Dialogue
Commander or réserver? Book a table, then order your meal
Practise two short French restaurant exchanges: réserver for the table and commander for the meal, with picture cards and a quick check.
- A2
- 14 lines
- Practice mode
- Learn this in the A2 notebook →
In short
Use réserver to book a table or set something aside. Use commander to order food, drink or goods. You can réserver une table before going out, then commander un plat when the server comes.
Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn
What is the difference between commander and réserver?
- Restaurant
Restaurant des Ormes, bonjour.
English
Restaurant des Ormes, hello.
- You
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour deux ce soir.
Greet them and ask to book for two tonight.
English
Hello, I’d like to book a table for two this evening.
- Restaurant
Bien sûr. À quelle heure ?
English
Of course. At what time?
- You
À dix-neuf heures trente, si possible.
Ask for 7.30 pm.
English
At half past seven, if possible.
- Restaurant
Oui. À quel nom ?
English
Yes. Under what name?
- You
Au nom de Martin.
Give the name Martin.
English
Under the name Martin.
- Restaurant
C’est noté : deux personnes à dix-neuf heures trente.
English
That’s noted: two people at half past seven.
- You
Merci, à ce soir !
Thank them and say you’ll see them tonight.
English
Thank you, see you this evening!
- Server · at the table
Bonsoir. Vous êtes prêts à commander ?
English
Good evening. Are you ready to order?
- You
Oui, je vais prendre une omelette avec de la salade.
Order an omelette with salad.
English
Yes, I’ll have an omelette with salad.
- Server
Et comme boisson ?
English
And to drink?
- You
Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.
Ask for a carafe of water.
English
A carafe of water, please.
- Server
Très bien. Et pour vous, madame ?
English
Very good. And for you, madam?
- You · second diner
Je prends la même chose, merci.
As the second diner, order the same thing.
English
I’ll have the same, thank you.
To place the order, Je vais prendre…, Je prends… and Je voudrais… are all useful. The server’s question uses commander to name the action. You can order a meal naturally with any of these phrases.
Book the table; order what goes on it
Find:
The same verbs at a bookshop
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Pouvez-vous commander ce livre ? | Can you order this book? |
| Pouvez-vous me réserver cet exemplaire jusqu’à demain ? | Can you hold this copy for me until tomorrow? |
| J’ai commandé le livre, mais je ne l’ai pas encore reçu. | I’ve ordered the book, but I haven’t received it yet. |