French for Reserving a Table: Say 'I'd like to book a table for two at 7'
Learn to reserve a table in French by phone or in person, using polite phrases like 'Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux à 19h'.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Reserving a table is different from ordering: you need to state the number of people, the time, and sometimes your name. In French, the key phrase is 'Je voudrais réserver une table' (I'd like to book a table). This lesson teaches you how to make a reservation politely, whether you call or ask in person. You'll learn to specify the time using the 24-hour clock, which is standard in France, and to handle simple questions from the restaurant staff.
By the end, you can…
- ask to reserve a table for a specific number of people and time.
- respond to basic questions when making a reservation by phone or in person.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je voudrais réserver une table.
I would like to book a table.
zhuh voo-DREH ray-zair-VAY ewn TAH-bluh
Polite and standard. Use 'Je voudrais' (I would like) rather than 'Je veux' (I want), which can sound abrupt.
pour deux personnes
for two people
poor duh pair-SON
Specify the number of diners. You can also say 'pour deux' (for two) in casual contexts.
à 19h
at 7 p.m.
ah diz-NUFF UHR
French uses the 24-hour clock for appointments. '19h' is 7 p.m. For 7 a.m., say 'à 7h' (ah set UHR).
C'est pour ce soir ?
Is it for tonight?
say poor suh SWAHR
A typical question from staff. Answer with 'Oui' or 'Non, pour demain soir' (No, for tomorrow evening).
Au nom de ...
Under the name of ...
oh non duh
Give your name for the reservation: 'Au nom de Smith.'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is: 'Je voudrais réserver une table pour [number] personnes à [time].' For example: 'Je voudrais réserver une table pour deux personnes à 19h.' You can also add 'au nom de [your name]' at the end. To ask a question, invert: 'Est-ce que je peux réserver une table ?' (Can I book a table?). The verb 'réserver' is regular: je réserve, tu réserves, il/elle réserve, nous réservons, vous réservez, ils/elles réservent.
When to use it
Use these phrases when calling a restaurant or speaking to a host/hostess at the entrance. If you are already at the restaurant and want a table for later, you can say: 'Je voudrais réserver une table pour ce soir à 20h.' If you are calling, start with 'Bonjour' and then state your request. For same-day reservations, specify 'ce soir' (tonight) or 'ce midi' (this lunchtime). In more formal settings, use 'vous' and 'Je voudrais' rather than 'Je veux'.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour deux personnes à 19h.
Hello, I would like to book a table for two people at 7 p.m.bon-ZHOOR, zhuh voo-DREH ray-zair-VAY ewn TAH-bluh poor duh pair-SON ah diz-NUFF UHRBien sûr. C'est pour ce soir ?
Of course. Is it for tonight?byan SEWR. say poor suh SWAHROui, ce soir. Au nom de Smith.
Yes, tonight. Under the name Smith.wee, suh SWAHR. oh non duh smeetTrès bien. Nous vous attendons à 19h.
Very well. We'll expect you at 7 p.m.tray byan. noo voo zah-tan-DON ah diz-NUFF UHRA little context goes a long way
In France, it's common to reserve by phone, and the 24-hour clock is standard for appointments. When you arrive, say 'Bonjour' and give your name. In more casual settings, you might hear 'Vous avez réservé ?' (Have you booked?). In Quebec, the 12-hour clock is sometimes used in speech, but 24-hour is still understood. Tipping is not expected for reservations.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Je veux réserver une table' (I want to book a table).
Try this instead: 'Je veux' can sound demanding. Use 'Je voudrais' (I would like) for politeness: 'Je voudrais réserver une table.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I would like to book a table for four at 8 p.m.' in French?
Show a sample answer
Je voudrais réserver une table pour quatre personnes à 20h.
This uses the polite 'Je voudrais', the number 'quatre', and the 24-hour time '20h'. You could also say 'à 8 heures du soir' in casual speech, but '20h' is standard.
2The host asks 'C'est pour ce soir ?' How do you answer 'No, for tomorrow evening'?
Show a sample answer
Non, pour demain soir.
'Demain soir' means tomorrow evening. You could also say 'Non, pour demain.' The key is to use 'Non' and the correct time expression.
3How do you give your name for the reservation?
Show a sample answer
Au nom de [your name].
This phrase means 'Under the name of...' and is used to specify whose reservation it is. For example, 'Au nom de Martin.'
To reserve a table in French, start with 'Bonjour' and use 'Je voudrais réserver une table pour [number] personnes à [time].' Remember the 24-hour clock and give your name with 'Au nom de...'.
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