These aren’t hard and fast rules, but here are some tips for anyone who chooses to observe the correct restaurant etiquette in Lanzarote, or indeed, anywhere in Spain.
Don’t grab a table
You shouldn’t just sit down at a table, inside or outside a restaurant, and it’s considered rude to start re-arranging tables and chairs to suit your party size.
Instead, say hello, signal a member of staff, tell them how many people are in your party, and they will select an appropriate table and, if necessary, move two or more together for you.
It’s common for people on adjacent tables to say “Buenos dias” when you are seated and to wish you “¡Buen provecho!” when your food arrives.
Wear clothes
Chaps – topless is never good in a restaurant, and ladies – you should put something on over your bikini or swimsuit.
Handbags
It’s considered bad luck to put handbags on the floor, and some restaurants will even provide a basket to put them in. It’s perfectly normal to put them on a spare chair at your table.
Be ready for the drinks order
When the waiting staff bring you the menu, they will usually ask what drinks you would like straight away, so be ready for them.
Be assertive
Waiting staff here tend to manage many tables, so they will often be rushing around. Don’t rely on them regularly checking in to see how things are going and if need more drinks or food. If you can’t catch their eye with a wave, feel free to draw their attention with a “¡Perdón!”
Sharing is normal
Many dishes on menus here are designed for sharing, and often, people will choose to order several dishes, “Para picar” or “Para compartir,” and the staff will place the food in the centre of the table and give everyone a small plate.
You have to ask for the bill
It’s considered rude in Spain to bring the bill unasked, so it won’t just arrive. You will have to ask for it. The period after everyone has eaten is time to enjoy a natter, maybe have a few more drinks, and let the food go down.
Tipping
Unlike the United States, for example, there are no hard and fast rules about tipping in Spain, and some people choose not to tip at all. For sure, if the service has been poor, don’t tip, but if it’s been good, 5% is typical and if exceptional, 10%.
And there you have it, our tips for restaurant etiquette here in Lanzarote!
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