Mastering Food Orders in French Made Easy

France is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, featuring an impressive array of fine wines, over 1,000 varieties of cheese, and decadent pastries that tantalize the taste buds. Whether or not you’re tempted by escargot, there’s no denying that French cuisine is iconic. From the crusty perfection of a fresh baguette to the comforting richness of creamy gratins, many consider French food to be among the finest globally.

The French take immense pride in their rich culinary heritage, which has significantly influenced global cuisine. There’s even a delightful term, “le bon vivant,” used to describe someone who truly enjoys fine food and drink!

So, if you’re learning French, at some point, you’ll be learning about food too. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the essentials of ordering food in French, while also expanding your culinary vocabulary. Get ready to savor the delights of French cuisine with confidence!

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Breakfast in France: Le petit-déjeuner

The term “petit-déjeuner” translates to “small lunch,” which aptly describes the French breakfast tradition. Many French individuals often forgo a traditional breakfast, opting instead for just a cup of coffee or tea. When they do indulge in breakfast, it’s typically a sweet affair, featuring pastries or bread slathered with butter and jam. Additionally, orange juice is a popular choice to complement their morning meal.

The waiter might ask you:

• Que voulez-vous pour le petit-déjeuner ? (What would you like for breakfast?)

To this, you can respond:

• Ce matin, je prendrai… (This morning I’ll have…)
• Comme boisson, je prendrai… (As a drink I’ll have…)

It’s important to distinguish between pastries and viennoiseries. Pastries, such as tarte tatin and mille-feuille, are sweet, delicate treats, while viennoiseries, like croissants and pain au chocolat, have a bread-like texture and are typically enjoyed at breakfast.

The examples provided merely scratch the surface of the incredible variety of breads and pastries available at a French boulangerie (bakery). This rich assortment deserves its own dedicated article to truly explore the delightful options!

Lunch in France: Le déjeuner

In French, “le déjeuner” refers to lunch, which often includes multiple courses. For many French people, lunch is the most substantial meal of the day, usually enjoyed between 12:00 and 14:00.

It usually includes the following:

• Entrée (appetizer)
• Plat principal (main course)
• A cheese course or a dessert (or both)

Fun fact: “Jeûner” means to fast and “déjeuner” to break the fast!

Dinner in France: Le dîner

In French, “le dîner” translates to dinner. In France, this meal is typically light and consists of a starter, a main course, and a dessert. A common starter might include a refreshing salad or seasonal vegetables, often served alongside a protein dish, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.

Insider Tip: The apéritif kicks off your dining experience, featuring delightful small bites such as olives, nuts, and chips paired with refreshing drinks. In contrast, the digestif rounds off the meal, offering a high-alcohol beverage designed to support digestion.

Selecting a restaurant

Whether you’re in the mood for a big meal or a snack, France’s got you covered:

• Le restaurant – Go here if you’re up for a big meal.
• Le bistro(t) – Head here if you’re feeling more casual.
• La brasserie – Go here for comfort food, traditional food, and beer.
• Le café – Enjoy coffee, tea, drinks, snacks, and sweets.
• La crêperie – Head here for galettes and crêpes.
• Le bar  – Go here for a drink.
• Le bar à vin – This is the place if you’re in the mood for wine.

Arriving at the restaurant

How to make a reservation in French

To make a reservation at a French restaurant, you can either call ahead or visit in person. Here are a few key phrases you might use:

• Je voudrais réserver une table pour trois personnes. (I’d like to book/reserve a table for three.)
• Demande de table pour ____ personnes.
• Avez-vous de la place pour deux/trois/quatre ? (Do you have room for two/three/four?)
• Je préfère l’extérieur. (I would prefer to sit outside.)
• Je préfère l’intérieur. (I would prefer to sit inside.)

Remember to incorporate phrases like “bonjour,” “merci,” and “s’il vous plaît” into your conversations. Learning these essential French greetings not only shows respect but also enhances your communication experience. Embracing the language can make your interactions more pleasant and engaging!

How to order in French 

If you’re wondering how to politely order food in French, the simplest way is to use the following sentence construction:

• Je voudrais + un/une + noun + s’il vous plaît.

For example :

• Je voudrais une soupe au potiron, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a pumpkin soup, please.)

Here are some other useful expressions for ordering food in French:

• Pourrais-je avoir le menu, s’il vous plaît ? (Could I have the menu, please?)
• Avez-vous un menu en anglais ? (Do you have a menu in English?)
• Je vais prendre… (I’m going to take…)
• Pour commencer… (To begin with…)
• Pour moi… (For me…)
• On est prêt à commander./ Nous sommes prêt(e)s. (We are ready to order.)
• Excusez-moi (Monsieur/Madame) ! (Excuse me (Sir/Madam)!)     
• Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? (What do you recommend?)
• Quel est le plat du jour ? (What is the dish of the day?)
• Un moment, s’il vous plaît. (One moment, please.)
• Qu’est-ce que le/la/les… exactement ? (What’s … exactly?)
• Est-ce que c’est servi avec… (une salade) ? (Is this served with … (salad)?)
• Est-ce qu’il y a des… (fruits de mer) dedans ? (Does this have any … (seafood) in it?)

If you encounter some problems with your order, you might say:

• Excusez-moi, mais je n’ai pas commandé ça. (Excuse me, but I didn’t order this.)
• Je suis désolé(e), mais c’est froid. (I’m sorry, but this is cold.)
• Puis-je changer ma commande, s’il vous plaît ? (Can I change my order please?)

Eating as a modern traveller

Talking about dietary allergies and preferences in French

• Je suis végétarien(ne). (I’m vegetarian.)
• Je suis végétalien(ne)/Je suis végan(e). (I’m vegan.)
• Je suis allergique à___. (I’m allergic to ___.)

Most waiters now understand these terms, but if you’d like to further clarify, you can say:

• Je ne mange ni viande ni poisson. (I don’t eat neither meat nor fish.)
• Je ne mange aucun produit animal. (I don’t eat any animal products.)
• Je ne consomme pas d’œufs, de lait ni de produits laitiers.
• Contains nuts or peanuts? My child has allergies.

Eco-friendly eating and shopping in French

• Pourriez-vous me le donner comme ça, sans sac ? (Can you give it to me like that, without a bag?)
• Non merci, je n’ai pas besoin de sac. (No thank you, I don’t need a bag.)
• Pourriez-vous le mettre dans mon sac ? (Can you put this in my bag?)
• Sans paille, s’il vous plaît. (Without a straw, please.)
• Sans les couverts en plastique, s’il vous plaît. (Without the plastic cutlery, please.)
• Pouvez-vous remplir ma bouteille d’eau, s’il vous plaît? (Can you refill my water bottle, please?)
• Je voudrais un verre d’eau du robinet, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a glass of tap water please.)

Leaving the restaurant

Useful expressions when paying in French

• L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (The bill, please.)
• Est-ce que je peux payer avec la carte bancaire ? (Can I pay with a credit card?)
• Erreur de facturation : le montant de la facture semble excessif.

The waiter might ask you how was the meal, and you can say (if you found it to be good):

• Oui, c’était bon, merci. (Yes, it was good.)
• C’était vraiment délicieux, merci. (Yes, it was delicious.)

Practicing your French can take many forms, but most people agree that speaking it is the most effective method. If you can’t visit a French restaurant soon, don’t worry! You can still immerse yourself in the experience by simulating a dining scenario with a French teacher. This way, you can confidently order all those delicious French delicacies and enhance your conversational skills.

 How to order take away in French

If you enter or call a restaurant to inquire about take away, you can ask:

• Est-ce possible de prendre des plats à emporter? (Is it possible to order takeout?)

In France, takeout was once uncommon at high-end restaurants, but this trend dramatically shifted in recent years, particularly during 2020.

If you’re a fan of takeout, you’re in luck—there are countless websites and apps at your fingertips! Popular platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats feature a wide array of restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Simply choose your desired meal, input your address and payment information, and voilà—your food will be on its way!

Confident about ordering food in French now?

Studies in intercultural communication reveal that language learners need to understand diverse cultural practices and perspectives to communicate effectively across cultures. Additionally, many language experts suggest that focusing on specific applications of the language, rather than striving for general fluency, can accelerate your journey toward achieving your language learning goals.

Understanding a language in context is crucial, especially when it comes to practical situations like ordering food in French. Mastering this skill not only enhances your communication but also prepares you for real-life experiences in restaurants, where you’ll frequently use these phrases.

We trust these tips will be useful when you order food in French! Consider practicing them in conversation to enhance your skills and broaden your culinary vocabulary. Additionally, check out this list of French tutors eager to help you practice!