1. Entrée means starter
In France, entrée is the starter and plat is the main course. A three-course meal is entrée, plat, and dessert.
🇫🇷 Country menu guide
How to read a French menu and order in a restaurant in France
French bistros often write the day’s menu on a chalkboard (ardoise), and the structure differs from what many visitors expect. Know the course names, the fixed-price set menus, and how service works before you sit down.
How ordering works in France
2. Set menus
A formule or menu is a fixed-price combination, such as starter + main or main + dessert, and is usually cheaper than ordering separately. Lunch formules are especially good value.
3. Free tap water
Ask for une carafe d’eau to get free tap water. Bottled water (eau minérale) is charged.
4. Paying and tipping
Service is included by law (service compris). Staff will not bring the bill until you ask for l’addition. Leaving small change for good service is optional.
Words you will see on a French menu
| On the menu | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Entrée | ahn-TRAY | Starter (not the main course) |
| Plat | plah | Main course |
| Plat du jour | plah dew ZHOOR | Dish of the day |
| Formule / Menu | for-MEWL / muh-NEW | Fixed-price set menu |
| Ardoise | ar-DWAHZ | Chalkboard menu |
| Fait maison | fay meh-ZOHN | Homemade |
| Supplément | sew-play-MAHN | Extra charge |
| Saignant / À point / Bien cuit | say-NYAHN / ah PWAN / byan KWEE | Rare / medium / well done |
| Carafe d’eau | kah-RAHF doh | Free jug of tap water |
| Service compris | sair-VEES kom-PREE | Service included |
| Fromage | froh-MAHZH | Cheese course |
| Végétarien | vay-zhay-tah-RYAN | Vegetarian |
Dishes you will often see
Steak-frites
stek FREET
Steak with fries
Bœuf bourguignon
buhf boor-gee-NYOHN
Beef stewed in red wine with bacon and mushrooms
Confit de canard
kon-FEE duh kah-NAR
Slow-cooked duck leg, usually with potatoes
Moules-frites
mool FREET
Mussels in white wine and cream, with fries
Soupe à l’oignon
soop ah lo-NYOHN
Onion soup topped with bread and melted cheese
Salade niçoise
sah-LAHD nee-SWAHZ
Salad with tuna, egg, olives, and anchovies
Quiche lorraine
keesh loh-REN
Savory tart with egg, cream, and bacon
Croque-monsieur
krok muh-SYUH
Toasted ham and cheese sandwich with béchamel
Galette complète
gah-LET kom-PLET
Buckwheat crepe with ham, egg, and cheese
Escargots
es-kar-GOH
Snails baked with garlic and parsley butter
Ratatouille
rah-tah-TOO-ee
Stewed summer vegetables
Crème brûlée
krem broo-LAY
Vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar top
Phrases to show restaurant staff
Show these on your screen. The written French is more reliable than pronunciation.
Je voudrais ceci, s’il vous plaît.
Zhuh voo-DRAY suh-SEE, seel voo PLAY.
I would like this, please.
J’en voudrais deux, s’il vous plaît.
Zhahn voo-DRAY duh, seel voo PLAY.
I would like two of these, please.
Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.
Ewn kah-RAHF doh, seel voo PLAY.
A jug of tap water, please.
Quel est le plat du jour ?
Kel ay luh plah dew ZHOOR?
What is the dish of the day?
Je peux payer par carte ?
Zhuh puh pay-YAY par KART?
Can I pay by card?
L’addition, s’il vous plaît.
Lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLAY.
The bill, please.
Common questions
Is an entrée the main course in France?
No. In France, entrée means starter. The main course is the plat.
Is tap water free in French restaurants?
Yes. Ask for une carafe d’eau. Bottled water is charged.
Do I need to tip in France?
Service is included in the price. A small extra tip for good service is optional.