A simple guide to dining out in Spain

Check the time. You may be hungry or simply eager to commence your culinary adventure but don’t head out too early. It may be tempting. But don’t. Don’t attempt lunch before 1:30 pm or dinner before 8:30 pm. If the restaurant is open earlier it’s not where locals eat. Consider the later dining hours warm up for a leisurely paced meal.

Ask for a table. Step inside the restaurant and try your Spanish: “Una mesa para dos, por favor”. Alternatively, hold up the appropriate number of fingers.

Be ready with your drink order. Service starts with a drink. Pronto. Your server may ask what you would like to drink as you are seated. Be prepared! Some examples to get you started: Una copa de vino tinto/blanco, Un vermut, Una caña (a small draft beer), Zumo de naranja (orange juice), Un mosto (grape juice), Café con lèche. It’s not customary to bring water to the table so if you want it, order it too: un vaso de agua, por favor.

Sip your drink. Nibble on the olives or other free tapa that may come with your drink. Feel free to congratulate yourself on securing a table. If you don’t have a menu yet, ask: La carta, por forvor?

Peruse the menu. Take your time. Discover new dishes. New words. If you’re still not sure what to order, you can ask for a recommendation: Qué me recomienda?

Wait. It may be a while before your server returns. Enjoy your drink. Enjoy the ambience.

Wait. You may wonder if your server has forgotten you. Be patient. There’s a process. A pace. They’ll be back.

Nod your head vigorously. Your server has returned and is asking if you are ready to order. Order your food. If you want a second drink, do it now. Otra copa de vino, por favor.

Relax. Your food is on the way.

Eat happily. Your food is here. Savour.

Wipe your plate. Mop up any sauces, dressings and tasty bits with the bread. That’s what it’s for.

Don’t wait for the bill. You can digest, linger, read a book, write a book, daydream, whatever you want, for as long as you want. But don’t wait for the bill. You’ll wait forever. There may be a long line of people outside the restaurant waiting for a table, but your server will not suggest it’s time for you to go. That would be rude.

Wave and make eye contact. Only when you’re ready. Get your server’s attention. Ask for the bill: La cuenta, por favor. Alternatively, signal your request by pretending to write a note on your hand.

Shake your head in disbelief. The number on the bill will not be large. You had a great meal at a reasonable price. It may look like they only charged you for one glass of wine, but look more closely and you’ll see they got both glasses (assuming you ordered that second drink as per ordering stage above). It was inexpensive and absolutely delicious. Buenisima! Show your appreciation with a tip.

Sigh contentedly. Walk home with a big smile thankful for Spanish hospitality. Muchas gracias España!