🇫🇷 Ordering Food at a French Restaurant
Dining out in France is a cultural experience. Here are 10 essential phrases to help you navigate any French restaurant with confidence.
📝 Key phrases
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Je voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît. | I'd like to see the menu, please. | When you arrive |
| Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez ? | What do you recommend? | Asking the waiter |
| Je vais prendre le plat du jour. | I'll have the dish of the day. | Ordering |
| Est-ce que c'est épicé ? | Is it spicy? | Checking preferences |
| Je suis allergique aux fruits de mer. | I'm allergic to seafood. | Allergies |
| Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît. | A carafe of water, please. | Ordering a drink |
| C'est délicieux ! | It's delicious! | Complimenting the food |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît. | The check, please. | End of meal |
| Est-ce que le service est compris ? | Is the service charge included? | Paying |
| On peut payer par carte ? | Can we pay by card? | Paying |
Cultural tip
In France, tipping is not expected because a service charge ("service compris") is included by law. But leaving 1–2€ in coins for good service is a nice gesture.
Common mistake
Don't say "Je suis plein" (I'm full) — in French, this means "I'm pregnant" (or worse). Say "J'ai plus faim" (I'm not hungry anymore) instead.
Did you know?
In France, "la carte" means the full menu, while "le menu" actually means a fixed-price set meal. The opposite of what English speakers expect!
💬 Conversation with Emma
E
Bonsoir ! Bienvenue. Une table pour deux ?
Good evening! Welcome. A table for two?
You
Oui, s'il vous plaît. Je voudrais voir la carte.
Yes, please. I'd like to see the menu.
E
Voilà ! Je vous apporte une carafe d'eau ?
Here you go! Shall I bring you a carafe of water?
You
Oui, merci. Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez ?
Yes, thank you. What do you recommend?
E
Le confit de canard est excellent aujourd'hui.
The duck confit is excellent today.
You
Je vais prendre le confit de canard. Est-ce que c'est épicé ?
I'll have the duck confit. Is it spicy?
E
Pas du tout. C'est fondant et savoureux.
Not at all. It's tender and flavorful.
You
C'est délicieux ! L'addition, s'il vous plaît.
It's delicious! The check, please.
Practice this situation out loud
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