Ordering food in Spanish is one of the most practical and confidence-boosting skills you can learn when visiting a Spanish-speaking country—or even when dining at a local Hispanic restaurant in your own city. Whether you're traveling through Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or any of the 20+ Spanish-speaking nations, knowing how to comfortably read menus, ask for recommendations, place an order, or politely request the check will make your dining experience smoother and far more enjoyable.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about ordering food in Spanish, from essential vocabulary to example phrases and cultural tips that will help you sound natural and respectful. By the end, you’ll feel ready to walk into any restaurant and confidently place your order in Spanish.

Why Learn to Order Food in Spanish?

Before diving into vocabulary and expressions, it’s helpful to understand why learning these phrases matters:

• Real-life usability: Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide. You'll use these phrases far more often than grammar rules or textbook dialogues.
• Better travel experiences: Locals appreciate it when travelers try to speak their language. Even simple phrases can help you build connections.
• Avoid misunderstandings: Knowing how to order ensures your meal comes the way you want—saving time, confusion, and awkward guesses.
• Cultural understanding: Food is at the heart of Spanish and Latin American culture; learning how to navigate this setting deepens your travel experience.

Let’s begin with the vocabulary you’ll use most often.

Essential Vocabulary for Ordering Food

To order food confidently, start with the basic words you’ll encounter in any dining environment.

Common Restaurant Vocabulary

• El restaurante – The restaurant
• El camarero La camarera – Waiter Waitress (Spain)
• El mesero La mesera – Waiter Waitress (Latin America)
• La carta El menú – The menu
• La mesa – The table
• La cuenta – The check or bill
• La propina – The tip
• La reserva – The reservation

Food & Meal Vocabulary

• El desayuno – Breakfast
• El almuerzo – Lunch
• La cena – Dinner
• El aperitivo La entrada – Appetizer
• El plato principal – Main dish
• El postre – Dessert
• La bebida – Beverage

Useful Verbs

• Querer – To want
• Pedir – To order ask for
• Tomar – To take have (often used when ordering food)
• Traer – To bring
• Recomendar – To recommend

How to Ask for a Table (At the Entrance)

When entering a restaurant, you’ll usually be greeted with:

"Cuántas personas?" – How many people?
or
"Buenas tardes, tienen reserva?" – Good afternoon, do you have a reservation?

Here’s how to respond:

Useful Phrases

• Una mesa para dos, por favor. – A table for two, please.
• Tenemos una reserva a nombre de… – We have a reservation under the name…
• Podemos sentarnos afuera? – Can we sit outside?
• Preferimos una mesa cerca de la ventana. – We prefer a table near the window.

You may also hear:

• "Síganme, por favor." – Follow me, please.
• "En seguida." – Right away.

How to Read a Menu in Spanish

Menus vary by region, but here are the most common categories you’ll see:

Menu Sections

• Entradas Aperitivos – Appetizers
• Sopas – Soups
• Ensaladas – Salads
• Carnes – Meat dishes
• Pescados y mariscos – Fish and seafood
• Acompañamientos – Sides
• Bebidas – Drinks
• Postres – Desserts

Common Food Items

• Pollo – Chicken
• Carne de res – Beef
• Cerdo – Pork
• Pescado – Fish
• Mariscos – Seafood
• Arroz – Rice
• Papas Patatas – Potatoes (Latin America Spain)
• Verduras Vegetales – Vegetables
• Pan – Bread

Knowing these basics will help you understand most traditional and modern menus.

How to Order Food: Key Phrases You Must Know

There are several polite ways to order food in Spanish. Below are the most natural and commonly used.

Polite Ways to Express “I Would Like…”

1. Quisiera… (Most Polite and Common)

• Quisiera una sopa de pollo. – I would like a chicken soup.

2. Me gustaría… (Very Polite)

• Me gustaría probar el plato del día. – I would like to try the dish of the day.

3. Para mí…

• Para mí, la ensalada mixta. – For me, the mixed salad.

4. Voy a pedir…

• Voy a pedir el filete de res. – I’m going to order the beef steak.

5. Yo tomo… (Casual)

• Yo tomo una limonada. – I’ll have a lemonade.

Asking for Recommendations

Servers often know the best dishes on the menu. Here’s how to ask:

• Qué me recomienda? – What do you recommend?
• Cuál es el plato más popular? – What is the most popular dish?
• Qué es típico de esta región? – What’s typical of this region?
• Es picante? – Is it spicy?
• Puede explicarme este plato? – Can you explain this dish to me?

In many Latin American countries, dishes may vary in spice level, so this question is especially useful.

Asking About Ingredients (Dietary Restrictions)

If you have allergies or preferences, use these phrases:

• Soy alérgico/a a… – I’m allergic to…
• Tiene gluten? – Does it contain gluten?
• Tiene nueces? – Does it contain nuts?
• Es vegano vegetariano? – Is it vegan vegetarian?
• No como carne. – I don’t eat meat.
• Sin azúcar, por favor. – Without sugar, please.
• Sin sal, por favor. – Without salt, please.

These phrases are essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable meal.

Ordering Drinks

You may also want to order beverages. Below are common options:

• Agua natural agua con gas – Still water sparkling water
• Jugo Zumo – Juice (Latin America Spain)
• Refresco – Soda
• Café – Coffee
• Té – Tea
• Chocolate caliente – Hot chocolate

Useful Phrases

• Para beber, quiero… – To drink, I want…
• Tienen jugos naturales? – Do you have fresh juices?
• Me trae un vaso de agua, por favor? – Can you bring me a glass of water, please?

Special Requests for Your Order

Customize your order like a native speaker:

• Puede ser sin cebolla? – Can it be without onion?
• Con extra queso, por favor. – With extra cheese, please.
• Puede traerlo bien cocido? – Can you bring it well-cooked?
• Me lo puede poner aparte? – Can you put it on the side?

Servers are accustomed to these requests, so don’t hesitate to ask.

During the Meal: Helpful Interaction Phrases

Once you're seated and eating, you may need to communicate additional requests:

• Disculpe… – Excuse me…
• Me trae más servilletas? – Can you bring me more napkins?
• Me puede traer un poco más de agua? – Could I have some more water?
• Está incluido en el precio? – Is it included in the price?
• Todo está delicioso. – Everything is delicious.
• Está un poco frío. – It’s a bit cold.

How to Ask for the Check

When you're ready to pay:

Most Common Phrases

• La cuenta, por favor. – The check, please.
• Nos puede traer la cuenta? – Could you bring us the check?
• Está incluida la propina? – Is the tip included?

In many Latin American countries, tips are appreciated but not always included. In Spain, tipping is optional.

Paying the Bill

This part varies by region, but common phrases include:

• Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay with a card?
• Tienen pago con QR o transferencia? – Do you accept QR or transfer payments?
• Está bien así. – Keep the change.
• Podemos pagar por separado? – Can we pay separately?

Full Example Dialogue (A Natural Restaurant Conversation)

Here’s a realistic example from start to finish:

Camarero: Buenas noches, tienen reserva?
Cliente: No, pero queremos una mesa para dos, por favor.
Camarero: Claro, síganme.

Camarero: Aquí tienen la carta. Desean algo de beber?
Cliente: Sí, para mí una limonada, por favor.
Cliente 2: Yo quisiera un agua con gas.

Camarero: Perfecto. Ya saben qué van a pedir?
Cliente: Qué me recomienda?
Camarero: El pollo a la plancha es muy popular y viene con ensalada.
Cliente: Entonces, para mí ese.
Cliente 2: Voy a pedir la pasta vegetariana.

(Después de la comida)
Cliente: Disculpe, nos trae la cuenta, por favor?
Camarero: Claro, aquí está.
Cliente: Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
Camarero: Sí, por supuesto.

This simple dialogue reflects real restaurant interactions, giving you a sense of how naturally the phrases fit together.

Cultural Tips for Ordering Food in Spanish-Speaking Countries

Understanding etiquette will help you feel more comfortable:

1. Greetings matter.

Start with Buenos días, Buenas tardes, or Buenas noches—politeness counts.

2. Don’t seat yourself in many countries.

In Spain especially, wait to be seated unless it’s a very casual place.

3. In some regions, water isn’t free.

If they bring bottled water, it usually costs extra.

4. Dinner is often late.

In Spain, dinner (la cena) might start around 9–10 PM.

5. Service may feel slower—but it's intentional.

Dining is considered a social event; you’re not rushed.

Practice Makes Perfect: How to Improve

Here are ways to get better at ordering food in Spanish:

• Practice with role-plays (with a friend or language partner)
• Visit local Hispanic restaurants and try ordering in Spanish
• Watch Spanish food vlogs to learn how people naturally speak
• Study menus in Spanish online

The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Final Thoughts

Ordering food in Spanish is a valuable skill that enhances your travel experience and helps you connect with Spanish-speaking cultures. With key vocabulary, polite expressions, and cultural awareness, you’ll be able to confidently walk into any restaurant and order exactly what you want.

Whether you use simple phrases like "Quisiera…” or explore richer conversations with servers, every attempt helps you improve and feel more connected to the language. So next time you sit down at a Spanish-speaking restaurant, don’t hesitate—order proudly in Spanish and enjoy the culinary journey!