Use This Trick When Dining Out in Spain

Mastering this one crucial trick when dining out in Spain will not only help you enjoy a more authentic experience but might even save you a few euros.

Nobody likes to stick out like a sore thumb.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a tourist, of course, but fitting in with the locals often means a more stress-free, memorable experience.

Walk around with a spring in your step and an air of confidence that says, “I am the master of my own holidays. I’m no clueless tourist.”

No more fumbling through phrasebooks or awkwardly waiting around to be served.

With this insider tip, you’ll be blending in like a true Spaniard in no time. Navigate tapas, bars, and taverns like a seasoned pro.

So, pack your bags, put on your best sunhat, and get ready to experience Spain like you’ve lived there your whole life.

ABA- Always Be Assertive

Today’s unspoken rule is about eating out, and trust us, it’s a big one.

In Spain, if you’re expecting waiters to hover over your table, topping up your glass every five minutes, you’re in for a shock in most places. Spanish service is laid-back, and it’s all about the customer taking charge.

Fancy another round of drinks, or do you need that menu?

Don’t sit around waiting; speak up or risk going thirsty. Whether you’re perched at the bar or relaxing at a table, just stick your hand up, catch their eye, and confidently say “disculpe.”

Waiting staff tend to have more tables to handle than a Saturday night in Ibiza, so don’t be offended if they don’t rush over. Stay cool and polite, but don’t back down; channel your inner “matador” (or “matadora”). And the bill? Forget about it magically appearing the moment you’ve put down your fork unless you’re eating in one of the cheaper tourist hotspots where it’s one in and one out bums on seats. In Spain, most of the time, they aren’t in a rush to send you packing, so if you want to pay, you’re going to have to ask and maybe even chase them for the bill.

Re-cap: Assertiveness is Key in Spanish Tapas Bars and Restaurants.

• Unlike in other cultures, Spanish waiting staff are more hands-off.
• If you want service, you must ask for it and chase down the waiter or waitress for a drink, menu, or bill.
• Raise your hand and catch the waiter’s eye to get attention.
• Staff often manage many tables, so be polite but persistent if they don’t come right away.
• Unless you’re in a particularly cheap or touristy area, they generally won’t bring the bill unless requested, as there’s less focus on turning tables quickly. Spaniards understand this when they go to restaurants. They usually expect different treatment in good places as opposed to tourist places or cheap bars.

Get ready to live llke a local in southern Spain.