Spanish Examples

Spanish sentence examples to use in a restaurant

Eating out is perhaps the most typical situation where you will need to use your Spanish language skills. It is a fundamental part of life in Spain and I’m sure the same is true of many other Spanish speaking countries. Although some restaurant staff will speak English, you should resist the temptation to take the easy route. Being in a restaurant is a perfect situation for some Spanish practice because you are in a controlled environment where you know pretty much how each conversation is going to go.  Ask for the Spanish version of the menu if they hand you the English one, and use that poor waiter as a captive audience for your Spanish practice, whether ordering food, requesting extra utensils, or asking for the bill.

A dish of paella with mussels

Eating out in a Spanish-speaking restaurant does not have to be a daunting experience. By revising these useful Spanish sentences, you will be well-equipped to confidently order your food and drinks, ask for the check, and express your satisfaction with your meal. These phrases will also help you to connect with the culture and make your dining experience more enjoyable. Remember to practice the pronunciation and don’t be afraid to ask the server for assistance if needed. With these helpful Spanish sentence examples, you will be able to have a memorable dining experience in a Spanish-speaking restaurant and boost your confidence with the language into the bargain.

  • Talking about making a table reservation
    1. Queríamos reservar una mesa para dos a las diez, por favor – (We wanted to reserve a table for two at 10pm please)
    2. Queríamos reservar una mesa para dos a nombre de Smith, por favor – (We wanted to reserve a table for two in the name of Smith please)
    3. Tenemos reserva a nombre de Smith – (We have a reservation in the name of Smith)
  • Arriving without a reservation
    1. Buenas noches, somos dos para comer. – (Good afternoon, there are two of us for lunch)
    2. Buenas tardes, ¿se puede comer? – (Good afternoon, do you do lunch?)
  • Ordering
    1. ¿Qué recomiendan para comer hoy? – (What do you recommend to eat today?)
    2. Me gustaría pedir el solomillo con patatas, por favor. – (I would like to order the sirloin steak with potatoes, please.)
    3. ¿Qué puedo tomar para el almuerzo? – (What can I take for lunch?)
  • Useful Spanish phrases for vegetarians?
    1. Soy vegetariano – (I am vegetarian)
    2. ¿Este plato lleva carne? – (Does this dish contain meat?)
  • Giving your opinion of the meal
    1. Está muy rico, muchas gracias. – (It’s very delicious, thank you very much.)
    2. Me ha encantado la comida, ¡qué buena! – (I loved the food, it’s so good!)
  • The check and paying.
    1. La cuenta, por favor. – (the check/bill please)
    2. Cuando pueda, la cuenta, por favor – (the check/bill please, when you have a moment)
    3. ¿Nos puede traer la cuenta, por favor? – (Could you bring us the check/bill please?)
    4. ¿Podría traerme la cuenta, por favor? – (Could you bring me the bill, please?)
    5. ¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor? – (Can you bring me the check, please?)
    6. ¿Podrías decirle al camarero que me traiga la cuenta, por favor? – (Could you tell the waiter to bring me the check, please?)