How to order in french

Ordering Food and Drinks in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Navigating the experience of ordering in a French-speaking environment, whether in a café, restaurant, or boulangerie, can seem daunting at first. However, with a few key phrases and an understanding of the cultural nuances, it becomes a smooth and enjoyable process. The French place a high value on politeness, so incorporating polite expressions is paramount. This guide will equip you with the vocabulary and etiquette needed to confidently order in French.

Essential Greetings and Politeness

Before you even think about ordering, it's crucial to start with a polite greeting. Upon entering an establishment, a simple 'Bonjour' (Good day) is appropriate during the day, and 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) is used in the evening. If you are addressing someone directly, using their title is common, though often 'Monsieur' (Mister) or 'Madame' (Madam) suffices. Acknowledging the staff with a greeting is a sign of respect and sets a positive tone for your interaction.

The word 'S'il vous plaît' (if it pleases you) is the French equivalent of 'Please' and should be used liberally. Similarly, 'Merci' (Thank you) is essential for expressing gratitude. Ending your interaction with a 'Merci' and perhaps a 'Bonne journée' (Have a good day) or 'Bonne soirée' (Have a good evening) will leave a lasting positive impression.

Phrases for Ordering

The most common and polite way to order is using the conditional tense, which softens the request. The verb 'vouloir' (to want) in its conditional form, 'voudrais', is your best friend here.

• 'Je voudrais...' (I would like...) - This is the most standard and polite way to order. For example, 'Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.' (I would like a coffee, please.)
• 'Je vais prendre...' (I am going to take/have...) - This is another common and slightly more direct, but still polite, way to order. For example, 'Je vais prendre la quiche.' (I'll have the quiche.)
• 'J'aimerais...' (I would like/love...) - Similar to 'Je voudrais', this is also polite and expresses a desire. 'J'aimerais une bouteille d'eau.' (I would like a bottle of water.)

When ordering multiple items, you can list them using 'et' (and): 'Je voudrais un croissant et un jus d'orange, s'il vous plaît.' (I would like a croissant and an orange juice, please.)

Specific Vocabulary for Different Settings

In a Café or Boulangerie (Bakery)

Cafés and bakeries are common places for quick orders, often for breakfast or a snack.

• Coffee:
• Un café: Espresso (the default if you just say 'un café')
• Un café crème or Un noisette: Coffee with a little milk
• Un café au lait: Coffee with a lot of milk (often served in a bowl for breakfast)
• Un allongé or Un américain: Espresso with hot water (like an Americano)
• Pastries:
• Un croissant
• Un pain au chocolat
• Une tarte (a slice of pie)
• Une pâtisserie (general term for pastry/cake)
• Other Drinks:
• Un jus d'orange: Orange juice
• Une limonade: Lemonade (often a sparkling lemonade)
• Une eau plate: Still water
• Une eau gazeuse or Une eau pétillante: Sparkling water

In a Restaurant

Restaurant ordering involves a bit more structure, often including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

• Asking for the Menu:
• La carte, s'il vous plaît.: The menu, please.
• Le menu, s'il vous plaît.: The set menu (often a fixed-price option with choices for each course).
• Ordering Starters (Appetizers):
• Comme entrée, je voudrais...: As a starter, I would like...
• Pour commencer, je vais prendre...: To start, I will have...
• Ordering Main Courses:
• Comme plat principal, je voudrais...: As a main course, I would like...
• Pour le plat, je prendrai...: For the main dish, I will take...
• Ordering Drinks:
• Pour boire, je voudrais...: To drink, I would like...
• Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.: A jug of tap water, please. (Free and common)
• Ordering Dessert:
• Et comme dessert, je voudrais...: And for dessert, I would like...
• Je vais prendre un dessert.: I'll have a dessert.

Asking for Recommendations and Clarifications

If you're unsure what to order, don't hesitate to ask for help:

• 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez?' (What do you recommend?)
• 'Quelle est la spécialité de la maison?' (What is the house specialty?)
• 'Qu'est-ce que c'est que ça?' (What is this?) - Useful when pointing at something on the menu.
• 'Est-ce que c'est épicé?' (Is it spicy?)
• 'Est-ce qu'il y a des noix dedans?' (Are there nuts in it?) - Important for allergies.

Concluding the Meal

Once you've finished, you'll need to signal that you're ready for the bill.

• 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.' (The bill, please.)
• 'Je peux avoir l'addition, s'il vous plaît?' (Can I have the bill, please?)

When paying, you can say 'Je voudrais payer.' (I would like to pay.)

Cultural Etiquette

Beyond the specific phrases, remember that politeness is key. Always greet the staff, say please and thank you, and maintain a respectful tone. Avoid loud conversations and try to be patient, especially during busy periods. It's also customary in restaurants to wait to be seated and not to start eating until everyone at the table has been served their main course.

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and tips, you'll be well-prepared to order confidently and politely in any French-speaking setting. Enjoy your culinary adventures!