Top 50 phrases to get by Portugal — Dining out

Menu/Ementa

Menu

Menu and 'Ementa' are used interchangeably, but 'Ementa' is a bit more traditional.

In Portugal, menus often highlight dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Água

Water

The 'á' in 'Água' is stressed; it sounds like 'aa-goo-ah'.

Tap water is generally safe in Portugal, but ask for 'água da torneira' if you prefer it to bottled.

Vinho

Wine

Pronounced like 'vee-nyo'. Remember the 'nh' is similar to the English 'ny'.

Portugal is famous for its wine, especially Port and Vinho Verde.

Cerveja

Beer

'Cerveja' is pronounced 'ser-vej-a'.

Beer is popular in Portugal, and you’ll often find local brands like Super Bock or Sagres.

Café

Coffee

Café is pronounced as 'ka-feh' and usually refers to a shot of espresso.

Portugal has a strong café culture; sipping 'café' at a terrace is a favorite pastime.

Quero isto

I want this

This is pronounced 'keh-roo ees-too'. The 'q' sounds like 'k'.

It's polite to say 'por favor' (please) after 'Quero isto'.

Delicioso

Delicious

Pronounced 'de-lee-syoo-zo'.

Use this to compliment chefs and make friends in Portugal!

A conta, por favor

The check, please

'A conta' is pronounced 'ah con-tah'.

In Portugal, you'll often need to ask for the check; it won't be brought automatically.

Vegetariano

Vegetarian

Pronounced 've-zhe-tah-ree-ah-no'.

Vegetarian options are becoming more common but always double-check if fish stock is used.