This lesson is part of the course(s):
Basic French Vocabulary
What Are French Words for in a Restaurant?
In this lesson, we cover the words for when you are in a restaurant in France.
Watch the video as many times as you need, until you feel you can give the French as we go!
Review Vocabulary
Review the words from this video and use the flashcards to test your memory.
Vocabulary from the Video (Parts 1 & 2)
Part 1:
| bill, check | une addition |
| breakfast | le petit déjeuner |
| chef | le chef |
| cup | la tasse |
| cutlery | les couverts |
Part 2:
| dessert | le dessert |
| dinner | le dîner |
| dish of the day | le plat du jour |
| glass | le verre |
| lunch | le déjeuner |
Vocabulary from the Video (Parts 3 and 4)
Part 3:
| main course | le plat principal |
| menu | le menu |
| napkin | la serviette |
| reservation | la réservation |
| starter | une entrée |
Part 4:
| tablecloth | la nappe |
| tip | le pourboire |
| waiter | le serveur |
| waitress | la serveuse |
| wine list | la carte des vins |
Notes on the Vocabulary
L’addition can mean both ‘bill’ and ‘addition.’
Cutlery can also be la coutellerie.
Le chef can also mean ‘chief’ or ‘head.’ The feminine is usually la chef, but la cheffe is becoming increasingly common.
La nappe, which can also simply mean ‘cloth,’ might be referred to as la nappe de table.
Go Deeper
If you want to expand your knowledge about this topic, explore any materials below.
Eating Out in France – Language Guide for Restaurant Dining
Give It a Go!
If you’d like to test your knowledge of what you’ve learned so far, you can select from any quizzes or activities below.
French Quiz – Word Recall – Restaurant

