Shopping for food covers buying food in markets and shops. This section contains basic phrases for eating out in Spain. Once you leave the major tourist destinations, you will find that English is not universally spoken, and these expressions will certainly help. Ordering food is one of the occasions where a dictionary is essential. Even if you speak Spanish well, it is likely that you will look at a menu and not understand many of the terms used. (This to similar to English menus which are becoming increasingly difficult to decipher).
At the Restaurant
You arrive at a local restaurant. It looks crowded. The waiter approaches and after saying hello you can ask:-¿Hay alguna mesa libre? 'Is there a table free?'
Or, if the restaurant looks half empty, say:-
Una mesa para cuatro, por favor 'A table for four'
cuatro means 'four' so substitute the appropriate number here.
An empty restaurant is not normally a good sign, but the Spanish eat late, and most English speakers will have eaten before most Spanish arrive. So if a restaurant is empty, either it is grotty or you are early.