Ordering food in French is a key skill for navigating restaurants, cafes, and bistros in French-speaking regions. This guide covers the most useful vocabulary and phrases, from polite expressions to menu items and common questions you’ll encounter.
Polite Phrases
Polite phrases help you navigate the ordering process smoothly and show good manners.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour, je voudrais… | Hello, I would like… |
| S’il vous plaît | Please |
| Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me |
| Puis-je avoir… ? | May I have…? |
| C’est tout, merci. | That’s all, thank you. |
| Combien ça coûte ? | How much does it cost? |
| Je prends ça. | I’ll take that. |
| À bientôt ! | See you soon! |
| La carte, s’il vous plaît. | The menu, please. |
Menu Items
Knowing common menu items will help you identify what you want to order.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Le plat du jour | The dish of the day |
| L’entrée | Starter/appetizer |
| Le dessert | Dessert |
| La boisson | Drink |
| Le café | Coffee |
| Le thé | Tea |
| L’eau minérale | Mineral water |
| Le vin | Wine |
| Le pain | Bread |
| La salade | Salad |
Ordering Phrases
These phrases are specifically for placing your order with the waiter or waiter.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je voudrais… | I would like… |
| Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? | What do you recommend? |
| C’est pour une personne/deux personnes. | It’s for one/two people. |
| Est-ce que c’est épicé ? | Is it spicy? |
| Je suis allergique à… | I’m allergic to… |
| Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ? | Could you repeat, please? |
| Je vais prendre le même. | I’ll have the same. |
| Avec ceci, s’il vous plaît. | With this, please. |
| Pourriez-vous apporter l’addition ? | Could you bring the bill? |
| Ça sera tout. | That will be all. |
Please translate into French: 'I would like...'
Je voudrais…
'Je voudrais…' is a polite way to say 'I would like…' in French. It’s commonly used when ordering food.
Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, these phrases can help you communicate your needs.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Je ne mange pas de viande. | I don’t eat meat. |
| Je suis végétarien(ne). | I’m vegetarian. |
| Je ne mange pas de gluten. | I don’t eat gluten. |
| Je suis allergique aux noix. | I’m allergic to nuts. |
| Est-ce que ce plat contient… ? | Does this dish contain…? |
| Sans sel, s’il vous plaît. | Without salt, please. |
| Sans sucre, s’il vous plaît. | Without sugar, please. |
| Est-ce que c’est bio ? | Is it organic? |
| Je voudrais un plat léger. | I would like a light dish. |
| Peut-on modifier la recette ? | Can the recipe be modified? |
Please translate into French: 'I’m vegetarian.'
Je suis végétarien(ne).
'Je suis végétarien' (for males) or 'Je suis végétarienne' (for females) means 'I’m vegetarian.' in French.
Paying the Bill
When you’re ready to leave, these phrases will help you handle the payment.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| L’addition, s’il vous plaît. | The bill, please. |
| Puis-je payer par carte ? | Can I pay by card? |
| Je paie en espèces. | I’m paying in cash. |
| Gardez la monnaie. | Keep the change. |
| Est-ce que le service est compris ? | Is the tip included? |
| Pouvez-vous diviser l’addition ? | Can you split the bill? |
| C’était délicieux, merci ! | It was delicious, thank you! |
| À quelle table étiez-vous ? | At which table were you? |
| Je reviens tout de suite. | I’ll be right back. |
| Merci et bonne soirée ! | Thank you and have a good evening! |
With these phrases and vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to order food confidently in French.
Flashcards (1 of 50)
- English: Hello, I would like…
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
