How to Order Food in Spain (Without Looking Like a Tourist)

Eating in Spain is an event. It’s loud, it’s late, and it’s absolutely delicious. But if you’re a U.S. traveler walking into a crowded tapas bar in Madrid or Barcelona for the first time, it can be intimidating.

The secret? You don’t need to speak perfect Spanish. You just need to know the rhythm of ordering and a few structural phrases.

Here is exactly how to order food in Spain without screaming “tourist”.

Step 1: Getting a Table

In the U.S., you usually wait for a host to seat you. In casual Spanish tapas bars (tascas), you often just find an empty spot at the bar or a high-top table and claim it. If it’s a sit-down restaurant, you should catch the waiter’s eye.

Don’t wait silently. Be polite but assertive.

• Say: “Una mesa para dos, por favor.” (A table for two, please.)
• If you just want drinks and a snack at the bar, you can simply point and say “Dos cervezas, por favor” (Two beers, please).

Step 2: Getting the Waiter’s Attention

Do not whistle. Do not snap your fingers. The polite way to get a waiter’s attention when they are busy is to raise your hand slightly and say:

• Say: “Perdona” (Excuse me - informal) or “Disculpe” (Excuse me - formal).

Step 3: Ordering

When it’s time to order, you don’t need to construct complex sentences. The Spanish appreciate directness wrapped in politeness.

• Say: “Para mí…” (For me…) and point to the menu.
• Or say: “Quiero…” (I want…) followed by the item.
• Example: “Para mí, la tortilla de patatas, por favor.” (For me, the potato omelet, please.)

Pro Tip: If you want to know if something is spicy (rare in Spain, but good to know), ask:

• “¿Tiene picante?” (Is it spicy?)

Step 4: The Crucial Difference: Asking for the Bill

This is the biggest mistake U.S. tourists make. In Spain, bringing the check before you ask for it is considered incredibly rude—it implies the restaurant is kicking you out! You can sit at your table talking for hours after you finish your meal.

When you are finally ready to leave, you must ask for the bill.

• Say: “La cuenta, por favor.” (The check, please.)

If you want to know if you can pay with a card, ask:

• “¿Aceptan tarjeta?” (Do you take card?)

(Note: Tipping in Spain is not like the U.S. For a coffee or beer, leaving a few coins is fine. For a nice dinner, 5-10% is generous, but absolutely not mandatory if service wasn’t stellar.)

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Explore all Spanish Restaurant Phrases | See the Barcelona City Guide