How do you say "Thank you for the meal" in Japanese?

Quick use

Use ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita) at a restaurant after eating, especially when leaving or paying.

Chunk or pattern

• This is a fixed social phrase.
• Learn the whole line first.
• The social timing matters more than the internal grammar.

Practical note

This is a natural thank-you after a meal. You can say it to staff when leaving, or to someone who paid for the meal.