Eating out in Mexico is one of the best parts of being there — but it can feel stressful when you don't know what to say. These are the real phrases Mexicans use every day at taquerias, fondas, and restaurants. No textbook Spanish. Just what actually works.
Getting a Table
Ordering Food
Spice & Flavor
Paying the Bill
Complimenting the Food
These are just a preview. PalabraFlow has 50+ restaurant phrases with audio pronunciation, quiz mode, and progress tracking.
FAQ: Restaurant Spanish in Mexico
Start with "¿Qué me recomienda?" (What do you recommend?) or go direct with "Para mí, unos tacos al pastor." When the waiter asks "¿Qué va a querer?" just name your dish. You don't need complex grammar — complete phrases work perfectly.
The most common way is "La cuenta, por favor" (The check, please). You can also say "¿Me puede traer la cuenta?" In casual spots, just catch the waiter's eye and make a writing gesture.
"¡Buen provecho!" means "Enjoy your meal!" and is one of the most important phrases to know in Mexico. Mexicans say it before eating, when passing someone who is eating, and even to strangers in restaurants. The polite response is "Igualmente" (Likewise) or "Gracias."
Say "Sin chile, por favor" (No chili, please) or "Que no pique, por favor" (Not spicy, please). You can also ask "¿Pica mucho?" (Is it very spicy?) before ordering.
"¿Qué se te antoja?" means "What do you feel like eating?" and uses the verb "antojarse," which is very Mexican. It's how friends and family naturally ask each other what they want to eat.