Ordering in French Restaurants: Essential Phrases and Etiquette

Initial Contact

Getting Attention

1. "Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît" (A table for two, please)

• Standard phrase to request seating
• Always add "s'il vous plaît" for politeness

2. "Est-ce que je peux voir la carte?" (Can I see the menu?)

• Used when menu isn't provided
• Alternative: "La carte, s'il vous plaît"

Ordering Drinks

Common Requests

1. "Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît" (I would like a coffee, please)

• "Je voudrais" is more polite than "Je veux"

2. "Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît" (A pitcher of tap water, please)

• Free tap water is a legal right in French restaurants

Wine Orders

1. "Le vin du jour?" (The wine of the day?)

• Common way to ask about house wine

2. "Une bouteille de vin rouge/blanc" (A bottle of red/white wine)

• Specify color when ordering wine

Ordering Food

Starters

1. "Pour commencer, je prendrai..." (To start, I'll have...)

• Standard phrase to order appetizers

2. "Quelles sont les entrées du jour?" (What are today's starters?)

• Ask about daily specials

Main Course

1. "Comme plat principal..." (For the main course...)

• Introduces your main dish order

2. "La viande, elle est comment?" (How is the meat prepared?)

• Ask about preparation methods

Specific Preferences

1. "Bien cuit/à point/saignant" (Well done/medium/rare)

• For meat preparation preferences

2. "Sans..." (Without...)

• Used for dietary restrictions or preferences Example: "Sans oignons" (Without onions)

During the Meal

Additional Requests

1. "Je peux avoir..." (Could I have...)

• "...du pain?" (some bread?)
• "...du sel?" (some salt?)
• "...du poivre?" (some pepper?)

2. "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" (The bill, please)

• Used when ready to pay

Useful Expressions

Appreciation

1. "C'était délicieux" (It was delicious)

• Express satisfaction after meal

2. "Mes compliments au chef" (My compliments to the chef)

• Formal way to express high satisfaction

Problems

1. "Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai commandé" (This isn't what I ordered)

• Polite way to indicate a mistake

2. "C'est froid" (It's cold)

• To indicate temperature issues

Cultural Notes

1. Service Expectations

• French service is less rushed than American
• Waiters wait for clear signals from customers

2. Tipping

• Service is included ("service compris")
• Additional tips (5-10%) for exceptional service

3. Meal Times

• Lunch: 12:00-14:00
• Dinner: 19:30-22:00
• Many restaurants don't serve outside these hours

Essential Vocabulary

1. Menu Terms

• La carte: menu
• Le menu: fixed price menu
• Le plat du jour: dish of the day
• L'addition: the bill

2. Course Names

• Une entrée: starter
• Le plat principal: main course
• Le dessert: dessert

Remember: French dining is a cultural experience. Take your time, speak softly, and always use polite forms. The meal is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.