In the Restaurant & Bar
Ordering food is one of the most important things on vacation — and Spaniards appreciate it when you try it in Spanish. Don't be afraid of making mistakes!
| German | Spanish |
|---|---|
| A table for 2/4 people, please | Una mesa para dos/cuatro personas, por favor |
| The menu, please | La carta, por favor |
| Is there a daily menu? | ¿Hay menú del día? |
| What do you recommend? | ¿Qué recomienda? |
| I would like … | Quiero … / Me pone … (informal) |
| A beer / a glass of red wine | Una caña (small beer) / un vino tinto |
| A glass of white wine / rosé | Un vino blanco / un rosado |
| Water (with / without gas) | Agua (con gas / sin gas) |
| A coffee with milk | Un café con leche |
| A black coffee | Un café solo |
| The bill, please | La cuenta, por favor |
| Pay together / separately | Todo junto / por separado |
| It was very delicious! | ¡Estaba muy rico/bueno! |
| I am vegetarian | Soy vegetariano/a |
| I am vegan | Soy vegano/a |
| Without gluten | Sin gluten |
| I have an allergy to … | Tengo alergia a … |
Useful Vocabulary
- Barra — Counter (often cheaper than at the table)
- Terraza — Outdoor area (sometimes surcharge)
- Ración — Large portion (for 2–3 people)
- Media ración — Half portion
- Tapa — Small portion
- Pincho / Pintxo — Small tapa on bread (Basque Country)
- Caña — Small beer (200 ml), the standard measure
- Tubo — Medium beer (330 ml)
- Jarra — Large beer (500 ml)
💡 Tipp
"¡Oiga!" (Listen!) or hand signals to call the waiter is normal in Spain and not rude. Saying "Camarero" (waiter) is also okay. No one brings the bill without being asked — you must actively ask: "La cuenta, por favor."