French - Café et restaurant

Une table pour ___, s'il vous plaît.

A table for ___, please.

Meaning: A table for ___, please.

When to use: Use this polite request when you arrive at a café or restaurant and want to tell staff how many people are in your group.

Tip: Beginners sometimes forget to say the number (e.g., saying only « une table »). Be specific: « pour deux ».

Vous avez une table de libre ?

Do you have a table available?

Meaning: Do you have a table available?

When to use: Ask this to find out if the restaurant has free seating before you request a specific table.

Je peux voir la carte, s'il vous plaît ?

Can I see the menu, please?

Meaning: Can I see the menu, please?

When to use: Say this when you want to look at the list of dishes (la carte) before ordering.

Tip: Don't confuse « la carte » (the menu of dishes) with « le menu » (a set menu). If unsure, use « la carte ».

Je voudrais ___, s'il vous plaît.

I'd like ___, please.

Meaning: I'd like ___, please.

When to use: Use this standard polite phrase to order a dish or a drink from the menu.

Je peux avoir ___ sans ___, s'il vous plaît ?

Can I get ___ without ___?

Meaning: Can I get ___ without ___?

When to use: Use this to request a modification to your order, for example removing an ingredient you don't want.

Ce plat est épicé ?

Is this dish spicy?

Meaning: Is this dish spicy?

When to use: Ask this when you're unsure if a plate is spicy and you want to avoid heat.

On peut avoir de l'eau, s'il vous plaît ?

Could we have some water, please?

Meaning: Could we have some water, please?

When to use: Request water or a carafe of tap water during the meal or when you sit down.

On est prêts à commander.

We're ready to order.

Meaning: We're ready to order.

When to use: Tell the server when your group has decided and wants to place the order.

Tip: Remember agreement: use « prêts » (masculine or mixed group) or « prêtes » (all women).

On peut payer séparément ?

Can we pay separately?

Meaning: Can we pay separately?

When to use: Ask this when you want the bill split between people at your table.

On a une réservation au nom de ___.

We have a reservation under ___.

Meaning: We have a reservation under ___.

When to use: Say this at the host stand to let staff know you reserved a table under a name.

Il y a combien d'attente ?

How long is the wait?

Meaning: How long is the wait?

When to use: Ask this when the restaurant is busy and there may be a waiting time before seating.

On peut s'installer dehors ?

Can we sit outside?

Meaning: Can we sit outside?

When to use: Use this to ask staff if an outdoor table is available.

Je vais prendre ___.

I'll have the ___.

Meaning: I'll have the ___.

When to use: A casual, very common way to choose an item from the menu when ordering.