Spanish · Real conversations
Restaurant problems: useful Spanish phrases
Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- The check, please
la cuenta, por favor
The check, please
- A table for two
una mesa para dos
A table for two
- Menu
el menú
Menu
- Napkin
la servilleta
Napkin
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Spanish |
|---|---|
| The check, please | la cuenta, por favor The check, please |
| A table for two | una mesa para dos A table for two |
| Menu | el menú Menu |
| Napkin | la servilleta Napkin |
| This isn't what I ordered. | Esto no es lo que pedí. Show English translationThis isn't what I ordered. |
| Could we have a few more minutes? | ¿Nos da unos minutos más? Show English translationCould we have a few more minutes? |
| Could we have separate bills? | ¿Podemos pagar por separado? Show English translationCould we have separate bills? |
| We haven't received our ... yet. | Todavía no nos han traído … Show English translationWe haven't received our … yet. |
| I think there's a mistake on the bill. | Creo que hay un error en la cuenta. Show English translationI think there's a mistake on the bill. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Aquí tiene su plato de pollo.
Here is your chicken dish.
You
Esto no es lo que pedí.
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner
Disculpe. Voy a revisar su pedido. ¿Ya quieren elegir el postre?
I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert?
You
¿Nos da unos minutos más?
Could we have a few more minutes?
Restaurant problems in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
