When it comes to fine dining, nothing beats a classic French restaurant. From the chic decor and cozy atmosphere to the delectable food and impeccable service, French restaurants offer an unforgettable experience for any occasion. But, if you’re not familiar with the language or culture of France, ordering a meal can be quite intimidating.
Don’t worry, though. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner date or simply want to enjoy some delicious cuisine in a new city, this article will guide you through the process of ordering food in a French restaurant. Let’s dive in, and dine out.
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Choose the Restaurant
French restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, each offering its own unique dining experience. From a traditional Parisian bistro to a Michelin-starred establishment, there’s something for everyone. But, how do you choose the right French restaurant for you?
First and foremost, it’s important to consider your budget and preferences. If you’re looking for an exquisite yet affordable meal, consider trying out a local bistro or brasserie. These restaurants typically offer basic fares such as frites and croque monsieur.
On the other hand, if you’re after a fine dining experience with high-quality ingredients and innovative dishes, then splurge on one of the many renowned French restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars.
When researching places to eat online, take some time to read reviews from previous customers. This should give you a good indication as to what kind of service and food quality you can expect at the restaurant.
Consider also checking out their menus before making a reservation so that you can have an idea of what dishes they serve and if they fit your dietary restrictions or preferences.
It is also worth noting that different French restaurants specialize in different types of cuisine – be it classic French dishes or modern interpretations thereof – so make sure to pick one that matches your tastes.
A great way to do this is by taking note of any awards the establishment has received from culinary institutions such as the Michelin guide or Gault & Millau guidebook. Both are internationally renowned for their strict criteria when rating chefs and eateries alike.
And lastly, always remember that at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference; choose a restaurant where you feel comfortable, no matter how fancy it may be. After all, all anyone really wants from an enjoyable dining experience is good food coupled with excellent service – both of which can be found even in simpler settings.
Make a Reservation
Once you’ve chosen your restaurant, it is paramount that you make a reservation in advance. It’s no secret that French restaurants can get busy, and unless you plan on eating as soon as they open their doors, chances are the best tables will already be occupied by the time you arrive.
When making a reservation, keep in mind that most establishments ask for details such as the number of people in your party and any special requests or dietary restrictions. If possible, provide them with both so that they can better accommodate your needs. This is also the time to mention whether you’d prefer a table inside or outside, if the restaurant provides outdoor seating.
Also, be sure to ask about any payment options – most places allow you to pay via card or cash, while some may even offer discounts for paying the bill (or at least part of it) upon booking.
Here are some phrases that can help you with this step:
Navigate a French Menu
Once you’ve arrived at the restaurant, it is time to select what dishes you want to order. For those not familiar with French cuisine, this can be quite a daunting task. The trick is to take your time and read through the menu carefully before making any decisions.
Most menus in France are divided into several sections: starters, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and drinks. You might also see some words that refer to methods of cooking that give dishes a unique flavor.
Here are all the French words and phrases you need to know to understand the menu in a French restaurant. Knowing these terms will help you easily spot each item on the menu and make an informed decision about what to order.
Know Your Options
Now that you are familiar with the menu, it is time to decide what dishes to order. French restaurants usually offer a range of classic French cuisine options such as steak frites, salmon en croûte, or coq au vin.
For those looking for something more exotic, there are also specialty dishes like escargots de Bourgogne or lapin à la moutarde. And, of course, there are always restaurants that specialize in contemporary French cuisine and prepare really flamboyant dishes.
To help you understand what dishes are on the menu, here are the words you should be familiar with:
Common French Food
Drinks
Want to learn more French food vocabulary? Check this article.
Common French Dishes
Choose the Right Meat
If you select meat as your main course, the waiter will ask about how cooked you'd like it. This will often happen, for example, if you order a steak or beef in general. Note that some French dishes, like duck breast, are always served rare.
Here are the five degrees of cooking meat in French:
Order It
Once you’ve chosen your dishes, it is time to order them properly. The waiter will ask you:
Here are the responses you can use:
When deciding on your order, don’t forget to ask your server about any specials they might have – these are usually traditional dishes made to the chef’s own recipe and can make for a truly unique eating experience.
And, don't be afraid to ask questions – most French restaurants are very accommodating and will be more than happy to help with any queries or requests you may have!
If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, make sure to mention them when ordering your meal. Most restaurants in France are happy to accommodate guests who follow specific diets such as vegetarianism, veganism, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Just ask your server if they have any options available that fit your needs, and they should be able to provide you with some suitable alternatives.
Finally, don’t forget about allergies. Be sure to inform the staff of any food allergies you may have before placing your order so that you can ensure a safe meal. Here’s some vocabulary to communicate any restrictions:
Ask for the Bill
When you’re finished with your meal, it is time to ask for the bill. The French word for ‘the bill’ is l’addition – remember this phrase, and you won't have any trouble asking for what you owe!
Let’s learn some other helpful vocabulary to go along with it:
And, of course, remember to practice French numbers to make sure you get the sum right.
Comment on the Food
Once your meal is over, it’s polite to give feedback or comment on the food. If you enjoyed your meal, saying something positive is a great way to show appreciation for the French chefs and waiters who served you.
Here are some useful phrases for this situation:
Enjoy Your Meal!
Many people are intimidated by the prospect of ordering food in a French restaurant. However, with a little bit of knowledge, anyone can order their meal with confidence and make sure they get the unique dining experience that French cuisine offers.
Hopefully, with these tips in mind, your next trip to a French restaurant will be enjoyable. Relax, have fun, and don’t worry about making a mistake – you can always ask questions if you need help understanding menu items or making special requests. Enjoy the food – bon appétit!
