Eating Etiquette
In contrast to what people are used to in the English-speaking West, all day meals start later in Spain. The primary meal of the day is lunch, or la comida. Typically, they consume it around 2 to 4 p.m. La cena, or dinner, is generally had after 9 o'clock. On weekends, it can start at 10 o'clock or later.
People eat in restaurants (also known as comedors or restaurantes) for complete meals or in bars that provide tapas, pinchos, and raciones (larger portions intended for sharing). While often more expensive, bars provide a wider range of drinks.
Unless you specifically state that a table has been reserved for a specific number of people, Spaniards are free to bring extra guests with them to lunch or dinner. Instead of waiting to be seated, customers in Spain frequently select their own table at a restaurant. Wait to take a seat at someone's house until the host motions for everyone to do so.
Wait until the host or the person who invited everyone says it's time to start eating before you begin.
Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table and your hands visible above the surface. The host makes the initial toast, which is followed later in the meal by the visitor. In Spain, toasting is done with the phrase "Salud!" (Health!).
It's rude to throw food away. So, make an effort to finish everything on your plate. In contrast to leaving food on your plate, it is preferable to deny a large piece or second serving. Tap water at restaurants is rarely consumed by Spaniards. Most often, people are given bottled water or are required to buy a beverage, like a tiny beer (caa) or wine. Don't become too inebriated when eating. At meals, Spaniards often don't consume a lot of alcohol. They frequently engage in lengthy conversation while sharing a single drink.
A wicker basket of bread is frequently included during meals. After finishing their meal, people frequently use bread to devour any sauces or leftovers on their plate. Before or after supper, it's typical to take a leisurely stroll (paseo) outside. After the meal is finished, people continue to chat for a while around the table. The so-called "sobremesa" is this.
