Tasting Your Way Through a French Dinner
Everyday French food expressions for describing, tasting and enjoying a meal with friends.
In France meals are a social event: dinner with friends often starts around 20 h with an apéro, then a main course, cheese and dessert. Guests usually bring a bottle of wine, flowers or dessert, and say « Bon appétit » before eating. Meat like steak is served rarer than in many countries, so « à point » means medium, not well done.
- 1
C'est un régal !
This is delicious!
- 2
Ça me met l'eau à la bouche.
It makes my mouth water.
- 3
J'ai l'estomac dans les talons.
I'm absolutely famished.
- 4
Bon appétit !
Enjoy your meal!
- 5
C'est du gâteau.
It's a piece of cake.
- 6
C'est pas ma tasse de thé.
It's not really my thing.
- 7
Je suis gourmand, j'adore le sucré.
I love good food, I've got a sweet tooth too.
- 8
C'est trop bon !
It's so good!
- 9
J'ai eu les yeux plus gros que le ventre.
My eyes were bigger than my stomach.
- 10
Ça manque un peu de sel.
It needs a bit more salt.
- 11
Ça pique !
It's spicy!
- 12
Vas-y, sers-toi !
Go on, help yourself!
- 13
Tu as un bon coup de fourchette !
You're a hearty eater!
- 14
Tu as mis les petits plats dans les grands !
You've really gone all out!
- 15
Ça a l'air bon.
That looks good.
- 16
À point, s'il te plaît.
Medium, please (for meat).
- 17
Reprends-en un peu !
Have a bit more!
- 18
Merci, j'ai bien mangé.
Thanks, I've had plenty.
Tip: Avoid the word for 'full' here: it can mean pregnant or drunk.
- 19
Ça fond dans la bouche.
It melts in your mouth.
- 20
On se fait une bouffe ?
Shall we get together for a meal?