Essential Restaurant Phrases
These are the phrases you'll use every time you eat out in Paris. From getting a table to paying the bill, these cover the full restaurant experience.
Getting Seated & Ordering
Drinks & Water
Paying & Dietary Needs
These 15 phrases are just the start. ParleFlow has 50 restaurant phrases plus 950 more across 20 categories — all with audio pronunciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most natural way is "Je vais prendre..." (I'll have...) followed by your dish. For example, "Je vais prendre le plat du jour" (I'll have the dish of the day). You can also say "Je prends la même" (I'll have the same) if someone else has already ordered.
Say "Je peux avoir l'addition ?" (Can I have the bill?). In France, the waiter won't bring the bill until you ask for it. You can also say "On paie séparément" if you want to split the bill.
Yes! Just ask for "une carafe d'eau" (a carafe of water) or "de l'eau du robinet" (tap water). By law, restaurants in France must provide free tap water. If you don't specify, they may bring expensive bottled water.
Say "C'est pour emporter" (It's takeaway). If you want to eat there, say "Sur place" (To eat here). You'll hear these questions frequently at bakeries, cafés, and fast-food restaurants in Paris.
Ask "Vous prenez la carte ?" (Do you take card?) or "Je peux payer sans contact ?" (Can I pay contactless?). Most restaurants in Paris accept card, but smaller places may be cash only. Tipping is not required as service is included.