Dine out in France with total confidence! This A2-B1 level French lesson teaches you over 80 essential words and phrases for every step of the restaurant experience. Learn how to make a reservation, understand the menu, order food and drinks, handle special requests, pay the bill, and much more.
Whether you’re traveling to Paris, Quebec, or any French-speaking region, this video is your ultimate guide to sounding natural and polite when eating out. We cover everything from ‘Je voudrais réserver une table’ to ‘L’addition, s’il vous plaît’. Master these French restaurant phrases and make your next meal a success!
This video is perfect for beginner to intermediate learners (A2-B1 CEFR) looking to improve their practical, real-world French conversation skills. Stop just pointing at the menu and start speaking French!
0:00 Making a Reservation: Essential phrases for booking a table by phone or in person.
1:25 Arriving at the Restaurant: How to announce your arrival and be seated.
2:20 Understanding the Menu: Key vocabulary for starters, mains, desserts, and asking for recommendations.
3:38 Ordering Drinks: From a simple glass of water to coffee and wine.
4:44 Ordering Food: How to state your choice and ask questions about the dishes.
6:08 Special Requests & Dietary Needs: Communicating allergies, preferences, and how you want your food cooked.
7:58 During the Meal: Asking for more items and expressing your satisfaction.
9:13 Problems & Issues: Politely handling common problems like a cold dish or a wrong order.
10:33 Paying the Bill: How to ask for the bill, split it, and handle different payment methods.
12:00 Leaving the Restaurant: Polite phrases for thanking the staff and departing.