9.2 Ordering in a restaurant and table etiquette

Ordering in a restaurant and understanding table etiquette are crucial skills when dining out in Spanish-speaking countries. These skills allow you to navigate menus, express preferences, and follow local customs, enhancing your dining experience.

From essential phrases for ordering to handling dietary restrictions, this topic covers all aspects of restaurant interactions. It also delves into table manners, helping you blend in with local dining cultures and avoid social faux pas.

Ordering Food in Spanish

Essential Vocabulary and Phrases

• "Me gustaría..." (I would like) to express preferences when ordering
• "Para mí..." (For me) to indicate a personal choice
• "De primer/segundo plato..." (For the first/second course) to specify the course of the meal
• "De postre..." (For dessert) to order dessert items
• "Para beber..." (To drink) to order beverages

Polite Requests and Clarification

• "Por favor" (Please) to make polite requests
• "¿Podría...?" (Could you...?) to ask for assistance or specific actions
• "¿Podría repetir, por favor?" (Could you repeat that, please?) to ask for clarification or repetition
• "No entendí, ¿podría explicar...?" (I didn't understand, could you explain...?) to request further explanation

Expressing Preferences and Requesting the Bill

• "Prefiero..." (I prefer) to indicate a strong preference
• "No me gusta..." (I don't like) to express dislike for certain items
• "La cuenta, por favor" (The bill, please) to request the bill at the end of the meal
• "¿Nos trae la cuenta, por favor?" (Could you bring us the bill, please?) to politely ask for the bill

Menu Navigation and Recommendations

Requesting the Menu and Recommendations

• "¿Puedo ver el menú, por favor?" (Can I see the menu, please?) to ask for the menu
• "¿Me trae la carta, por favor?" (Could you bring me the menu, please?) to politely request the menu
• "¿Qué me recomienda?" (What do you recommend?) to ask for the waiter's suggestions
• "¿Cuál es el plato más popular?" (What is the most popular dish?) to inquire about customer favorites

Inquiring About Specials and Preparation Methods

• "¿Cuáles son los platos del día?" (What are the daily specials?) to ask about specific daily offerings
• "¿Tienen algún plato de temporada?" (Do you have any seasonal dishes?) to inquire about seasonal specialties
• "¿Qué lleva este plato?" (What does this dish contain?) to ask about ingredients
• "¿Cómo se prepara...?" (How is ... prepared?) to inquire about cooking methods (grilled, fried, baked)

Dietary Needs and Requests

Vocabulary for Dietary Restrictions

• "vegetariano/a" (vegetarian) to indicate a plant-based diet
• "vegano/a" (vegan) to specify a diet free from all animal products
• "sin gluten" (gluten-free) to request dishes without gluten
• "sin lactosa" (lactose-free) to ask for items without lactose

Expressing Allergies and Requesting Modifications

• "Soy alérgico/a a..." (I am allergic to...) to inform the waiter about allergies (mariscos/shellfish, nueces/nuts)
• "No puedo comer..." (I cannot eat...) to specify foods to avoid
• "¿Podría preparar el plato sin...?" (Could you prepare the dish without...?) to ask for modifications (sin cebolla/without onion)
• "¿Es posible sustituir... por...?" (Is it possible to substitute... with...?) to request ingredient substitutions (arroz/rice por quinoa/for quinoa)

Ensuring Dishes Meet Dietary Needs

• "¿Este plato contiene...?" (Does this dish contain...?) to inquire about specific ingredients (carne/meat, productos lácteos/dairy products)
• "¿Está preparado con...?" (Is it prepared with...?) to ask about cooking methods or ingredients (aceite de oliva/olive oil, mantequilla/butter)

Table Etiquette in Spanish Cultures

Utensil Placement and Course Sequence

• Knife and fork placement when finished eating: cross them on the plate to signal completion
• Spoon usage for soup: sip from the side of the spoon, not the front
• Typical sequence of courses: "primer plato" (first course, usually lighter dishes), "segundo plato" (second course, main dish), and "postre" (dessert)

Dining Customs and Polite Phrases

• "Sobremesa" (after-meal conversation): engaging in leisurely conversation after eating
• "Para compartir" (to share): the importance of sharing dishes and communal dining
• "Buen provecho" (Enjoy your meal): a polite phrase said before starting to eat
• "Gracias" (Thank you): expressing gratitude to the waiter and dining companions

Regional Differences in Etiquette

• Awareness of regional customs: "tapas" (small plates) in Spain, "sobremesa" more common in Spain than in Latin America
• Adapting to local dining habits: later meal times in Spain compared to Latin American countries