Meaning
To visit an establishment to eat a meal.
Cultural Background
In France, the 'Menu du Jour' is a staple of going to a restaurant. It usually offers the best value and the freshest ingredients. In Quebec, 'aller au restaurant' might involve 'apportez votre vin' (bring your own wine) establishments, which are less common in France. In Dakar, going to a restaurant often means enjoying 'Teranga' (hospitality) and dishes like Thieboudienne. In French-speaking Switzerland, going to a restaurant often involves specific regional specialties like fondue or raclette, especially in the winter.
The 'Au' Rule
Never forget that 'à + le' becomes 'au'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Pacing
When you go to a restaurant in France, don't expect the bill to come immediately. You often have to ask for it: 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.'
Meaning
To visit an establishment to eat a meal.
The 'Au' Rule
Never forget that 'à + le' becomes 'au'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Pacing
When you go to a restaurant in France, don't expect the bill to come immediately. You often have to ask for it: 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.'
Reservations
In big cities like Paris, 'aller au restaurant' without a reservation on a Friday night is very risky!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction (au, à la, à l').
Ce soir, nous allons ___ restaurant.
Because 'restaurant' is a masculine noun, 'à + le' becomes 'au'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am going to the restaurant'?
'Au' is the mandatory contraction for 'à + le'.
Complete the dialogue.
Léa: 'J'ai faim !' Marc: 'Moi aussi. ___ au restaurant ?'
'On' takes the same conjugation as 'il/elle' (third person singular).
Match the phrase to the formality level.
'On se fait un resto ?'
'Se faire un resto' is a common informal way to suggest eating out.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCe soir, nous allons ___ restaurant.
Because 'restaurant' is a masculine noun, 'à + le' becomes 'au'.
How do you say 'I am going to the restaurant'?
'Au' is the mandatory contraction for 'à + le'.
Léa: 'J'ai faim !' Marc: 'Moi aussi. ___ au restaurant ?'
'On' takes the same conjugation as 'il/elle' (third person singular).
'On se fait un resto ?'
'Se faire un resto' is a common informal way to suggest eating out.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsService is included in the price by law. However, it's common to leave 1-2 euros as a gesture of appreciation.
Yes, if you ask for 'une carafe d'eau', it is free. Bottled water (eau minérale) is not.
A restaurant is more formal and has a larger menu. A bistrot is smaller, more casual, and often serves traditional home-style cooking.
Yes, it is perfectly correct and very common. 'Aller' focuses on the movement, 'manger' on the act of eating.
You say 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.'
Yes, bread is traditionally provided for free and is often replenished during the meal.
Usually around 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM. Eating at 6:00 PM is very rare in France.
Usually no. For just a drink, you should go to 'un café' or 'un bar'.
It means the service charge is already included in the prices on the menu.
It is always 'au restaurant' because 'restaurant' is masculine.
Related Phrases
Réserver une table
builds onTo book a table
Prendre la commande
specialized formTo take the order
Régler l'addition
specialized formTo pay the bill
Manger dehors
synonymTo eat outside/out
Dîner en ville
similarTo dine out
