Introduction to Dining in France
It’s not about eating alone, but in a French restaurant. France is renowned for its world-class food, so eating out there would be considered an opportunity to experience an age-old tradition of culinary art. Even though it might seem intimidating to order food in French, there are some basic phrases that will definitely make your dining much more pleasurable and genuine. Whether in a quaint Paris café or gourmet bistro, a little French takes you all the way in, letting you get what you want in a meal.
Essentials for Ordering in French
First, keep in mind that the French people tend to be proper. Some few words like “s’il vous plaît” meaning please, and “merci”, meaning thank you, go a long way. It is always polite on your part, apart from setting the mood for good dining.
Common French Greetings for Dining
When entering a restaurant, social etiquette dictates greeting the staff. A simple “Bonjour” (Good day) or “Bonsoir” (Good evening) does the trick in establishing the right ambience of courtesy. If you are on familiar terms with your server, prepend “Monsieur” (Sir) or “Madame” (Madam) to the salutation for better acquaintance.
Phrases for Asking for a Table
Upon entering and wishing to be seated, you could order by saying, “Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît” (A table for two, please). If you have a reservation, then you may specify by saying, “J’ai une réservation au nom de [Your Last Name]” (I have a reservation under the name [Your Last Name]).
French Menu Vocabulary
Knowing some of the common words on the menu will also help you know what each dish is. Some of the common headings are:
Appetizers: Entrées
Courses: Plats
Desserts: Desserts
Knowing a few words for dishes, such as “soup” (soup), “salade” (salad), or “steak-frites” (steak with fries), also helps. If you are still unsure, you can always ask, “Qu’est-ce que c’est?” (What is this?)
Ordering Drinks in French
Drinks Start with “Je voudrais” (I would like). Here are a few drink phrases to get you started:
Un verre d’eau: A glass of water
Un café: Coffee
Un vin rouge/blanc: A red/white wine
You can also ask for “sans glace” (without ice) or “avec glace” (with ice) to specify your preference.
Understanding French Course Terms
Courses are ordered when you’re eating in France. Here’s a quick rundown:
Entrée: The first course, or appetizer
Plat principal: Main course
Dessert: Dessert
Popular dishes for each course may be “foie gras” for entrées, “coq au vin” for the main course, and “tarte Tatin” for dessert.
French Vocabulary of Different Dietary Preferences
If you have any dietary preferences, communicate them. Here are some useful phrases
Je suis végétarien(ne): I am vegetarian
Sans gluten: Gluten-free
Sans produits laitiers: Dairy-free
If you have allergies, you will use “Je suis allergique à…” followed by the allergen, such as “aux noix” for nuts.
How to Specify Portion Sizes
To indicate portion sizes, use “petit” (small) or “grand” (large). For example,
Une petite portion, s’il vous plaît: A small portion, please
Une grande bière : A large beer
This is useful if you want to vary the size of your drink or dish.
How to Customize Your Order
For special requests, you can use “sans” (without) or “avec” (with). Here is how to order an item with customization:
Sans fromage: Without cheese
Avec sauce à part: With the sauce on the side
If you would like a side dish, you can also say, “Je voudrais [dish] en accompagnement” (I would like [dish] as a side).
Expressions for Complimenting the Food
If you like what’s being served, let your server know! You can say, “C’est délicieux!” (It is delicious!) or “Compliments au chef” (Compliments to the chef). Voilà! Expressing your appreciation for the food will make your dining experience even better and help you stay in contact with French culture.
Requesting the Bill in French
When you want to leave, you can ask for the bill using the polite phrase “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.” In France, it is common to give a small tip by rounding up to the nearest euro.
Conclusion
Eating out in France can be a memorable experience if you are to get into the language. Understanding the basic phrases not only helps you order what you want to eat but also makes the whole dining experience quite enjoyable. It is a sign of respect for the culture, and locals may appreciate that you try talking in their tongue. The next time you eat out in France, use the following confidently so that it may become enjoyably memorable.