Things You'll Need:
- French phrase book
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Step 1
Familiarize yourself with common French dining phrases. To help you do this, purchase a French phrase book that has an extensive dining section.
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Step 2
Determine what kind of meal you are in the mood to eat. Go to a bistro for a small family-owned restaurant. For a brewery with snacks or a full meal, visit a brassery. Visit a baby bistro if you want a reasonable spin-off of a deluxe restaurant. A cafe, which is often mistaken as just a place to go for a croissant, is really a restaurant with many options. For 3-star dining, go to a full-fledged restaurant where multiple courses are encouraged.
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Step 3
Choose your beverage. You'll typically be asked to order a beverage before your meal. Water or wine are acceptable choices. There are three types of water you may choose: "carafe d'eau" (tap water), "gazeuse" (bottled sparkling water) or "plat" (bottled flat water).
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Step 4
Decide if you want to order a la carte or off of a "le menu." A "le menu," is a set menu prepared that day. If you order from a "le menu," your food will be fresh and served quickly, but you will lack choices.
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Step 5
Decide how you would like your meat cooked. Many French people order their meat "bleu," or rare. "Saignante" is medium-rare. "A point" is medium, and "bien cuit" is well-done.
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Step 6
Order coffee after your meal. Coffee will be served black unless you specify "au lait."
