How to Order a Meal in French

If you are spending time in France on holiday or for business you will more than likely eat out and if you do, will of course have to order a meal in a restaurant. Do not despair: even if you do not speak French you can manage to order a meal by following these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A French dictionary or phrase book

How to Order a Meal in French

1. When you enter the restaurant do not forget to say either Bonjour or Bonsoir according to the time of day. This will get the waiter on your side. Many French complain that the Americans and the English are very rude as they never say Bonjour or Bonsoir!
2. Ask to see the menu once you are seated, this is very simple: "La carte si vous plait."
3. Once you have been given the menu, take your time to try and understand it. You will be able to decipher some of it, as many French words are similar to English, and also the phrase book that you have with you will normally also have a section on food and menus
4. Ask the waiter if there is a plat du jour. This is also very simple to say: "est ce qu'il y a un plat du jour." A plat du jour consists of a set meal including entrée, main meal, a desert and wine at a very low price. Most restaurants particularly at lunch time have a plat du jour. This certainly makes ordering simpler.
5. When you have finished you meal and want the bill simply say,"L'addition si vous plait."