A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is amazing" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'this is amazing' in Spanish when enjoying a great meal at a restaurant, complete with pronunciation and cultural tips.
Esto está delicioso
EHS-toh ehs-TAH deh-lee-SYOH-sohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this phrase when the food or drink you just tasted exceeds your expectations and you want to compliment the dish. It is perfect for expressing genuine delight to your server or dining companions right after taking a bite. It specifically targets the quality of the food on your plate.
Alternatives
- Está buenísimobetter for a slightly more casual, enthusiastic praise of the food
- Qué rico está estobetter when you want to sound highly natural and conversational with locals
- Excelente comidabetter for a formal compliment directly to the chef or restaurant manager
Ways to get it wrong
Using 'Es' instead of 'Está'
Saying 'esto es delicioso' implies the food is inherently amazing by definition, whereas 'está' correctly describes how it tastes right now.
Translating literally as 'Esto es increíble'
While grammatically correct, 'increíble' sounds a bit dramatic and less natural than 'delicioso' or 'buenísimo' in a casual dining context.
A small cultural note
In Latin America, compliments about the food are highly appreciated by restaurant staff and often prompt the server to proudly pass the message along to the kitchen.
Frequently asked
Do you use ser or estar for delicious in Spanish?
You should almost always use 'estar' when describing how food tastes in the moment, as it refers to the current state of the dish you are eating. Using 'ser' changes the meaning to describe a permanent characteristic, which sounds unnatural at the dinner table.
How do you compliment the chef in Latin America?
You can tell your waiter 'Felicidades al chef' or simply use 'Esto está delicioso' with enthusiasm. Delivering the compliment with a smile ensuring it gets back to the kitchen is standard practice.
What is the difference between rico and delicioso?
'Rico' is incredibly common, versatile, and slightly more casual, akin to saying food is 'tasty' or 'yummy.' 'Delicioso' is just a bit more emphatic and focuses purely on the high quality of the flavor.
