So you travel to France and wanted to order food from a lovely French dining establishment. This article will provide you with key “French Ordering” vocabulary, and the knowledge of how to confidently request your meal. You’ll amaze your English speaking friends when you order for each member of the table, or wow your date/spouse.
If you’re not interested in the vocabulary, simply scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the proper technique. Try your best with the pronunciation, and if you’re a real beginner at French, always carry a small dictionary with you just in case!
RESTAURANT VOCABULARY
La Carte (des vins): The menu (of wines)
À La Carte: “From the Menu” type of dinning style when the diner selects individual dishes (like the U.S)
Prix Fixe: This dining style, the diner selects from an already built menu; it usually features several courses and is better priced than the “À La Carte” option.
Un Apéretif: Pre-dinner drink, cocktail
L’Entrée: The appetizer
Le Plat Principal: The main course
Le Dessert: The dessert
Le Fromage: The cheese course
Le Digestif: The digestive drink, after-dinner drink
…. Du Jour: …. Of the Day
(Any dish followed by this phrase indicates it’s a daily special, example: Le Soup Du Jour)
ORDERING FOOD VOCABULARY
Est-ce que c’est possible d’avoir une table pour deux personnes?
Can I have a table for two? (Switch the word “deux” with any number you need)
Est-ce que vous avez une suggestion/une spécialité?
Do you have a suggestion/a specialty?
Est-ce qu’il y a un plat du jour?
Is there a daily special? (S-keel-E-Ah uhn plah do jewR)
Commander (Je suis prêt(e) à commander): To order (I am ready to order) note that you’ll need the extra “e” if you’re a woman. So, it’s pronounced “prey” as a man and “phret” as a woman.
Je voudrais/ J’aimerais/ Je prends: I would like…, I would love…, I will take… (all are appropriate)
Un Morceau: A piece
Une Tranche: A slice (of bread, meat, cake)
Une Rondelle: A slice (fruit, veggie)
Un verre de vin: A glass of wine
Ce-plat là (requires you point): This dish here… (Very useful when you can’t pronounce something).
Rosé, À point, Bien Cuit: Rare, medium-rare, well done
C’est Terminé: We’re finished eating
L’Addition (S’il vous plaît): The bill (please)
Service (non) Compris: Tip (not) included
