Asking About the Daily Special

Finding out what the restaurant recommends today and what dishes are popular.

You
Disculpe, ¿cuál es el plato del día?
dees-KOOL-peh, kwahl ehs ehl PLAH-toh dehl DEE-ah?
Excuse me, what is the daily special?
Many Latin American restaurants offer a 'menú del día' or 'almuerzo ejecutivo' — a fixed-price lunch with soup, main course, drink, and dessert. It is usually the best deal.
Waiter
Hoy tenemos lomo saltado con arroz y ensalada. Es muy popular.
oy teh-NEH-mohs LOH-moh sahl-TAH-doh kohn ah-RROHS ee ehn-sah-LAH-dah. ehs mooy poh-poo-LAHR.
Today we have stir-fried beef with rice and salad. It's very popular.
Lomo saltado is a classic Peruvian dish. Each country has its own signature daily specials.
You
¿Qué me recomienda usted?
keh meh rreh-koh-MYEHN-dah oos-TEHD?
What do you recommend?
Asking for a recommendation is a great way to try local favorites. Using 'usted' shows respect.
Waiter
Le recomiendo la sopa de la casa. Está riquísima hoy.
leh rreh-koh-MYEHN-doh lah SOH-pah deh lah KAH-sah. ehs-TAH rree-KEE-see-mah oy.
I recommend the house soup. It's delicious today.
'Riquísimo/a' is the superlative of 'rico' and means extremely delicious. You will hear it often.
You
Perfecto, voy a probar eso. ¿Viene con bebida?
pehr-FEHK-toh, boy ah proh-BAHR EH-soh. BYEH-neh kohn beh-BEE-dah?
Perfect, I'll try that. Does it come with a drink?
The 'menú del día' in most countries includes a drink (juice, soda, or water). Always ask!