When you’re talking about food and restaurants in Spanish, knowing the right words can help a lot. It makes chatting and enjoying meals with others easier. Here are some important words and phrases to use when you’re at a restaurant.

Food Vocabulary

1. Fruits and Vegetables

   • Manzana (apple)
   • Plátano (banana)
   • Tomate (tomato)
   • Lechuga (lettuce)
   • Zanahoria (carrot)

2. Meats and Seafood

   • Pollo (chicken)
   • Carne (beef)
   • Pescado (fish)
   • Mariscos (seafood)

3. Dairy Products

   • Leche (milk)
   • Queso (cheese)
   • Yogur (yogurt)

4. Grains

   • Arroz (rice)
   • Pan (bread)
   • Pasta (pasta)

Dining Vocabulary

1. Restaurant Words

   • Restaurante (restaurant)
   • Menú (menu)
   • Camarero/a (waiter/waitress)

2. Meal Times

   • Desayuno (breakfast)
   • Almuerzo (lunch)
   • Cena (dinner)

3. Common Actions

   • Pedir (to order)
   • Comer (to eat)
   • Beber (to drink)
   • Pagar (to pay)

Phrases for Conversations

1. Making Reservations

   • Quiero hacer una reserva para dos.
     (I want to make a reservation for two.)

2. Ordering Food

   • Me gustaría pedir...
     (I would like to order...)
   • ¿Qué me recomienda?
     (What do you recommend?)

3. Expressing Preferences

   • Prefiero la comida picante.
     (I prefer spicy food.)
   • Soy vegetariano/a.
     (I am vegetarian.)

Cultural Tips

When you eat out in Spanish-speaking places, being friendly is important. It’s good to say "Hola" or "Buenos días/tardes/noches" when you meet your server. After you get your food, saying "Gracias" is a nice way to say thank you. Knowing these small customs can make your meal even better.

By learning these words, you will feel more at ease reading menus, ordering food, and talking about meals. Be sure to practice often to get better at speaking!