Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

Learn essential phrases to order at restaurants in France

By Jean
Reading Time: 2 minutes
ordering at restaurants in french

France is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, and experiencing it firsthand is a significant part of living and studying in the country. For international students, navigating menus and ordering at restaurants can be a challenging yet rewarding experience.

To help you feel more confident and make your dining experiences more enjoyable, here are some essential phrases and tips. Mastering these key phrases will not only enhance your experience ordering at restaurants but also help you immerse yourself more fully in French culture.

ordering at restaurants in french

Understanding the Menu

  1. Ask about today’s main course:
    • Quel est le plat du jour?
      What is the dish of the day?
  2. Ask for the drinks menu:
    • Je voudrais voir la carte des boissons, s’il vous plaît.
      I would like to see the drinks menu, please.
  3. Ask for the dessert menu:
    • Je voudrais voir la carte des desserts, s’il vous plaît.
      I would like to see the dessert menu, please.

Ordering at Restaurants

  1. Making a reservation:
    • Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux personnes à 19 heures.
      I would like to reserve a table for two at 7 PM.
  2. Placing an order:
    • Je prendrai…
      I will have…
    • Que me conseillez-vous de prendre?
      Could you recommend a dish for me?
  3. Special requests:
    • Je suis allergique à…
      I am allergic to…
    • Sans gluten, s’il vous plaît.
      Gluten-free, please.
  4. Ordering wine:
    • Je prendrai une bouteille de vin rouge/blanc.
      I will have a bottle of red/white wine.
    • Quel vin recommendez-vous avec ce plat?
      Which wine goes well with this dish?

ordering at restaurants in french

Asking for Clarifications

  1. Spiciness and dietary preferences:
    • Est-ce que c’est épicé?
      Is it spicy?
    • Est-ce que c’est végétarien?
      Is it vegetarian?
  2. Portion sizes:
    • Est-ce que ce plat est suffisant pour une personnel?
      Is this dish enough for one person?

During the Meal

  1. To call the waiter:
    • Excusez-moi!
      Excuse me!
    • S’il vous plaît!
      Please!
  2. Additional requests:
    • Puis-je avoir un peu plus de pain?
      Can I have some more bread?
    • De l’eau, s’il vous plaît.
      Water, please.

ordering at restaurants in french

After the Meal

  1. Asking for the bill:
    • L’addition, s’il vous plaît.
      The bill, please.
    • Est-ce que je peux payer par carte?
      Can I pay by card?
  2. Thanking the staff:
    • Merci beaucoup pour votre service.
      Thank you very much for your service.

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

While Standard French is the official and most widely spoken language in France, many regional dialects continue to shape the country’s linguistic landscape. Some are closely related to French, while others are linguistically unrelated. Learn more about dialects spoken in France in this article. Historical background The shift toward a single national language began in...
French and Italian are both Romance languages with Latin roots—but how similar are they, and what does that mean for language learners? Let’s explore the key similarities and differences between French and Italian. Similarities between French and Italian While French and Italian each have their own unique identities, they share foundational traits thanks to their...
Living in France long term takes more than just a dream—it requires planning, persistence, and the right steps. This 5-year guide will help you navigate language learning, education, and employment so you can build a stable and rewarding life in France. First things first: Is France really for you? Moving abroad for the long term...
Want to do something meaningful this summer? If you apply now, you could be spending your summer vacation in France learning about the language and experiencing the culture! Why learning French in France is the fastest way to make progress Immersing yourself in French culture is the fastest and most effective way to improve your...
Are you a teacher, tutor, or organization planning a school group trip to France? We’re here to help you organize the experience you envision. We specialize in crafting immersive educational experiences, making it easier than ever for schools, universities, and other educational institutions to organize study trips to France. Tailored educational travel for your students...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help