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Eating out is a central part of French social life. Whether you are at a Parisian bistro, a seaside brasserie, or a village café, knowing the right vocabulary and phrases will help you navigate menus, order with confidence, and enjoy the full dining experience.
| French | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| un restaurant | a restaurant | Full-service dining |
| un bistro / un bistrot | a bistro | Casual, traditional French food |
| une brasserie | a brasserie | Large café-restaurant, often with beer |
| un café | a café | Coffee, drinks, and light snacks |
| un bar | a bar | Drinks, sometimes small plates |
| un salon de thé | a tea room | Tea, cakes, pastries |
| une crêperie | a crêpe restaurant | Specialises in crêpes and galettes |
| un fast-food | a fast-food restaurant | Quick-service restaurant |
A traditional French meal can have several courses:
| French | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| l'apéritif (m) | aperitif / pre-dinner drink | Drinks and small snacks before the meal |
| l'entrée (f) | starter | Soup, salad, or small dish |
| le plat principal | main course | Meat, fish, or vegetarian dish |
| le fromage | cheese course | Selection of cheeses |
| le dessert | dessert | Sweet course |
| le café / le digestif | coffee / after-dinner drink | Espresso, liqueur |
Note: In French, l'entrée means "starter" (not "main course" as in American English).
| French | English |
|---|---|
| la carte | the menu (à la carte) |
| le menu / la formule | set menu / fixed-price meal |
| le plat du jour | dish of the day |
| les entrées | starters |
| les plats | main courses |
| les desserts | desserts |
| les boissons | drinks |
| la carte des vins | wine list |
| le prix | the price |
| le supplément | the supplement / extra charge |
| TTC (toutes taxes comprises) | all taxes included |
| service compris | service included |
| French | English |
|---|---|
| grillé(e) | grilled |
| rôti(e) | roasted |
| frit(e) | fried |
| cuit(e) au four | baked |
| à la vapeur | steamed |
| sauté(e) | sautéed |
| poêlé(e) | pan-fried |
| farci(e) | stuffed |
| fumé(e) | smoked |
| mariné(e) | marinated |
| en sauce | in sauce |
| à point | medium (steak) |
| saignant | rare (steak) |
| bien cuit | well done (steak) |
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour deux personnes. | Hello, I would like to reserve a table for two. |
| Avez-vous une table pour quatre ? | Do you have a table for four? |
| Je voudrais une table en terrasse / à l'intérieur. | I would like a table on the terrace / inside. |
| C'est pour combien de personnes ? | For how many people? |
| Suivez-moi, s'il vous plaît. | Follow me, please. |
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