Mastering Dining Etiquette in Spain: How to Blend in Like a Local
Welcome to our guide to dining in Oliva and beyond, where Spanish culture influences not only the cuisine but also the dining customs. Eating out in Spain is a social event, and understanding the local etiquette can help you blend in and make the most of your experience. From knowing when restaurants are open to how to order and pay the bill, following these tips will help you dine like a true local.
Timing Is Everything: Restaurant Hours
In Spain, meals are served later than in many other countries, with lunch typically starting around 1:30 p.m. and dinner around 8:30 p.m. However, Oliva’s restaurants often cater more to locals, meaning they may focus on lunch rather than dinner. It’s also common for restaurants to close unexpectedly for a day, a week, or even a season without much notice. To avoid disappointment, we recommend calling ahead or sending a WhatsApp message in Spanish to confirm their hours and make a reservation.
Know Your Drink Order Before You Sit
One key aspect of Spanish dining etiquette is knowing your drink order before you sit down. When you arrive at a restaurant, it’s standard practice to order a drink as soon as you’re seated. Whether it’s water (with or without gas), beer, or cava, be ready to order right away. Asking for a drinks menu or recommendations can signal that you’re a tourist, and you might find yourself waiting longer than expected for service. A pro tip: many Spanish restaurants don’t carry a wide variety of drinks, so stick to what’s commonly available.
Paella and Special Dishes Require Planning
Paella is a Spanish classic, and in regions like Valencia, it’s taken very seriously. However, most restaurants require 24 hours’ notice to prepare paella, as it’s a labor-intensive dish. If you’re hoping to enjoy a paella during your stay, call ahead to request it. Some restaurants do offer same-day paella, but the best experiences come with planning. Don’t hesitate to try other traditional rice dishes or fideuà (a noodle-based paella), both of which are just as delicious.
Minimal Sides: Focus on the Main Dish
Spanish cuisine places a strong emphasis on the main protein, whether it’s grilled fish, pork, or beef. Sides are minimal and typically consist of a small green salad or a few slices of potato. If you’re used to larger side portions, keep this in mind when ordering. Starters like tapas are usually plentiful, so you likely won’t need extra sides. If you do want something more substantial to accompany your main dish, make sure to order it separately when you place your order.
Don’t Rush Your Meal: Eating Is a Social Event
In Spain, meals are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Don’t expect the bill to arrive as soon as you finish your meal—waiters will rarely bring it until you ask. Spaniards like to linger at the table and enjoy each course without feeling rushed, so take your time, savor the food, and enjoy the company.
Paying the Bill and Tipping
When it comes to paying the bill, there are a few cultural differences to note. The easiest way is for one person to pay the bill in full, either by cash or card, and have the other diners settle up among themselves after the fact. Waiters in Spain typically don’t have time or patience for splitting the bill in multiple ways, and doing so is considered inconsiderate.
As for tipping, it’s less common and much lower in Spain than in other countries, like the United States. A good rule of thumb is to round up or leave 5-10% if the service was particularly good. It’s customary to leave the tip in cash on the table rather than adding it to your card payment. The waitstaff will appreciate this, as it avoids the hassle of separating tips at the end of the day.
Additional Tips to Blend In
Bread Service: In many restaurants, bread is automatically brought to your table, but it’s not free. You’ll usually find a small charge for it on the bill. If you don’t want it, simply decline when it arrives.
Pace Your Courses: It’s common for courses to arrive one by one, with plenty of time between each. Don’t rush the experience; take your time with each course and enjoy the slower pace of Spanish dining.
Ordering Tapas: If you’re at a tapas bar, don’t order everything at once. Instead, order a couple of dishes, enjoy them, and then order more. This way, you can savor a variety of flavors without feeling overwhelmed.
Coffee Etiquette: After your meal, it’s typical to finish with an espresso or café solo. Asking for a large coffee, especially with milk after lunch, is uncommon in Spain, where coffee is enjoyed in smaller, more concentrated forms.