🍽️ Spanish phrase guide
How to order at a restaurant in Spanish
From getting a table to asking for the check, these are the phrases that carry a whole restaurant visit. Learn them once and you can eat out anywhere the language is spoken.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key Spanish phrases
| Spanish | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Una mesa para dos, por favor. | A table for two, please. | |
| Tengo una reserva a nombre de… | I have a reservation under the name… | |
| ¿Nos trae la carta, por favor? | Could we have the menu, please? | |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? | |
| Para mí, el / la… | I'll have the… | |
| ¿Pica? | Is it spicy? | |
| Soy alérgico a los frutos secos. | I'm allergic to nuts. | |
| Un vaso de agua, por favor. | A glass of water, please. | |
| La cuenta, por favor. | The check, please. | |
| ¡Estaba delicioso! | It was delicious! |
Example conversation
Server
¡Buenas noches! ¿Tienen reserva?
Good evening! Do you have a reservation?
You
No. Una mesa para dos, por favor.
No. A table for two, please.
Server
Claro, síganme. Aquí tienen la carta.
Of course, follow me. Here's the menu.
You
¿Qué nos recomienda?
What do you recommend?
Server
El pescado del día está buenísimo.
The fish of the day is excellent.
You
Entonces, para mí el pescado, por favor.
Then I'll have the fish, please.
Good to know
💡 In Spain, the server won't bring the check until you ask: "La cuenta, por favor." Lunch (around 2pm) is the main meal, and many places offer a good-value "menú del día".
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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