French · Real conversations
Restaurant problems: useful French phrases
Explain a problem with an order and settle the bill.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- The check, please
l'addition, s'il vous plaît
The check, please
- A table for two
une table pour deux
A table for two
- Menu
la carte
Menu
- Napkin
la serviette
Napkin
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| The check, please | l'addition, s'il vous plaît The check, please |
| A table for two | une table pour deux A table for two |
| Menu | la carte Menu |
| Napkin | la serviette Napkin |
| This isn't what I ordered. | Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai commandé. Show English translationThis isn't what I ordered. |
| Could we have a few more minutes? | Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir encore quelques minutes ? Show English translationCould we have a few more minutes? |
| Could we have separate bills? | Est-ce qu'on peut payer séparément ? Show English translationCould we have separate bills? |
| We haven't received our ... yet. | On n'a pas encore reçu … Show English translationWe haven't received our … yet. |
| I think there's a mistake on the bill. | Je crois qu'il y a une erreur sur l'addition. Show English translationI think there's a mistake on the bill. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Voici votre plat de poulet.
Here is your chicken dish.
You
Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai commandé.
This isn't what I ordered.
Partner
Je suis désolé / désolée. Je vérifie votre commande. Vous êtes prêts à choisir un dessert ?
I'm sorry. I'll check your order. Are you ready to choose dessert?
You
Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir encore quelques minutes ?
Could we have a few more minutes?
Restaurant problems in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
