Dining in a foreign country can sometimes be an experience in and of itself. With different customs, menus in different languages, and so many restaurant options it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start!
Keep these dining tips in mind to help navigate your way through some of the best food you will ever have while abroad.
PORTION SIZES
One of the best ways to eat in Spain is to go out with a group of people and share! You may notice that portion sizes for some dishes in Spain are larger than others. Called platos or raciónes, it’s recommended to order a small amount first as you can always get more later!
On the opposite side, Spain is known for their tapas! Tapas are basically small plates of food. They're essentially bar snacks served alongside beer or wine. Tapas give you a wonderful opportunity to try lots of different dishes and are sometimes served complimentary depending on where you go!
Tapas bars are becoming extremely popular and provide a unique dining experience while in Spain.
BRING CASH
While most restaurants accept credit card payments there are still lots of places in Spain that are cash-only. And sometimes those are the BEST places! Make sure you always keep cash available for drop-ins, street food, or other experiences while traveling through Spain!
MAKE RESERVATIONS
Looking to have a lovely evening out at San Sebastian’s most sought-after restaurant? Make sure you have a reservation!
Most reservations can be made online or over the phone in Spain. Make sure to always provide the confirmation number (if provided) and booking name when checking in. Making reservations ahead of time is key, especially if you’re looking to dine during weekend hours!
WATCH THE CLOCK
Mealtimes are dramatically different in Spain from other places in the world! Most places will open for lunch, close for a period, and reopen for dinner service. Lunch is typically served between 2:00 - 5:00 PM and is the largest meal of the day while dinner service typically opens at 8:00 PM.
Plan accordingly! Traditionally, Spaniards have a two- to three-hour break from work or school in order to enjoy lunch. They also take a short nap or siesta. Essentially, the entire country closes up shop from about 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
BE PREPARED TO WAIT
One thing to understand and appreciate about Spain is that waiting is not a negative experience. Most restaurants have a limited staff, typically 2-3 people waiting tables throughout dinner service. Meals can last hours while patrons enjoy one another’s company, talk the night away, and waiters are in no hurry.
If you need something or would like to receive the check you will need to get the waiter’s attention! Otherwise, they will typically leave you to enjoy the ambiance!
Looking for more dining tips and tricks?! Check out my other blog post How To Dine In France! Ready to book your next big adventure? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation with For The Story Vacations!