A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Do you have any specials" in French
Ask about the daily specials at a French restaurant to discover unique dishes.
Quels sont les plats du jour ?
kel sohn lay plah doo zhoorneutral
French TTS · 0:01
This is the standard way to ask what the chef has prepared specially for today. Use it when you've sat down and are ready to order or are looking for recommendations.
Alternatives
- Avez-vous des suggestions ?Use this if you want broader recommendations, not just specific daily dishes.
- Qu'est-ce qu'il y a de spécial aujourd'hui ?This is a more literal translation and perfectly understandable, though slightly less common.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'jour'
The 'j' is soft like the 's' in 'measure', and the 'ou' is like 'oo' in 'moon'.
Forgetting 'du'
You need 'du' (of the) before 'jour' to mean 'of the day'.
A small cultural note
While 'plats du jour' are common, some places might have a separate 'ardoise' (chalkboard) with specials. It's always worth asking if you don't see one.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
Is it rude to ask for specials?
Not at all! It's a very common question and shows you're interested in what the restaurant offers.
