📞 French phrase guide
How to book a table in French
Booking a table means a phone call, which is the scariest kind of conversation because you can't point at anything. These phrases cover the whole call, from the greeting to spelling your name.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key French phrases
| French | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Je voudrais réserver une table. | I'd like to book a table. | |
| Pour quatre personnes | For four people | |
| Ce soir à vingt heures | Tonight at eight | |
| Vous avez une table en terrasse ? | Do you have a table outside? | |
| Au nom de… | Under the name… | |
| Vous avez quelque chose plus tard ? | Is there anything later? | |
| Nous sommes complets. | We're fully booked. | |
| Vous pouvez l'épeler ? | Can you spell that? | |
| Je dois annuler ma réservation. | I need to cancel my reservation. | |
| À ce soir ! | See you tonight! |
Example conversation
Restaurant
Bonjour, restaurant La Piazza.
Hello, La Piazza restaurant.
You
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour quatre ce soir.
Hello, I'd like to book a table for four tonight.
Restaurant
Pour quelle heure ?
What time?
You
À vingt heures, si possible.
At eight, if possible.
Restaurant
Parfait. À quel nom ?
Perfect. Under what name?
You
Au nom de Taylor. À ce soir !
Under the name Taylor. See you tonight!
Good to know
💡 French uses the 24-hour clock for bookings, so 8 pm is "vingt heures". Popular restaurants fill up fast, so booking a day ahead is wise.
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "Book a table" in French →More French situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes💊 How to ask for help at a pharmacy🌤️ How to make small talk