Eating out in Portugal: ementa, prato do dia and the couvert
What's on the table before you order, what the dish of the day is, and the phrases to order and pay like a local.
The couvert
Bread, butter, olives or cheese often arrive before you order: that's the couvert, and it isn't free. If you don't want it, it's normal to say so and send it back; by law it can't be charged if you didn't ask for it and left it untouched. If you eat it, it will be on the bill.
Não queremos o couvert, obrigado.
We don't want the couvert, thanks.
The menu
The menu is the ementa (or carta). At lunchtime many places have a prato do dia (dish of the day) or a menu do dia with soup, main, drink and coffee. Meia dose is a half portion, and portions are often generous.
Qual é o prato do dia?
What's the dish of the day?
Pode ser meia dose?
Could I have a half portion?
Paying
A conta, por favor.
The bill, please.
Tipping is not compulsory; rounding up or leaving a little for good service is common.
Try thisSopa is a big part of Portuguese meals: there's a sopa do dia on almost every menu, and caldo verde is a classic.
Quick check
A half portion is…
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