Top 50 phrases to get by Spain: Dining out

💬 The accent on 'ú' means it's pronounced like 'men-OO'.

🇪🇸 In Spain, 'menú del día' is a popular lunchtime offering—three courses for an excellent price!

💬 'Agua' is feminine, but uses 'el' instead of 'la' to avoid two 'a' sounds in a row.

🇪🇸 Tap water is safe to drink in Spain, but you often have to ask for it specifically.

💬 Beware of the silent 'v' in Spanish. 'Vino' sounds like 'BEE-no'.

🇪🇸 Wine is an integral part of Spanish culture, often served with meals.

💬 Listen for the soft 'c' that sounds like 'th' in Spain—'ther-VEH-tha'.

🇪🇸 A small beer is called a 'caña' and is a common order in Spanish bars.

💬 Pronounced 'kah-FEH', this word is the same in several romance languages.

🇪🇸 Spanish coffee culture is strong, with 'café solo' (espresso) being a ubiquitous choice.

💬 Literally means 'I want this', 'QUI-ye-ro' is the present tense form of the verb 'querer'.

🇪🇸 Useful for pointing at things on a menu or in a shop, when you're not sure of the name.

💬 'Deh-lee-see-O-so' has a rhythm to it, making it fun to say!

🇪🇸 High praise for any chef, and appreciated in any language.

💬 Literally 'the bill, please'. 'Cuenta' is pronounced 'KWEN-ta'.

🇪🇸 In Spain, waiting for the check is common; you need to ask for it.

💬 Remember the soft 'g', making it 'be-he-ta-ree-AH-no'.

🇪🇸 Vegetarian options have become more popular in Spain recently, but it's always good to specify.