A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "What do you recommend" in French
Ask for a waiter's top dish or drink choice at a French restaurant.
Qu'est-ce que vous me recommandez ?
kes kuh voo muh ruh-koh-MAHN-dayneutral
French TTS · 0:01
When you've looked at the menu but are still unsure what to order. This is a polite way to ask your server for their personal favorite or the house specialty.
Alternatives
- Qu'est-ce que tu me recommandes ?Use 'tu' only if you know the server well or they've already used 'tu' with you.
- Vous recommandez quoi ?Slightly more direct, but still polite.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'r'
The French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled with the tongue tip.
Missing the liaison
The 's' in 'est-ce' sounds like a 'z' when followed by 'que'.
A small cultural note
Asking for a recommendation is very common and shows engagement with the menu. It's a great way to discover local specialties.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What if I want a recommendation for a specific type of food?
You can add 'comme plat' (for a dish) or 'comme dessert' (for a dessert) to your question. For example, 'Qu'est-ce que vous me recommandez comme plat ?'
How do I ask for the bill?
The most common way is 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît'. This is polite and universally understood.
What if I don't like the recommendation?
You can politely say 'Je vais réfléchir' (I'll think about it) or 'Je ne suis pas sûr(e)' (I'm not sure) and ask for more time or another suggestion.
