Delicious Dining: Your Complete Guide to Ordering Food & Drinks in Spanish
Effortlessly order food and drinks in Spanish restaurants!
To order food and drinks in a Spanish restaurant confidently, here are essential phrases and tips commonly used by Spanish speakers:
Common Phrases to Start Ordering
- “¿Están listos para ordenar?” – Are you ready to order?
- “Sí, por favor.” – Yes, please.
- “Todavía no estamos listos.” – We are not ready yet.
- “Necesitamos unos minutos más.” – We need a few more minutes.
How to Place Your Order
- “Quisiera…” or “Me gustaría…” – I would like…
- “Para mí…” – For me…
- “¿Me puede traer…, por favor?” – Could you bring me…, please?
- “Va a ser…” – It’s going to be… (followed by the items ordered)
- “Por favor, una sopa para mí.” – Please, a soup for me.
Ordering Drinks
- “¿Qué vino tienen por copa?” – What wines do you have by the glass?
- “Una copa de vino tinto/blanco.” – A glass of red/white wine.
- “Una caña.” – A small beer.
- “Una botella de agua/vino/cerveza.” – A bottle of water/wine/beer.
Polite Interaction Tips
- Use “por favor” (please) to sound polite.
- Smile and use a friendly tone; direct commands are common and not rude in Spanish when polite words are used.
- To get attention: “Perdone” (Excuse me).
- To ask for the bill: “La cuenta, por favor.”
- To confirm or ask recommendations: “¿Qué me recomienda?” – What do you recommend?
Example Ordering Dialogue
Waiter: “¿Están listos para ordenar?”
You: “Sí, por favor. Para mí, una ensalada y para él, una hamburguesa.”
Waiter: “Muy bien. ¿Algo para beber?”
You: “Una copa de vino tinto para mí y una cerveza para él, por favor.”
These phrases are widely used across Spanish-speaking countries in casual and formal dining settings and will help navigate ordering food and drinks smoothly.