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At the Restaurant
Learn how to order food, ask for the check, and navigate dining situations
Polite Requests
Using 'Quisiera' vs 'Quiero'
'Quisiera' (I would like) is more polite than 'Quiero' (I want). In restaurants and formal situations, always use 'quisiera' to sound polite and respectful.
Quisiera un café, por favor.I would like a coffee, please. (polite)
Quiero un café.I want a coffee. (direct, less polite)
Asking for Recommendations
When you're not sure what to order, ask the server for suggestions. This is a great way to practice Spanish and discover local favorites.
¿Qué recomienda?What do you recommend?
¿Cuál es el plato del día?What's the dish of the day?
Restaurant Essentials
Common Foods
Street Ordering (Northern Mexico)
Ordering & Requests
Ready to Practice?
You're at a casual restaurant for lunch. One person plays the waiter/waitress, the other is the customer ordering a meal.
Start Lab: Ordering at a Restaurant