Can we split the bill, please?) A trendy thing to do.

19. ¿Podemos pagar con tarjeta?

(Can we pay by card?) The most convenient way to go out nowadays.

20. ¡Hasta la próxima, volveremos pronto!

(See you next time, we’ll be back soon!) There is nothing more satisfying for the restaurant than expressing gratitude. But, mind you, say it only if you really mean it and intend to come back, there is no need to lie.  

iScribo and the Diversity of Spanish

Bear in mind that each Spanish-speaking country is different, so when it’s time to go to a restaurant, think that the vocabulary of a restaurant in Spanish varies from one area to another. For example, in Spain we call the person who works in the restaurant and serves the food “camarero/a” while in Venezuela they are called “mesero/a”.

Remember to always ask and communicate with kindness no matter what country you are in. Spanish-speaking countries generally make their living in the service sector, so the workload is usually high. iScribo helps you improve your written Spanish, which you can then practice speaking. And you, do you know more phrases to order in a restaurant in Spanish? Have you ever identified the difference in words from one Spanish-speaking country to another? Have you already tried iScribo? Tell us about it in the comments.