Portuguese · Restaurant Phrases
Portuguese Restaurant Phrases: What to Say at Every Step
Portuguese cuisine is one of Europe's best-kept secrets -- from grilled sardines in Lisbon to pasteis de nata in Porto. Whether you are in Portugal or Brazil, these Portuguese restaurant phrases will help you order confidently. Note that pronunciation differs between European and Brazilian Portuguese; we provide European Portuguese here.
Essential Phrases
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Uma mesa para dois, por favor | A table for two, please |
| Posso ver o menu? | Can I see the menu? |
| Queria pedir... | I'd like to order... |
| A conta, por favor | The check, please |
| Isto contem frutos secos/gluten/laticinios? | Does this contain nuts/gluten/dairy? |
| O que recomenda? | What do you recommend? |
| Esta delicioso | This is delicious |
| Sou alergico/a a... | I'm allergic to... |
| Uma garrafa de vinho da casa, por favor | A bottle of house wine, please |
| Mais pao, por favor | More bread, please |
Cultural Notes
Portuguese Dining Culture
In Portugal, restaurants often bring unrequested starters (couvert) -- bread, butter, olives, cheese, or even cod cakes. These are not free. If you eat them, you will be charged. You can politely decline by saying 'Nao, obrigado/a' and they will be taken away.
Tipping in Portugal is similar to Spain. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Many Portuguese restaurants still prefer cash for tips, even if you pay the bill by card.
Portuguese portions are generous. A meia dose (half portion) is often available for many dishes and is still a substantial serving. Lunch is the main meal of the day, typically between 12:30 and 2:30 PM, and many restaurants offer an excellent value prato do dia (dish of the day) at lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the couvert at Portuguese restaurants?
The couvert consists of unrequested starters brought to your table -- bread, olives, cheese, etc. They are not free. You can eat them and be charged, or politely decline and they'll be removed.
Should I tip in Portugal?
Tipping 5-10% is appreciated for good service. Rounding up the bill is common. Tipping is not obligatory, and service charge is not typically included in the bill.
What is 'meia dose' in Portugal?
Meia dose means 'half portion.' Many Portuguese restaurants offer this option, which is still a generous serving and costs about 60-70% of the full portion price. It's a great way to try multiple dishes.