NUR 398/HLT 398

Use these French food phrases and include some of your favorite foods to write and
read/perform a dialogue with a waiter. Each of you will play each role (patron and waiter).
There are different types of places to eat. We’ll have 2 suppers together in restaurants but you
may prefer another type of venue:
 Le restaurant — This is where you go when you want un grand repas français (a big
French meal) at a regular mealtime.
 Le bistro(t) — These smaller, typically more casual restaurants often serve high quality
food for less money than a traditional restaurant.
 La brasserie — This is a brewery. If you’re looking for good beer and/or hearty food, this
is your place. Full meals and snacks are usually served throughout the day until late at
night.
 Le café — This is your everything spot. Full meals, quick bites, just a drink. It can all be
had right here. Don’t forget the fabulous people-watching! It’s also the word for coffee.
 La crêperie — As the name implies, come here when you’re in the mood for delicious
savory galettes and sweet crêpes.
 Le bar — If you see this sign outside, you should be able to grab a drink without eating
anything.
 Le bar à vin — Wine bars run the gamut from serving an array of food to serving only
small bites and charcuterie. But one thing you can be sure of is that the wine will be
delicious. Then again, when is it not? We’re talking about France after all.
Phrases to get you in the door and get food/fluid.
 Bonjour. J’ai une réservation pour deux (trois/quatre) sous le nom de … : Hello. I have a
reservation for two (three/ four) under the name of…
 Avez-vous une table pour deux (trois/quatre)?: Do you have a table for two
(three/four)? – If you don’t have a reservation, this is how to ask if you can be seated.
Remember, though, that it’s best to call ahead, especially for dinner.
 La carte, s’il vous plaît.: The menu, please.
 La carte des vins, s’il vous plaît.: The wine list, please.
 Qu’est-ce que vous voulez commander?: What would you like to order? -Just so you
know, if the waiter says this to you, he or she is asking for your order!
 Que voulez-vous?: What would you like? -The waiter will ask this as either an alternative
way of taking your order, or as a general way of seeing if there’s something else (a
napkin, some water) you’d like.
 Qu’est-ce que la recommandation du chef?: What is the chef’s recommendation? – If
you don’t know what to order, this is a great way to find out what the best/ most
famous dishes at the restaurant are.
 Quel est le plat du jour?: What’s today’s special?
  Je prendrai/ Je voudrais/ J’aimerais…: I would like to order… – All three are acceptable.
 Un moment, s’il vous plaît.: One moment, please. – This is something to say if you are
still deciding what to get.
 L’addition, s’il vous plaît.: The check, please. – Usually, you won’t get the check until you
ask for it. This is a polite way to let the waiter know you are ready to leave.

Common foods/fluids you may order:

 Vin rouge/ blanc/ mousseux: red wine/ white wine/ sparkling wine
 J’aimerais de l’eau.: I would like some water.
 le pain: bread
 le fromage: cheese
 une salade: a salad -Strictly speaking, this is also the word for lettuce, so if it is listed on
the side of something like a hamburger, it may just mean that the dish comes with
lettuce. Be aware of the context.
 les pommes de terre: potatoes
 le porc: pork
 le poulet: chicken
 le bœuf: beef
 le café: coffee
 la soupe / le potage / le velouté (soup)
 l’œuf (egg)
 le bœuf (beef)
 l’agneau (lamb)
 les escargots (snails)
 le lapin (rabbit)
 thé : tea the chaud: hot tea (but that’s probably the only kind they have)
 J’aime mon steak saignant/ à point/ bien cuit.: I like my steak rare/ medium(-rare)/ well-
cooked.
 Puis-je avoir du sel/ poivre?: May I get some salt/ pepper?
 Un café avec le dessert, s’il vous plaît.: A coffee with dessert, please.
And don’t forget a compliment:
 c’est délicieux : it’s delicious
Parlez-vous Anglais? Do you speak English?
Ou est la sale de bains? Ou est le toilette? Where is the bathroom?
Essential French phrases for eating out. Retrieved February 2, 2019 from:
https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2015/05/essential-french-phrases-for-eating-out/