French cuisine is celebrated as one of the Three Grand Cuisines, known for its rich flavors and culinary excellence. To fully enjoy your French dining experience, it’s essential to master the art of ordering food in French. In this guide, we’ll explore key phrases and expressions that will help you navigate any menu with confidence and make your culinary adventure even more delightful!
Basic French Phrases for Dining Out
When dining out in France, these key phrases can enhance your experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate a French restaurant with ease:
- Bonjour / Bonsoir
Hello / Good evening
- Excusez-moi
Excuse me
- Je voudrais une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît.
I would like a table for two, please.
- Pourrais-je voir le menu, s’il vous plaît ?
Could I see the menu, please?
- Avez-vous une suggestion/une spécialité ?
Do you have a suggestion/a specialty?
- Quels sont les plats du jour ?
What are the daily specials?
Choosing Your Food
When it’s time to make your choice at a French restaurant, here are some handy phrases to use:
- Je voudrais le poulet rôti, s’il vous plaît.
I would like the roast chicken, please.
- Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez?
What do you recommend?
- Y a-t-il des options végétariennes / véganes ?
Are there vegetarian / vegan options?
- Je préfère mon steak bien cuit.
I prefer my steak well done.
Ordering Drinks
When it comes to ordering drinks at a French restaurant, use these phrases to make sure you get exactly what you want!
- Je voudrais un verre de vin blanc, s’il vous plaît.
I would like a glass of white wine, please.
- Pourrais-je voir la carte des vins, s’il vous plaît ?
Could I see the wine list, please?
Handling the Bill
When it’s time to settle the bill, use these phrases to request it and check if service is included.
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît.
The bill, please.
- Le service est-il inclus?
Is service included?
Some Other Useful Vocabulary and Expressions
In addition to the phrases above, here are some other useful vocabulary and expressions that you might find handy. Keep these in mind for later!
- La carte des vins
The Wine Menu
- À la carte
Individual dishes (usually more expensive than the Fixed Menu)
- Prix fixe
Fixed Price Menu
- Un apéritif
A pre-dinner drink or cocktail
- Une coupe de Champagne
A glass of Champagne
- Des glaçons
Ice cubes
- L’entrée
The Starter
- Le plat principal
The Main Course
- Le dessert
The Dessert
- Le fromage
The Cheese Course
- Le digestif
A digestive drink or after-dinner drink
- Le plat du jour
The Daily Special
- Un morceau
A piece
- Une tranche
A slice (of bread, meat, cake)
- Une rondelle
A slice (of fruit, vegetable)
- Un verre de vin
A glass of wine
- Une carafe d’eau
A jug of water or tap water
- Saignant/à point/bien cuit
Rare/medium-rare/well done
- Le service
The Service (often included in the bill)
- Un couvert
A place setting (fork, knife, spoon, etc.)
- Un plat à partager
A dish to share
- Une assiette
A plate
- Un bol
A bowl
- Une tasse
A cup (for hot drinks)
- Un saucier
A sauce dish or server of sauces
- Un plat végétarien
A vegetarian dish
- Un plat végan
A vegan dish
- Des condiments
Condiments or seasonings
- Un nappage
Tablecloth
- Une serviette
A napkin
- Un menu enfant
A children’s menu
- Un serveur / Une serveuse
A waiter / A waitress
- Une addition séparée
Separate bills
With these essential French phrases and tips, you’re now ready to navigate any French menu with confidence, right?
Want to practice more? Try the FluenDay App! It features curated movie clips from over 3,000 films and dramas, so you can learn how to order food through authentic movie scenes.
Download the app for free by clicking the image below!
Leave your comments