15 Essential Restaurant Phrases
Una mesa para dos, por favor
A table for two, please
Use this when arriving at a restaurant. Change 'dos' to match your party size.
¿Puedo ver el menú?
Can I see the menu?
Essential for getting started. Most restaurants provide menus automatically, but use this if needed.
¿Cuál es el plato del día?
What's the dish of the day?
Daily specials are often the best value and freshest options on the menu.
Me gustaría pedir...
I would like to order...
Polite way to start your order. Follow with the dish name from the menu.
Para mí, la ensalada
For me, the salad
Use 'para mí' (for me) when ordering in a group to specify your choice.
Sin cebolla, por favor
Without onion, please
Customize your order by saying 'sin' (without) followed by the ingredient.
¿Qué me recomienda?
What do you recommend?
Ask your server for recommendations to discover local favorites.
¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas?
Do you have vegetarian options?
Replace 'vegetarianas' with 'veganas' for vegan or 'sin gluten' for gluten-free.
Una cerveza, por favor
A beer, please
Simple drink order. Replace 'cerveza' with 'vino' (wine) or 'agua' (water) as needed.
¿Puede traer más agua?
Can you bring more water?
Use this to request refills. Replace 'agua' with 'pan' (bread) or 'servilletas' (napkins).
Está delicioso
It's delicious!
Compliment the food! Servers appreciate positive feedback.
La cuenta, por favor
The check, please
When you're ready to pay. You can also say 'la factura' in some regions.
¿Aceptan tarjeta?
Do you accept card?
Important to ask before ordering in smaller establishments. 'Tarjeta' means card.
¿Está incluida la propina?
Is the tip included?
In many Spanish-speaking countries, service charge may be included in the bill.
Muchas gracias, estuvo excelente
Thank you, it was excellent
End on a positive note! Showing appreciation goes a long way.
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