Ordering in French
French cuisine is a cornerstone of global gastronomy, and dining in France is a cultural experience in itself. From Parisian bistros to Provençal restaurants, knowing how to order in French elevates your meal from tourist experience to authentic pleasure. This guide covers every phrase you need, from getting seated to settling the bill.
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Getting Seated and Starting
French dining has its own etiquette. Always greet the staff when entering, wait to be seated in formal restaurants, and never rush the experience.
In France, l'entrée means the starter, not the main course. The main dish is le plat principal or simply le plat. This is a common source of confusion for English speakers. When a waiter asks "Vous prenez une entrée?" they are asking about your appetizer.
Ordering Your Meal
French menus can be elaborate, but these phrases help you navigate dietary preferences, ask about ingredients, and customize your order confidently.
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Finishing Your Meal
The end of a French meal is an art in itself. From cheese courses to the check, these phrases wrap up your dining experience gracefully.
Coffee in France comes after dessert, never with it. Ordering un café gets you an espresso. For a larger coffee, ask for un café allongé (a long coffee, similar to an Americano). If you want milk, ask for un café crème.
French Meal Structure
Understanding the classic French meal sequence helps you order with confidence:
- L'apéritif — Pre-dinner drink (kir, pastis, champagne)
- L'entrée — Starter (soup, salad, terrine)
- Le plat principal — Main course
- Le fromage — Cheese course
- Le dessert — Dessert
- Le café — Coffee
- Le digestif — After-dinner drink (cognac, armagnac)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ask for the check in a French restaurant?
Say L'addition, s'il vous plaît. In France, the waiter will never rush you or bring the check unsolicited — it is considered rude to hurry diners. You must ask for it. Catching the waiter's eye and miming writing on your palm also works.
Is tipping required in France?
A service charge (service compris) is included by law in all French restaurant bills. Tipping is not obligatory, but leaving small change or rounding up a few euros for good service is common and appreciated. You do not need to add 15-20% as you would in the United States.
How do I say I have food allergies in French?
Say Je suis allergique à... (I am allergic to...). Common allergens: les noix (nuts), le gluten (gluten), les produits laitiers (dairy), les fruits de mer (shellfish). French restaurants take allergies seriously, especially since allergen labeling is required by EU law.
What is the typical French meal structure?
A traditional French meal follows this order: l'apéritif (pre-dinner drink), l'entrée (starter — note this is NOT the main course), le plat principal (main course), le fromage (cheese), and le dessert. At restaurants, you can order just a plat, or an entrée + plat, or the full sequence.
What is the difference between une carafe d'eau and eau minérale?
Une carafe d'eau is free tap water and is perfectly safe and acceptable to order in any French restaurant. Eau minérale (mineral water) is bottled and costs money. If you want free water, specifically ask for une carafe d'eau — otherwise the waiter may bring bottled water.