50 Brazilian Portuguese Phrases for Restaurants

The most common way is to say "Eu queria uma mesa para dois, por favor" (I'd like a table for two, please). You can swap "dois" for any number. In casual restaurants, you can simply say "Mesa para dois?" (Table for two?). In Brazil, many restaurants have a host or hostess (recepcionista) who will seat you.

In Brazil, you can say "Com licença" (Excuse me) to get a waiter's attention politely. Avoid snapping your fingers or shouting. In many casual restaurants, Brazilians also make eye contact and raise a hand slightly. The word "garçom" (waiter) is understood but "com licença" is considered more polite.

The simplest phrase is "A conta, por favor" (The check, please). You can also make a writing gesture in the air while saying it. To ask about payment methods, say "Aceita cartão?" (Do you take card?). In Brazil, tipping is not mandatory as most restaurants include a 10% service charge (gorjeta), but you can leave extra for excellent service.

Some essential dishes to know include picanha (top sirloin cap, Brazil's favorite cut of beef), feijoada (black bean and pork stew, the national dish), prato feito or "PF" (a set meal with rice, beans, meat, and salad), açaí (açaí bowl), pão de queijo (cheese bread), and coxinha (chicken croquette). You can order by saying "Para mim, uma picanha" (For me, a picanha).

Most Brazilian restaurants add a 10% service charge (gorjeta) to the bill automatically. It is optional but customary to pay it. You can ask "A gorjeta está inclusa?" (Is the tip included?) to check. If the service was exceptional, you can leave extra, but it is not expected. Street food vendors and casual counter-service spots generally do not expect tips.