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# French Phrases for Ordering Food Like a Local
- URL: https://blog.lingodeer.com/french-phrases-for-ordering-food-like-a-local/
- Published: 2024-09-13T02:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-12T04:22:51.000Z
- Description: Essential French phrases and expressions for a better dining experience. Discover key expressions to enhance your culinary adventure!
- Author: Dear Deer
- Tags: Learn French

French cuisine is celebrated as one of the [Three Grand Cuisines](https://headaygzjr.medium.com/why-is-turkish-food-chinese-food-and-french-food-also-known-as-the-three-major-cuisines-in-the-91f800286bfd?ref=blog.lingodeer.com), known for its rich flavors and culinary excellence. To fully enjoy your French dining experience, it’s essential to master the art of ordering food in French. In this guide, we’ll explore key phrases and expressions that will help you navigate any menu with confidence and make your culinary adventure even more delightful!

### **Basic French Phrases for Dining Out**

When dining out in France, these key phrases can enhance your experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate a French restaurant with ease:

- **Bonjour / Bonsoir**

*Hello / Good evening*

- **Excusez-moi**

*Excuse me*

- **Je voudrais une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît.**

*I would like a table for two, please.*

- **Pourrais-je voir le menu, s'il vous plaît ?**

*Could I see the menu, please?*

- **Avez-vous une suggestion/une spécialité ?**

*Do you have a suggestion/a specialty?*

- **Quels sont les plats du jour ?**

*What are the daily specials?*

### **Choosing Your Food**

When it’s time to make your choice at a French restaurant, here are some handy phrases to use:

- **Je voudrais le poulet rôti, s'il vous plaît.**

*I would like the roast chicken, please.*

- **Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez?**

*What do you recommend?*

- Y a-t-il des options végétariennes / véganes ?

*Are there vegetarian / vegan options?*

- **Je préfère mon steak bien cuit.**

*I prefer my steak well done.*

### **Ordering Drinks**

When it comes to ordering drinks at a French restaurant, use these phrases to make sure you get exactly what you want!

- **Je voudrais un verre de vin blanc, s'il vous plaît.**

*I would like a glass of white wine, please.*

- **Pourrais-je voir la carte des vins, s'il vous plaît ?**

*Could I see the wine list, please?*

### **Handling the Bill**

When it's time to settle the bill, use these phrases to request it and check if service is included.

- **L’addition, s'il vous plaît.**

*The bill, please.*

- **Le service est-il inclus?**

*Is service included?*

### **Some Other Useful Vocabulary and Expressions**

In addition to the phrases above, here are some other useful vocabulary and expressions that you might find handy. Keep these in mind for later!

- **La carte des vins**

*The Wine Menu*

- **À la carte**

*Individual dishes (usually more expensive than the Fixed Menu)*

- **Prix fixe**

*Fixed Price Menu*

- **Un apéritif**

*A pre-dinner drink or cocktail*

- **Une coupe de Champagne**

*A glass of Champagne*

- **Des glaçons**

*Ice cubes*

- **L’entrée**

*The Starter*

- **Le plat principal**

*The Main Course*

- **Le dessert**

*The Dessert*

- **Le fromage**

The Cheese Course

- **Le digestif**

*A digestive drink or after-dinner drink*

- **Le plat du jour**

*The Daily Special*

- **Un morceau**

A piece

- **Une tranche**

*A slice (of bread, meat, cake)*

- **Une rondelle**

*A slice (of fruit, vegetable)*

- **Un verre de vin**

*A glass of wine*

- **Une carafe d'eau**

*A jug of water or tap water*

- **Saignant/à point/bien cuit**

*Rare/medium-rare/well done*

- **Le service**

*The Service (often included in the bill)*

- **Un couvert**

*A place setting (fork, knife, spoon, etc.)*

- **Un plat à partager**

*A dish to share*

- **Une assiette**

*A plate*

- **Un bol**

*A bowl*

- **Une tasse**

*A cup (for hot drinks)*

- **Un saucier**

*A sauce dish or server of sauces*

- **Un plat végétarien**

*A vegetarian dish*

- **Un plat végan**

*A vegan dish*

- **Des condiments**

*Condiments or seasonings*

- **Un nappage**

Tablecloth

- **Une serviette**

*A napkin*

- **Un menu enfant**

*A children’s menu*

- **Un serveur / Une serveuse**

*A waiter / A waitress*

- **Une addition séparée**

*Separate bills*

With these essential French phrases and tips, you’re now ready to navigate any French menu with confidence, right? 

To practice, role-play a complete restaurant exchange: greet the server, ask about a dish, place your order, respond to a follow-up question, and request the bill.

https://videopress.com/v/GCAgylwg?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true*Ordering food in French dialogue clip*