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A1 · Beginner

Ordering a Full Meal: From Couvert to A Conta

Order starters, mains, drinks, and dessert like a local — and learn the couvert rule and the ritual of asking for the bill.

📝 Vocabulary

PortugueseEnglishNotes
A ementaThe menuAlso 'o menu' — never 'cardápio' (Brazilian)
O couvertBread, olives, etc. brought to the tableNot free! Send it back if you don't want it
A entradaThe starter
O prato principalThe main course
O prato do diaThe dish of the dayUsually the best value at lunch
Meia doseHalf portionPortions are big — this is normal to order
A sobremesaThe dessert
Um jarro de águaA jug of tap water
A conta, se faz favorThe bill, please
A gorjetaThe tipOptional in Portugal — rounding up is plenty

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💡 Grammar Notes

Ordering with the Imperfect: "Era..."

The most local way to order is not "quero" (I want) but the imperfect of ser:

  • "Era uma sopa e um bife." (Literally "it was a soup and a steak" — meaning: I'll have...)
  • "Para mim era o prato do dia." (For me, the dish of the day.)

It sounds softer and unmistakably European Portuguese. "Queria..." (I would like) works everywhere too.

The Couvert Rule

The bread, olives, and cheese that appear before you order are o couvert — and they go on the bill if you touch them. Both lines are completely normal:

  • "Pode levar o couvert." (You can take the couvert away.)
  • "Deixamos o couvert." (We'll keep it.)

Getting the Bill

Waiters will never bring the bill unasked — that would be rushing you. Catch their eye and say:

  • "A conta, se faz favor." (The bill, please.)
  • "Pode trazer a conta?" (Can you bring the bill?)

To split it: "Pode dividir?" (Can you split it?) — common among friends, though many places just bring one total.

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