When visiting a French-speaking country, one of the most delightful experiences can be dining out and enjoying the local cuisine. To ensure you have the best experience, it’s helpful to know some common French phrases for ordering food at restaurants. Here is a guide to essential French vocabularies that will help you navigate a French menu and communicate with restaurant staff.
Menu
This word refers to the list of food and beverage options available in a restaurant.
Pourriez-vous me donner le menu, s’il vous plaît?
Commander
This verb means “to order” in the context of ordering food or drinks.
Je vais commander un plat principal et une boisson.
Entrée
In French, “entrée” refers to the starter or appetizer.
Comme entrée, je prendrai la soupe à l’oignon.
Plat principal
This phrase means “main course.”
Pour le plat principal, j’aimerais le steak frites.
Dessert
This word refers to the sweet course that typically comes at the end of a meal.
Avez-vous une recommandation pour le dessert?
Boisson
This term means “drink” and can refer to any liquid refreshment.
Je voudrais une boisson fraîche, s’il vous plaît.
Carte des vins
This is the “wine list” from which you can choose a wine to accompany your meal.
Pouvez-vous apporter la carte des vins?
Service compris
This phrase means “service included,” indicating that the service charge is included in the bill.
Le service est-il compris dans l’addition?
Pourboire
This refers to a “tip” or “gratuity” left for the service staff.
Quel pourcentage de pourboire devrais-je laisser?
Réserver
This verb means “to book” or “to reserve,” usually a table at a restaurant.
Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux personnes.
Allergie alimentaire
This phrase refers to “food allergy.”
Je dois vous informer que j’ai une allergie alimentaire aux noix.
Végétarien / Végétarienne
These words are used to describe a vegetarian diet, with “végétarien” being masculine and “végétarienne” feminine.
Avez-vous des options végétariennes sur votre menu?
Sans gluten
This term means “gluten-free.”
Offrez-vous des plats sans gluten?
Je suis rassasié(e).
This phrase means “I am full.” Use “rassasié” for masculine and “rassasiée” for feminine.
Merci beaucoup, je suis rassasié.
L’addition, s’il vous plaît
This phrase means “The check, please.”
Nous avons fini de manger. Pouvez-vous nous apporter l’addition, s’il vous plaît?
Recommandation
This term refers to a “recommendation,” often used when asking for the server’s suggestion.
Avez-vous une recommandation pour un plat typiquement français?
À emporter
This phrase means “takeaway” or “to go.”
Est-il possible d’avoir ce plat à emporter?
Understanding these phrases will not only enhance your dining experience but also show respect and appreciation for the French culture and language. Whether you’re ordering a simple meal or a gourmet feast, these phrases will help you communicate your dining needs effectively. Bon appétit!
