Master the art of ordering at French restaurants and cafés. Apply food vocabulary and polite phrases to confidently communicate your preferences and requests.
Dining out is one of the great pleasures of French culture. From cozy bistros to chic cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, France offers a vast array of culinary experiences. But for non-native speakers, the prospect of ordering in French can be daunting. Fear not! With a little vocabulary and some key phrases, you’ll be navigating French menus and charming servers like a pro. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know to order with confidence and savor every bite of your French dining adventure. Allons-y ! (Let’s go!)
The first step to a successful ordering experience is deciphering the menu. French menus can be quite different from what you might be used to, so let’s break down the typical structure.
Les formules (Set menus)
À la carte
À la carte refers to ordering individual dishes from the menu, as opposed to a set meal. This gives you more flexibility, but can also be pricier. The à la carte menu is usually divided into:
Les boissons (Drinks)
The drink menu, or la carte des boissons, usually includes:
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, scan the menu for these helpful labels:
If you don’t see suitable options, don’t hesitate to ask the server for recommendations or modifications. Most French restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests.
Once you’ve made your selections, it’s time to place your order. Here are the key phrases you’ll need:
Getting the Server's Attention
In France, servers aim to be discreet and not interrupt your meal. To get their attention, make eye contact and use one of these phrases:
Ordering Drinks
Ordering Food
In French, it’s polite to use the conditional tense (je voudrais, je prendrai) when ordering, as it sounds more tentative and less demanding than the present tense (je veux, je prends).
If you’re ordering meat, you may be asked how you’d like it cooked. Here’s how to specify doneness:
For seasoning, you can say:
If a dish is épicé (spicy), you can request:
Seasoning requests are less common in France than in some other countries. French chefs take great pride in their recipes and usually season dishes to their taste. However, most will accommodate requests if you have a dietary need or strong preference.
Even with a thorough menu, you may have questions or special requests. Here are some useful phrases:
Asking About Dishes
Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
Modifying Dishes
While French restaurants are generally accommodating, some may be reluctant to make substitutions or modifications, especially in high-end establishments. Chefs take great care in crafting their dishes and may view changes as an affront to their culinary vision. It’s always best to ask politely and be understanding if a request can’t be met.
As you savor your meal, you may need to interact with your server. Here are some common scenarios:
Refills and Additional Orders
Complimenting the Food
Commenting on Dishes
Sending Dishes Back
In France, sending a dish back is rare and should only be done if there’s a serious problem (e.g., the wrong order, a foreign object in the food, severely over- or undercooked meat). If you must send something back, use these phrases:
Always be polite and apologetic when pointing out a problem. An aggressive or entitled attitude will not be well received.
French dining etiquette dictates that you keep your hands visible above the table (not in your lap) and that you place your knife and fork parallel on your plate when you’re finished eating. This signals to the server that you’re done and they can clear your plate.
As your French dining experience comes to a close, here’s what you need to know:
Declining Further Courses
Ordering Coffee and Digestifs
After dessert, you may be offered coffee (un café) and digestifs (after-dinner drinks). To order:
L'addition (The Bill)
When you’re ready for the bill, catch your server’s eye and say:
The server will bring the bill to your table. In France, it’s customary to have one person pay for the whole table, rather than splitting the bill. If you’re dining with French friends or colleagues, they may insist on treating you (C’est ma tournée ! - It’s my treat!). It’s polite to offer to pay your share (Je vous dois combien ? - How much do I owe you?), but don’t insist if they decline.
Tipping practices in France are different from some other countries. French servers earn a living wage and receive benefits, so tips are not expected. However, it’s common to round up the bill to the nearest euro or two if you were satisfied with the service. For exceptional service, you can leave a few extra euros.
Café etiquette in France is a bit different from restaurants. In most cafés, you order and pay at the counter first, then take your receipt to your table. The server will bring your order to you. When finished, you can simply leave - no need to flag down the server or ask for the bill.
The best way to get comfortable with ordering in French is to practice! Here are some role-play scenarios to try with a partner:
Café Conundrum
You’re at a café and want to order a coffee and a croissant. Ask the server what types of coffee they have and if the croissants are fresh. Order your selection and ask if you can have some jam on the side.
Potential dialogue:
Bistro Banter
You’re at a bistro for lunch. Ask the server what the plat du jour is and what they recommend. You’d like to order the plat du jour, a side salad, and a glass of the house red wine. Your dining companion is vegetarian - ask if the soup of the day is vegetarian-friendly.
Potential dialogue:
Dinner Decisions
You’re at a nice restaurant for dinner. Ask the server to explain a couple of dishes on the menu that you’re unsure about. You have a shellfish allergy - check if those dishes contain shellfish. Decide on a starter, main course, and dessert, and ask for wine pairings with each course.
Potential dialogue:
When practicing, don’t worry about getting every word perfect. The goal is to communicate effectively and politely. Even if you make some mistakes, your effort to speak French will be appreciated!
Ordering food and drinks in French may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and the right phrases, you’ll be enjoying French cuisine like a local in no time. Remember:
Armed with this knowledge and your handy phrases, you’re ready to embark on a delicious adventure through French restaurants and cafés. In the next section, we’ll explore the colorful world of French food idioms and slang. Until then, bon appétit !
What if I don't understand something on the menu?
Is it rude to ask for substitutions or modifications to a dish?
In general, French chefs prefer that you trust their culinary expertise and enjoy the dish as it’s designed. However, most restaurants will accommodate reasonable requests, especially for dietary needs or allergies. Always ask politely and be understanding if a request can’t be met.
What if I have multiple food allergies or a very restrictive diet?
If you have numerous dietary restrictions, it’s best to call the restaurant in advance or look at their menu online to ensure they can accommodate your needs. When ordering, be clear and specific about what you can’t eat. Consider carrying an allergy card in French that lists your restrictions.
Do I need to make reservations at French restaurants?
For mid-range to high-end restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. Many popular restaurants book up weeks in advance. For casual bistros and cafés, reservations usually aren’t necessary, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have a large group or specific seating requests.
What are the typical dining hours in France?
French meal times are later than in some countries. Lunch is usually served from 12:00-2:00pm, and dinner from 7:30-11:00pm. Many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service. Cafés and brasseries often serve food all day, but may have a limited menu outside of main meal times.
Master the art of ordering at French restaurants and cafés. Apply food vocabulary and polite phrases to confidently communicate your preferences and requests.
Dining out is one of the great pleasures of French culture. From cozy bistros to chic cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, France offers a vast array of culinary experiences. But for non-native speakers, the prospect of ordering in French can be daunting. Fear not! With a little vocabulary and some key phrases, you’ll be navigating French menus and charming servers like a pro. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know to order with confidence and savor every bite of your French dining adventure. Allons-y ! (Let’s go!)
The first step to a successful ordering experience is deciphering the menu. French menus can be quite different from what you might be used to, so let’s break down the typical structure.
Les formules (Set menus)
À la carte
À la carte refers to ordering individual dishes from the menu, as opposed to a set meal. This gives you more flexibility, but can also be pricier. The à la carte menu is usually divided into:
Les boissons (Drinks)
The drink menu, or la carte des boissons, usually includes:
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, scan the menu for these helpful labels:
If you don’t see suitable options, don’t hesitate to ask the server for recommendations or modifications. Most French restaurants are happy to accommodate special requests.
Once you’ve made your selections, it’s time to place your order. Here are the key phrases you’ll need:
Getting the Server's Attention
In France, servers aim to be discreet and not interrupt your meal. To get their attention, make eye contact and use one of these phrases:
Ordering Drinks
Ordering Food
In French, it’s polite to use the conditional tense (je voudrais, je prendrai) when ordering, as it sounds more tentative and less demanding than the present tense (je veux, je prends).
If you’re ordering meat, you may be asked how you’d like it cooked. Here’s how to specify doneness:
For seasoning, you can say:
If a dish is épicé (spicy), you can request:
Seasoning requests are less common in France than in some other countries. French chefs take great pride in their recipes and usually season dishes to their taste. However, most will accommodate requests if you have a dietary need or strong preference.
Even with a thorough menu, you may have questions or special requests. Here are some useful phrases:
Asking About Dishes
Dietary Restrictions and Allergies
Modifying Dishes
While French restaurants are generally accommodating, some may be reluctant to make substitutions or modifications, especially in high-end establishments. Chefs take great care in crafting their dishes and may view changes as an affront to their culinary vision. It’s always best to ask politely and be understanding if a request can’t be met.
As you savor your meal, you may need to interact with your server. Here are some common scenarios:
Refills and Additional Orders
Complimenting the Food
Commenting on Dishes
Sending Dishes Back
In France, sending a dish back is rare and should only be done if there’s a serious problem (e.g., the wrong order, a foreign object in the food, severely over- or undercooked meat). If you must send something back, use these phrases:
Always be polite and apologetic when pointing out a problem. An aggressive or entitled attitude will not be well received.
French dining etiquette dictates that you keep your hands visible above the table (not in your lap) and that you place your knife and fork parallel on your plate when you’re finished eating. This signals to the server that you’re done and they can clear your plate.
As your French dining experience comes to a close, here’s what you need to know:
Declining Further Courses
Ordering Coffee and Digestifs
After dessert, you may be offered coffee (un café) and digestifs (after-dinner drinks). To order:
L'addition (The Bill)
When you’re ready for the bill, catch your server’s eye and say:
The server will bring the bill to your table. In France, it’s customary to have one person pay for the whole table, rather than splitting the bill. If you’re dining with French friends or colleagues, they may insist on treating you (C’est ma tournée ! - It’s my treat!). It’s polite to offer to pay your share (Je vous dois combien ? - How much do I owe you?), but don’t insist if they decline.
Tipping practices in France are different from some other countries. French servers earn a living wage and receive benefits, so tips are not expected. However, it’s common to round up the bill to the nearest euro or two if you were satisfied with the service. For exceptional service, you can leave a few extra euros.
Café etiquette in France is a bit different from restaurants. In most cafés, you order and pay at the counter first, then take your receipt to your table. The server will bring your order to you. When finished, you can simply leave - no need to flag down the server or ask for the bill.
The best way to get comfortable with ordering in French is to practice! Here are some role-play scenarios to try with a partner:
Café Conundrum
You’re at a café and want to order a coffee and a croissant. Ask the server what types of coffee they have and if the croissants are fresh. Order your selection and ask if you can have some jam on the side.
Potential dialogue:
Bistro Banter
You’re at a bistro for lunch. Ask the server what the plat du jour is and what they recommend. You’d like to order the plat du jour, a side salad, and a glass of the house red wine. Your dining companion is vegetarian - ask if the soup of the day is vegetarian-friendly.
Potential dialogue:
Dinner Decisions
You’re at a nice restaurant for dinner. Ask the server to explain a couple of dishes on the menu that you’re unsure about. You have a shellfish allergy - check if those dishes contain shellfish. Decide on a starter, main course, and dessert, and ask for wine pairings with each course.
Potential dialogue:
When practicing, don’t worry about getting every word perfect. The goal is to communicate effectively and politely. Even if you make some mistakes, your effort to speak French will be appreciated!
Ordering food and drinks in French may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and the right phrases, you’ll be enjoying French cuisine like a local in no time. Remember:
Armed with this knowledge and your handy phrases, you’re ready to embark on a delicious adventure through French restaurants and cafés. In the next section, we’ll explore the colorful world of French food idioms and slang. Until then, bon appétit !
What if I don't understand something on the menu?
Is it rude to ask for substitutions or modifications to a dish?
In general, French chefs prefer that you trust their culinary expertise and enjoy the dish as it’s designed. However, most restaurants will accommodate reasonable requests, especially for dietary needs or allergies. Always ask politely and be understanding if a request can’t be met.
What if I have multiple food allergies or a very restrictive diet?
If you have numerous dietary restrictions, it’s best to call the restaurant in advance or look at their menu online to ensure they can accommodate your needs. When ordering, be clear and specific about what you can’t eat. Consider carrying an allergy card in French that lists your restrictions.
Do I need to make reservations at French restaurants?
For mid-range to high-end restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. Many popular restaurants book up weeks in advance. For casual bistros and cafés, reservations usually aren’t necessary, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead if you have a large group or specific seating requests.
What are the typical dining hours in France?
French meal times are later than in some countries. Lunch is usually served from 12:00-2:00pm, and dinner from 7:30-11:00pm. Many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service. Cafés and brasseries often serve food all day, but may have a limited menu outside of main meal times.