Remember: In French the word for “menu” is “la carte”. This is what you will ask for: “La carte, s’il vous plait.”
You have two choices: either choose to order your meal “à la carte”, picking from the menu (’carte”) itself, or go the more affordable route and choose a fixed-price “menu” or “formule”. When you choose a “menu”, you get to pick an “entrée” (appetizer), “plat” (main course) and “dessert” for one price set by the restaurant. You pay a pre-determined price for the “menu”. Just ask, for example, for “le menu à 25 euros, avec….” and list the things you want for the first two courses. They will come back to find out your dessert order later. This is a much more affordable way of dining in France.
When ordering, use the expression “Je voudrais” I would like….very important to be polite.
When ordering dessert, remember that many French restaurants offer cheese as dessert, or before dessert. Also, keep in mind that coffee comes AFTER the dessert is finished, not with the dessert as you may be used to. After dinner coffee is also usually very strong, like espresso.
For water, ask for “une carafe d’eau” if you don’t want to pay for bottled water. If you do opt for bottled water, you can get “avec gaz” (sparkling) or “plat” (flat). A typical French sparkling water is “Badoit” while a typical flat choice would be “Evian”.
- Bottled water = « une bouteille d’eau minérale. »
Half bottle of wine = “un demi de…..” if they offer it.
It’s rare to get wine by the glass in a restaurant, but this is done in cafés. If you don’t drink much, get a demi-bouteille (half bottle) of wine, or the smallest carafe of house wine, which usually ends up being just over one glass.
Again, remember that the tip is included, always. It’s customary to leave a little bit more. (usually the tip is 15%)
You must ASK for your check, they don’t rush you out. Say “Monsieur, l’addition s’il vous plait”) NEVER CALL THE WAITER “GARÇON”!!!
Don’t rush your meal. The French enjoy a leisurely meal, and so should you. “When in Rome”…(”When in Paris?”…)
