Ordering food in Spanish-speaking environments requires specific vocabulary for menus, requests, and polite interactions. This section covers key words and phrases for navigating common dining situations.
Useful Phrases
Common expressions for starting your order, asking questions, and being polite.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Quisiera… | I would like… |
| Me gustaría… | I would like… |
| ¿Me puede traer…? | Can you bring me…? |
| ¿Qué me recomienda? | What do you recommend? |
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? |
| Está incluido el servicio? | Is the tip included? |
| Una mesa para dos, por favor. | A table for two, please. |
| Estoy listo para ordenar. | I’m ready to order. |
| ¿Puedo ver el menú? | Can I see the menu? |
Menu Vocabulary
Words for common categories and items you’ll see on a Spanish menu.
| Spanish Category | English Category |
|---|---|
| Entrantes / Aperitivos | Appetizers |
| Platos principales | Main courses |
| Postres | Desserts |
| Bebidas | Drinks |
| Carne | Meat |
| Pescado | Fish |
| Verduras | Vegetables |
| Pan | Bread |
| Vino | Wine |
| Agua | Water |
Ordering Drinks
Specific vocabulary for asking for and ordering beverages.
| Spanish Drink | English Drink |
|---|---|
| Agua | Water |
| Café | Coffee |
| Té | Tea |
| Jugo / Zumo | Juice |
| Refresco | Soda |
| Cerveza | Beer |
| Vino tinto | Red wine |
| Vino blanco | White wine |
| Copa de vino | Glass of wine |
| Cóctel | Cocktail |
Ordering Food
Common verbs and phrases for specifying how you want your food prepared or served.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ¿Cómo lo quiere? | How do you want it? |
| Bien hecho / a | Well done |
| A término medio | Medium |
| Crudo / Cruda | Rare |
| Sin sal | Without salt |
| Con sal | With salt |
| Sin azúcar | Without sugar |
| Con azúcar | With sugar |
| Para llevar | To take away |
| Aquí mismo | To eat here |
Interactions and Politeness
Phrases to thank, compliment, or ask for something else during your meal.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Gracias | Thank you |
| Muchas gracias | Thank you very much |
| Está delicioso | It’s delicious |
| Todo estuvo muy bien | Everything was very good |
| ¿Me puede traer más...? | Can you bring me more…? |
| Disculpe | Excuse me |
| ¿Me trae...? | Can you bring me…? |
| Una servilleta, por favor. | A napkin, please. |
| ¿Hay algo más? | Is there anything else? |
| Fue un placer. | It was a pleasure. |
Final Steps
How to ask for the bill, pay, and say goodbye.
| Spanish Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| La cuenta, por favor. | The bill, please. |
| ¿Aceptan tarjetas? | Do you accept cards? |
| ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? | Can I pay by card? |
| ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo? | Can I pay in cash? |
| ¿Cuánto es? | How much is it? |
| Aquí tiene. | Here you go. |
| ¡Hasta luego! | See you later! |
| ¡Buen provecho! | Enjoy your meal! |
| Nos vemos | See you |
| Gracias por todo. | Thanks for everything. |
Ordering food in Spanish becomes easier with these categories and phrases. Practice them to build confidence in any restaurant or café setting.
Flashcards (1 of 60)
- English Translation: I would like…
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
