Learning a new language can be both fun and helpful, especially when it involves words and phrases we use every day. In French, the word for “menu” is important to know when dining out, ordering food, or even learning about French culture. Whether you’re visiting a French-speaking country or practicing at a local French café, knowing how to ask for the “menu” will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
This article will teach you how to say “menu” in French, along with other related expressions. By the end, you’ll also learn different responses, practice examples, and exercises to help you feel confident using these phrases. Let’s dive in and explore the simple yet useful ways to say “menu” in French!
Ways to Say “Menu” in French
In French, the word “menu” can have multiple meanings and uses. It is commonly used in restaurants to refer to the list of available dishes, but it can also mean a fixed meal option. Understanding its variations will help you navigate French dining experiences easily. Below are some ways to say “menu” in French, with examples to use them naturally.
1. Le menu
Pronunciation: luh muh-new
Meaning: The menu; often refers to the full list of items available at a restaurant.
In a Sentence:
- Puis-je voir le menu, s’il vous plaît? (Can I see the menu, please?)
- Le menu est sur la table. (The menu is on the table.)
2. La carte
Pronunciation: lah kart
Meaning: The menu; commonly used in restaurants to mean the à la carte menu.
In a Sentence:
- Nous allons commander à partir de la carte. (We will order from the menu.)
- Où est la carte des boissons? (Where is the drinks menu?)
3. Le menu du jour
Pronunciation: luh muh-new dew zhoor
Meaning: The menu of the day; refers to the daily special or set menu.
In a Sentence:
- Je vais prendre le menu du jour. (I will have the menu of the day.)
- Quel est le menu du jour aujourd’hui? (What is today’s menu of the day?)
4. La formule
Pronunciation: lah fohr-mule
Meaning: A set menu; includes a combination of courses for a fixed price.
In a Sentence:
- La formule comprend une entrée, un plat, et un dessert. (The set menu includes a starter, main dish, and dessert.)
- Avez-vous une formule végétarienne? (Do you have a vegetarian set menu?)
5. La liste des plats
Pronunciation: lah leest day plah
Meaning: The list of dishes; another term for the menu.
In a Sentence:
- Pourrais-je voir la liste des plats? (Could I see the list of dishes?)
- La liste des plats est affichée à l’entrée. (The list of dishes is displayed at the entrance.)
6. La carte des vins
Pronunciation: lah kart day vahn
Meaning: The wine menu; specifically for the list of wines available.
In a Sentence:
- La carte des vins est impressionnante ici. (The wine menu is impressive here.)
- Nous aimerions voir la carte des vins. (We would like to see the wine menu.)
7. Le carnet
Pronunciation: luh kar-nay
Meaning: Menu or booklet; less common, used in specific contexts like catering.
In a Sentence:
- Le carnet propose plusieurs options pour le buffet. (The menu offers several options for the buffet.)
- Avez-vous un carnet pour les desserts? (Do you have a menu for desserts?)
8. Le plat du jour
Pronunciation: luh plah dew zhoor
Meaning: Dish of the day; often a single special item listed on the menu.
In a Sentence:
- Le plat du jour est du saumon grillé. (The dish of the day is grilled salmon.)
- Demandez au serveur quel est le plat du jour. (Ask the waiter what the dish of the day is.)
9. L’ardoise
Pronunciation: lar-dwahz
Meaning: Blackboard menu; used in small cafés or bistros where the menu is written on a board.
In a Sentence:
- L’ardoise montre les plats du jour. (The blackboard displays the daily specials.)
- Je vais commander un plat de l’ardoise. (I will order a dish from the blackboard.)
10. La carte des desserts
Pronunciation: lah kart day day-ser
Meaning: The dessert menu; a list specifically for sweets.
In a Sentence:
- J’aimerais voir la carte des desserts, s’il vous plaît. (I would like to see the dessert menu, please.)
- La carte des desserts propose un gâteau au chocolat délicieux. (The dessert menu offers a delicious chocolate cake.)
11. Le tableau
Pronunciation: luh tah-bloh
Meaning: The board; often refers to a chalkboard or display board showing the menu.
In a Sentence:
- Les plats du jour sont écrits sur le tableau. (The daily specials are written on the board.)
- Regardons le tableau pour voir les options. (Let’s look at the board to see the options.)
12. L’affiche
Pronunciation: lah-feesh
Meaning: The poster; used for menus displayed on posters outside restaurants.
In a Sentence:
- L’affiche indique les options disponibles. (The poster shows the available options.)
- Nous avons choisi un plat en regardant l’affiche. (We chose a dish by looking at the poster.)
13. Le carnet de commandes
Pronunciation: luh kar-nay duh koh-mand
Meaning: The order booklet; used by waiters to take orders.
In a Sentence:
- Le serveur note les choix dans le carnet de commandes. (The waiter writes the choices in the order booklet.)
- Pouvez-vous vérifier le carnet de commandes pour nos plats? (Can you check the order booklet for our dishes?)
14. La carte fixe
Pronunciation: lah kart feeks
Meaning: The fixed menu; refers to a non-changing menu.
In a Sentence:
- La carte fixe offre un excellent choix de plats. (The fixed menu offers an excellent selection of dishes.)
- Nous avons décidé de commander à partir de la carte fixe. (We decided to order from the fixed menu.)
15. Le menu enfant
Pronunciation: luh muh-new ahn-fahn
Meaning: The kids’ menu; special menu for children.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu enfant inclut des nuggets de poulet et des frites. (The kids’ menu includes chicken nuggets and fries.)
- Avez-vous un menu enfant disponible? (Do you have a kids’ menu available?)
16. Le menu dégustation
Pronunciation: luh muh-new day-goos-tah-syohn
Meaning: Tasting menu; includes a variety of small dishes to sample.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu dégustation est parfait pour découvrir la cuisine du chef. (The tasting menu is perfect for exploring the chef’s cuisine.)
- Nous avons choisi le menu dégustation pour l’anniversaire. (We chose the tasting menu for the birthday celebration.)
17. Le menu spécial
Pronunciation: luh muh-new spay-syal
Meaning: Special menu; for holidays or special events.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu spécial de Noël est très populaire ici. (The special Christmas menu is very popular here.)
- Ce soir, nous avons un menu spécial pour la Saint-Valentin. (Tonight, we have a special menu for Valentine’s Day.)
18. La carte régionale
Pronunciation: lah kart ray-zhee-oh-nal
Meaning: The regional menu; highlights local specialties.
In a Sentence:
- La carte régionale propose des plats de Provence. (The regional menu features dishes from Provence.)
- J’aimerais goûter quelque chose de la carte régionale. (I would like to try something from the regional menu.)
19. La carte saisonnière
Pronunciation: lah kart say-zoh-nyair
Meaning: Seasonal menu; features items based on seasonal ingredients.
In a Sentence:
- La carte saisonnière offre des plats à base de truffes. (The seasonal menu offers dishes with truffles.)
- Nous aimons choisir à partir de la carte saisonnière. (We enjoy choosing from the seasonal menu.)
20. Le menu économique
Pronunciation: luh muh-new eh-koh-noh-meek
Meaning: Budget menu; affordable options.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu économique est parfait pour un déjeuner rapide. (The budget menu is perfect for a quick lunch.)
- Ils ont un excellent menu économique pour les étudiants. (They have a great budget menu for students.)
21. La carte gastronomique
Pronunciation: lah kart gas-troh-no-meek
Meaning: Gourmet menu; high-end options.
In a Sentence:
- La carte gastronomique est parfaite pour les occasions spéciales. (The gourmet menu is perfect for special occasions.)
- Nous avons essayé un plat de la carte gastronomique. (We tried a dish from the gourmet menu.)
22. Le menu à emporter
Pronunciation: luh muh-new ah om-por-tay
Meaning: Takeout menu; for ordering food to go.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu à emporter est disponible sur leur site internet. (The takeout menu is available on their website.)
- J’ai commandé à partir du menu à emporter. (I ordered from the takeout menu.)
23. Le menu en ligne
Pronunciation: luh muh-new on leen-yuh
Meaning: Online menu; accessible via the internet.
In a Sentence:
- Vous pouvez consulter le menu en ligne avant de venir. (You can check the online menu before coming.)
- Le menu en ligne est mis à jour régulièrement. (The online menu is updated regularly.)
24. Le menu fixe
Pronunciation: luh muh-new feeks
Meaning: Fixed-price menu; set menu at a specific cost.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu fixe comprend trois plats pour un bon prix. (The fixed-price menu includes three courses for a good price.)
- Nous avons opté pour le menu fixe au dîner. (We chose the fixed-price menu for dinner.)
25. Le menu numérique
Pronunciation: luh muh-new noo-may-reek
Meaning: Digital menu; viewed on a tablet or phone.
In a Sentence:
- Le restaurant propose un menu numérique interactif. (The restaurant offers an interactive digital menu.)
- J’ai trouvé notre plat préféré sur le menu numérique. (I found our favorite dish on the digital menu.)
26. La carte des cocktails
Pronunciation: lah kart day kok-tayl
Meaning: Cocktail menu; drinks list for mixed beverages.
In a Sentence:
- La carte des cocktails propose des options créatives. (The cocktail menu offers creative options.)
- Regardons la carte des cocktails pour choisir un apéritif. (Let’s check the cocktail menu to pick an appetizer drink.)
27. Le menu allégé
Pronunciation: luh muh-new ah-lay-zhay
Meaning: Light menu; focuses on healthier, low-calorie options.
In a Sentence:
- Le menu allégé comprend des salades et des fruits. (The light menu includes salads and fruits.)
- Nous avons choisi quelque chose de léger sur le menu allégé. (We chose something light from the light menu.)
Other Ways to Say “Menu” in French
Here is a table of additional ways to refer to “menu” in French. Each variation is accompanied by its pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences to help you use them correctly in different situations.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| La carte générale | lah kart zhay-nay-ral | General menu; covers all items available | La carte générale inclut tous les plats proposés. (The general menu includes all the dishes offered.) Regardez la carte générale pour choisir. (Look at the general menu to choose.) |
| Le programme culinaire | luh proh-gram koo-lee-nair | Culinary program; detailed list of food options | Le programme culinaire explique chaque plat en détail. (The culinary program explains each dish in detail.) Ce restaurant a un programme culinaire complet. (This restaurant has a complete culinary program.) |
| Le menu à choix | luh muh-new ah shwah | Choice menu; allows for personalized selections | Le menu à choix permet de choisir chaque plat. (The choice menu allows you to choose each dish.) Prenez un plat du menu à choix. (Pick a dish from the choice menu.) |
| La sélection | lah say-lek-syohn | The selection; highlights featured options | La sélection du chef est excellente. (The chef’s selection is excellent.) Essayez un plat de la sélection. (Try a dish from the selection.) |
| Le menu spécial soirée | luh muh-new spay-syal swah-ray | Evening special menu; available at night | Le menu spécial soirée est servi après 18h. (The evening special menu is served after 6 PM.) Nous avons pris un plat du menu spécial soirée. (We had a dish from the evening special menu.) |
| L’option gastronomique | lop-syohn gas-troh-nee-meek | Gastronomic option; high-quality choices | L’option gastronomique comprend des plats rares. (The gastronomic option includes rare dishes.) Avez-vous essayé l’option gastronomique? (Have you tried the gastronomic option?) |
| Le catalogue culinaire | luh ka-tah-log koo-lee-nair | Culinary catalog; a full overview of food options | Le catalogue culinaire est disponible sur demande. (The culinary catalog is available upon request.) Ce restaurant offre un catalogue culinaire varié. (This restaurant offers a varied culinary catalog.) |
| Le menu interactif | luh muh-new in-teh-rah-kteef | Interactive menu; digital or touchscreen menus | Le menu interactif permet de commander directement. (The interactive menu allows direct ordering.) Essayez le menu interactif pour plus de détails. (Try the interactive menu for more details.) |
| Le livret | luh lee-vray | Booklet; small printed menu | Le livret présente tous les plats du buffet. (The booklet shows all the buffet dishes.) Ils m’ont donné un livret avec toutes les options. (They gave me a booklet with all the options.) |
| La carte locale | lah kart loh-kahl | Local menu; focuses on regional dishes | La carte locale propose des spécialités de la région. (The local menu features specialties from the region.) Regardez la carte locale pour des plats uniques. (Check the local menu for unique dishes.) |
| Le choix du chef | luh shwah doo sheff | Chef’s choice; dishes recommended by the chef | Le choix du chef est une surprise délicieuse. (The chef’s choice is a delicious surprise.) Nous avons commandé le choix du chef. (We ordered the chef’s choice.) |
| Le menu combiné | luh muh-new kohm-bee-nay | Combined menu; mixes options from different menus | Le menu combiné inclut des plats italiens et français. (The combined menu includes Italian and French dishes.) Choisissez une option du menu combiné. (Choose an option from the combined menu.) |
| L’offre de la maison | lofr duh lah mah-zohn | House offering; specials unique to the restaurant | L’offre de la maison est souvent différente chaque jour. (The house offering is often different each day.) Essayez l’offre de la maison pour le dessert. (Try the house offering for dessert.) |
| Le menu promotionnel | luh muh-new proh-moh-syon-nel | Promotional menu; deals or discounts | Le menu promotionnel est valable cette semaine. (The promotional menu is valid this week.) Regardez le menu promotionnel pour des réductions. (Check the promotional menu for discounts.) |
| Le menu hebdomadaire | luh muh-new eb-doh-mah-dehr | Weekly menu; changes based on the week | Le menu hebdomadaire est différent chaque lundi. (The weekly menu changes every Monday.) Nous avons consulté le menu hebdomadaire pour les options. (We checked the weekly menu for the options.) |
| Le menu santé | luh muh-new sahn-tay | Health menu; focuses on nutritious options | Le menu santé offre des plats faibles en calories. (The health menu offers low-calorie dishes.) Ils ont commandé à partir du menu santé. (They ordered from the health menu.) |
| Le menu découverte | luh muh-new day-kew-vair | Discovery menu; introduces unique or unfamiliar dishes | Le menu découverte est idéal pour les nouveaux clients. (The discovery menu is perfect for new customers.) Essayons quelque chose du menu découverte. (Let’s try something from the discovery menu.) |
Responses to “Menu” in French
When discussing or asking about a “menu” in French, there are polite and practical ways to respond. Whether you are in a restaurant, café, or speaking to someone about their culinary offerings, these responses can help you communicate effectively. Below are some common responses you might use or hear.
1. Voici le menu
Pronunciation: vwah-see luh muh-new
Meaning: Here is the menu.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Voici le menu, prenez votre temps. (Waiter: Here is the menu, take your time.)
- Vous: Merci beaucoup! (You: Thank you very much!)
2. Je vais chercher la carte
Pronunciation: juh vay sher-shay lah kart
Meaning: I will get the menu.
In a Sentence:
- Client: Pourrais-je voir la carte? (Customer: Could I see the menu?)
- Serveur: Bien sûr, je vais chercher la carte. (Waiter: Of course, I will get the menu.)
3. Nous avons une formule spéciale
Pronunciation: noo zav-ohn oon fohr-mule spay-syal
Meaning: We have a special set menu.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Nous avons une formule spéciale pour le déjeuner. (Waiter: We have a special set menu for lunch.)
- Client: D’accord, je vais regarder. (Customer: Alright, I’ll take a look.)
4. Que voulez-vous commander?
Pronunciation: kuh voo-lay voo kohm-man-day
Meaning: What would you like to order?
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Voici le menu. Que voulez-vous commander? (Waiter: Here is the menu. What would you like to order?)
- Client: Je vais prendre le plat du jour. (Customer: I’ll have the dish of the day.)
5. Le menu est affiché à l’entrée
Pronunciation: luh muh-new eh ah-fee-shay ah lah-tray
Meaning: The menu is displayed at the entrance.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Le menu est affiché à l’entrée. (Waiter: The menu is displayed at the entrance.)
- Client: Merci, je vais aller voir. (Customer: Thank you, I’ll go check.)
6. Avez-vous besoin d’un menu en anglais?
Pronunciation: ah-vay voo buh-zwan dun muh-new ahn ahn-glay
Meaning: Do you need an English menu?
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Avez-vous besoin d’un menu en anglais? (Waiter: Do you need an English menu?)
- Client: Non, merci, je comprends le français. (Customer: No, thank you, I understand French.)
7. Voici notre carte des vins
Pronunciation: vwah-see noh-truh kart day vahn
Meaning: Here is our wine menu.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Voici notre carte des vins pour accompagner votre repas. (Waiter: Here is our wine menu to pair with your meal.)
- Client: Merci, c’est parfait! (Customer: Thank you, it’s perfect!)
8. Le menu du jour est écrit là-bas
Pronunciation: luh muh-new dew zhoor eh-tay kree lah-bah
Meaning: The daily menu is written over there.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Le menu du jour est écrit là-bas sur l’ardoise. (Waiter: The daily menu is written over there on the board.)
- Client: Très bien, je vais regarder. (Customer: Very well, I’ll take a look.)
9. Je recommande le menu dégustation
Pronunciation: juh ruh-koh-mahn luh muh-new day-goos-tah-syohn
Meaning: I recommend the tasting menu.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Je recommande le menu dégustation pour découvrir notre cuisine. (Waiter: I recommend the tasting menu to explore our cuisine.)
- Client: Bonne idée, je vais essayer. (Customer: Good idea, I’ll try it.)
10. Ce menu est très populaire
Pronunciation: suh muh-new eh tray poh-poo-lair
Meaning: This menu is very popular.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Ce menu est très populaire auprès des clients. (Waiter: This menu is very popular with customers.)
- Client: Je vais essayer un plat de ce menu. (Customer: I’ll try a dish from this menu.)
11. Vous préférez à la carte ou un menu fixe?
Pronunciation: voo pray-fay-ray ah lah kart oo uh muh-new feeks
Meaning: Do you prefer ordering à la carte or a fixed menu?
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Vous préférez à la carte ou un menu fixe? (Waiter: Do you prefer ordering à la carte or a fixed menu?)
- Client: Je vais choisir un menu fixe. (Customer: I’ll choose a fixed menu.)
12. Nous avons des options végétariennes
Pronunciation: noo zav-ohn day zop-syohn vay-zhay-tah-ryenn
Meaning: We have vegetarian options.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Nous avons des options végétariennes sur le menu. (Waiter: We have vegetarian options on the menu.)
- Client: Parfait, montrez-moi ces plats. (Customer: Perfect, show me those dishes.)
13. Voulez-vous des suggestions?
Pronunciation: voo-lay voo day soo-zhess-syohn
Meaning: Would you like some suggestions?
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Voulez-vous des suggestions du menu? (Waiter: Would you like some suggestions from the menu?)
- Client: Oui, je suis curieux d’entendre vos recommandations. (Customer: Yes, I’m curious to hear your recommendations.)
14. Nous avons un menu pour enfants
Pronunciation: noo zav-ohn uh muh-new poor ahn-fahn
Meaning: We have a kids’ menu.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Nous avons un menu pour enfants si besoin. (Waiter: We have a kids’ menu if needed.)
- Client: Merci, je vais le consulter. (Customer: Thank you, I’ll take a look at it.)
15. Je vous recommande le plat du jour
Pronunciation: juh voo ruh-koh-mahn luh plah dew zhoor
Meaning: I recommend the dish of the day.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Je vous recommande le plat du jour, il est délicieux. (Waiter: I recommend the dish of the day; it’s delicious.)
- Client: Très bien, je vais le prendre. (Customer: Very well, I’ll take it.)
16. Avez-vous une allergie alimentaire?
Pronunciation: ah-vay voo oon ah-ler-zhee ah-lee-mahn-tair
Meaning: Do you have a food allergy?
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Avez-vous une allergie alimentaire avant de commander? (Waiter: Do you have a food allergy before ordering?)
- Client: Oui, je suis allergique aux noix. (Customer: Yes, I’m allergic to nuts.)
17. Prenez votre temps pour choisir
Pronunciation: pruh-nay voh-truh tahn poor shwah-zeer
Meaning: Take your time to choose.
In a Sentence:
- Serveur: Prenez votre temps pour choisir sur le menu. (Waiter: Take your time to choose from the menu.)
- Client: Merci, je vais regarder attentivement. (Customer: Thank you, I’ll look carefully.)
Exercise to Practice “Menu” in French
Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises. Each sentence is written in French, followed by its English meaning. Use the correct word or phrase for “menu” from the examples provided earlier to complete each sentence. After the exercises, you’ll find the answers and their translations.
Fill-in-the-Blanks:
- Pouvez-vous m’apporter __________ des desserts, s’il vous plaît?
(Can you bring me the dessert menu, please?) - Le serveur a recommandé __________ dégustation pour découvrir leur cuisine.
(The waiter recommended the tasting menu to explore their cuisine.) - __________ du jour est écrit sur le tableau près de la porte.
(The menu of the day is written on the board near the door.) - Nous avons décidé de commander à partir de __________ fixe.
(We decided to order from the fixed menu.) - Ce restaurant propose un excellent __________ gastronomique.
(This restaurant offers an excellent gourmet menu.) - Les boissons sont sur __________ des vins au coin de la table.
(The drinks are on the wine menu at the corner of the table.) - __________ interactif de ce restaurant permet de commander en ligne.
(This restaurant’s interactive menu allows online ordering.) - Les options végétariennes sont listées sur __________ santé.
(The vegetarian options are listed on the health menu.) - Nous avons choisi un plat à partir de __________ saisonnière.
(We chose a dish from the seasonal menu.) - __________ combiné inclut des plats français et italiens.
(The combined menu includes French and Italian dishes.) - Le serveur nous a donné __________ enfants pour les petits.
(The waiter gave us the kids’ menu for the little ones.) - Avez-vous __________ en ligne? Je veux vérifier avant d’arriver.
(Do you have an online menu? I want to check before arriving.)
Answers with Translations:
- La carte des desserts
(The dessert menu) - Le menu dégustation
(The tasting menu) - Le menu du jour
(The menu of the day) - Le menu fixe
(The fixed menu) - La carte gastronomique
(The gourmet menu) - La carte des vins
(The wine menu) - Le menu interactif
(The interactive menu) - Le menu santé
(The health menu) - La carte saisonnière
(The seasonal menu) - Le menu combiné
(The combined menu) - Le menu enfants
(The kids’ menu) - Le menu en ligne
(The online menu)
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “menu” in French and using the related phrases is an essential skill for anyone interested in French dining culture. From ordering food at a café to exploring a gourmet restaurant, these terms will help you communicate confidently and make your experience more enjoyable.
By practicing the different ways to refer to “menu,” you can adapt your vocabulary to suit any dining situation. Remember to use polite responses and ask questions when needed, as this shows respect for the culture and makes conversations smoother. Keep practicing, and soon these phrases will become second nature, enriching your interactions and making every dining moment special.