Eating out is a fun and useful part of learning Spanish. It lets you order food, ask questions, and enjoy new experiences. This chapter covers the words you need for restaurants, cafés, and more.
Restaurant Vocabulary
This section covers the main words you’ll see and hear in a restaurant, from places to sit to paying the bill.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| el restaurante | the restaurant |
| el camarero / la camarera | the waiter / waitress |
| la mesa | the table |
| la carta / el menú | the menu |
| la cuenta | the bill / check |
| la reserva | the reservation |
| el cliente | the customer |
| la propina | the tip |
| el tenedor | the fork |
| el cuchillo | the knife |
| la cuchara | the spoon |
| el vaso | the glass |
| la copa | the wine glass |
| el plato | the plate |
Ordering Food
These are the common phrases and words you’ll use to place your order, ask about dishes, and request what you need.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Quisiera… / Me gustaría… | I would like… |
| ¿Qué recomienda? | What do you recommend? |
| ¿Qué lleva…? | What does … have? |
| Para mí, … | For me, … |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? |
| ¿Me puede traer …? | Can you bring me …? |
| Sin … | Without … |
| Con … | With … |
| Más … | More … |
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. |
Café and Snacks
This section covers vocabulary for café culture and small bites, including common items and how to order them.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| el café | coffee |
| el café con leche | coffee with milk |
| el té | tea |
| el zumo / jugo | juice |
| el agua | water |
| la taza | cup |
| el bollo | pastry |
| la galleta | cookie |
| el bocadillo | sandwich (baguette) |
| la merienda | afternoon snack |
Dietary Needs
Use these words to explain dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies when eating out.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| soy vegetariano/a | I’m vegetarian |
| soy vegano/a | I’m vegan |
| sin gluten | gluten-free |
| sin lactosa | lactose-free |
| alergia a … | allergy to … |
| tengo alergia a … | I’m allergic to … |
| bajo en sal | low in salt |
| sin azúcar | without sugar |
| poco hecho | rare (meat) |
| bien hecho | well done (meat) |
How do you say 'I am vegetarian' in Spanish?
soy vegetariano/a
'Soy vegetariano/a' means 'I am vegetarian'. 'Soy vegano/a' means 'I am vegan', 'sin gluten' means 'gluten-free', and 'tengo alergia a …' means 'I’m allergic to …'.
Paying and Leaving
Finally, these are the words and phrases you’ll need to pay, leave a tip, and say goodbye politely.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay with a card? |
| ¿Está incluido el servicio? | Is the tip included? |
| ¿Me trae la cuenta? | Can you bring me the bill? |
| Aquí tiene | Here you go |
| Gracias | Thank you |
| Todo estuvo delicioso | Everything was delicious |
| ¡Hasta luego! | See you later! |
| Buen provecho | Enjoy your meal |
With these words and phrases, you’re ready to enjoy eating out in Spanish-speaking restaurants and cafés. ¡Buen provecho!
Translate 'Thank you' into Spanish from the restaurant context.
Gracias
'Gracias' means 'Thank you'. 'Aquí tiene' means 'Here you go', 'Buen provecho' means 'Enjoy your meal', and 'Hasta luego' means 'See you later'.
Flashcards (1 of 53)
- English: the restaurant
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
