30 Essential French Words for Restaurant Dining

Heading to a French restaurant? Whether you're in Paris or just trying out a local French bistro, knowing these essential words will help you order with confidence and enjoy your dining experience.

Menu Sections

Entrées (Starters)

• La soupe - soup
• La salade - salad
• Le pâté - pate

Plats Principaux (Main Courses)

• Le boeuf - beef
• Le poulet - chicken
• Le poisson - fish

Accompagnements (Side Dishes)

• Les frites - french fries
• Le riz - rice
• Les légumes - vegetables

Cooking Methods

• Grillé - grilled
• Rôti - roasted
• Poêlé - pan-fried

Useful Phrases

• Je voudrais... - I would like...
• L'addition, s'il vous plaît - The bill, please
• C'est délicieux - It's delicious

Drinks

• L'eau - water
• Le vin - wine
• Le café - coffee

Desserts

• La tarte - pie
• Le gâteau - cake
• La glace - ice cream

Tips for Ordering

Remember to start your order with "Je voudrais" (I would like) or "Je prends" (I'll have). For example:

"Je voudrais le steak-frites, s'il vous plaît." (I would like the steak and fries, please.)

"Je prends une salade verte et le poulet rôti." (I'll have a green salad and the roasted chicken.)

Using these words and phrases, you'll be able to read menus, order meals, and even chat a bit with your server in French. Bon appétit!