Eating out in Brazil is one of the best parts of traveling here, but ordering food in Portuguese can feel intimidating if you’re not prepared. The good news is that you don’t need to be fluent. You just need the right phrases.
This guide focuses on real Portuguese people actually use in restaurants, not textbook sentences you’ll never hear.
1️⃣ Getting a Table
When you arrive at a restaurant, this is what really matters:
“Uma mesa para dois, por favor.”
A table for two, please.“Tem mesa?”
Do you have a table?“Quanto tempo de espera?”
How long is the wait?
Tip: Brazilians often shorten everything. “Tem mesa?” is completely natural.
2️⃣ Understanding the Menu
Menus in Brazil can be tricky, especially with local dishes.
Useful phrases:
“O que você recomenda?”
What do you recommend?“Qual é o prato mais pedido?”
What’s the most popular dish?“Isso vem com o quê?”
What does this come with?“É apimentado?”
Is it spicy?
3️⃣ Ordering Food the Right Way
When you’re ready to order:
“Eu vou querer isso.”
I’ll have this.“Pode ser esse aqui.”
This one is fine.“Pra mim, um…”
For me, a…
Note: Brazilians rarely use overly formal phrases. Simple and confident works best.
4️⃣ Drinks Matter in Brazil 🍹
“Uma água sem gás / com gás.”
Still water or sparkling water.“Uma cerveja, por favor.”
A beer, please.“Qual cerveja você tem?”
What beers do you have?“Uma caipirinha.”
A caipirinha.
5️⃣ Dietary Restrictions and Adjustments
If you have allergies or preferences:
“Sou alérgico(a) a…”
I’m allergic to…“Tem carne nisso?”
Is there meat in this?“Sem cebola, por favor.”
No onions, please.“Pode trocar o acompanhamento?”
Can I change the side dish?
6️⃣ Asking for the Bill
In Brazil, the waiter will not bring the bill unless you ask.
“A conta, por favor.”
The bill, please.“Pode trazer a conta.”
Can you bring the bill?“Posso pagar com cartão?”
Can I pay by card?“Débito ou crédito?”
Debit or credit. This is what they will ask you.
Tip: Tipping is usually optional. Many restaurants already include a 10 percent service fee.
7️⃣ What Not to Say
Avoid “Eu quero isso.” because it can sound rude.
Prefer “Eu vou querer isso.”
Avoid overly formal Portuguese. Simple and friendly works best.
Learning a few restaurant phrases is just the start.
If you want a complete, practical guide to Portuguese for real travel situations in Brazil, see our full Portuguese for Travelers guide.