#20 How to Make a Restaurant Reservation｜French Phrases for Booking
Izumi French Garden
#166 Asking for the Location of a Popular Local Restaurant｜French Travel Phrases
Izumi
When traveling, many people prefer to dine at restaurants popular with local residents rather than those aimed primarily at tourists.
In such situations, asking local people directly is often the most reliable approach. However, the way the question is phrased requires a bit of consideration.
In this article, I will explain, following the natural flow of a real conversation, useful French expressions for asking about the location of a well-regarded local restaurant.
Contents
Dialogue
Excusez-moi. Je suis à la recherche d’un bon restaurant fréquenté par les habitants.
（Excuse me. I am looking for a good restaurant that is popular with local residents.）
Quel type de cuisine vous intéresse ?
（What type of cuisine are you interested in?）
Plutôt quelque chose de simple et typique de la région.
（Preferably something simple and typical of the region.）
Dans ce cas, je vous recommande un petit bistrot près de la place centrale.
（In that case, I would recommend a small bistro near the central square.）
C’est loin d’ici ?
（Is it far from here?）
Non, pas du tout. Continuez tout droit, puis tournez à gauche après la pharmacie.
（No, not at all. Go straight ahead, then turn left after the pharmacy.）
D’accord. Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.
（All right. Thank you very much for your help.）
1. Explaining What Kind of Restaurant You Are Looking For
When asking about restaurants, I recommend first explaining the type of place or conditions you are looking for. This makes it easier for the other person to respond.
Example
- Je suis à la recherche d’un bon restaurant fréquenté par les habitants.
（I am looking for a good restaurant that is frequented by local residents.）
The expression “être à la recherche de …” means “to be looking for …” and is a polite, well-suited phrase for asking about places or directions while traveling.
By adding “fréquenté par les habitants” (frequented by local residents), you clearly convey that you are looking for a local restaurant rather than a tourist-oriented one.
Related Expressions
- Un restaurant apprécié des locaux.
（A restaurant appreciated by locals.） - Un endroit où les gens du coin aiment manger.
（A place where local people like to eat.） - Un restaurant typique du quartier.
（A restaurant that is typical of the neighborhood.）
2. Describing the Type of Cuisine or Atmosphere
When you ask local people for recommendations, they will often follow up by asking what kind of food you prefer.
Example
- Quel type de cuisine vous intéresse ?
（What type of cuisine are you interested in?）
When answering, there is no need to be overly specific. Simply describing the atmosphere or general preference is usually sufficient.
Example
- Quelque chose de simple et typique de la région.
（Something simple and typical of the region.）
The key point here is the use of “simple” (unpretentious, everyday) and “typique de la région” (characteristic of the area). This makes it clear that you value local character rather than luxury.
Related Expressions
- Un endroit convivial.
（A friendly, welcoming place.） - Un petit restaurant local.
（A small local restaurant.）
3. Being Given a Recommendation
When a local person recommends a restaurant, the following expression is commonly used.
Example
- Dans ce cas, je vous recommande un petit bistrot près de la place centrale.
（In that case, I would recommend a small bistro near the central square.）
The phrase “Dans ce cas” means “in that case” and is used to introduce a suggestion based on the other person’s preferences.
Another important expression is “je vous recommande …”. The verb “recommander” means “to recommend” and implies that the speaker personally considers the place to be a good choice.
In addition, using “petit”, as in “un petit bistrot”, naturally suggests a cozy and approachable atmosphere.
4. Confirming the Distance and Directions
After being given a recommendation, the next step is to confirm how far the restaurant is and how to get there.
Example
- C’est loin d’ici ?
（Is it far from here?）
The short expression “d’ici” (from here) indicates the starting point and is very commonly used when asking for directions.
When directions are explained, the following basic expressions frequently appear. Since landmarks are often used, I recommend paying close attention to them when listening.
Related Expressions
- Continuez tout droit.
（Go straight ahead.） - Tournez à gauche / à droite.
（Turn left / right.） - Après la pharmacie / le café.
（After the pharmacy / the café.）
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je suis à la recherche d’un bon restaurant fréquenté par les habitants.
→ Used to express that you are looking for a restaurant popular with locals. - Quel type de cuisine vous intéresse ?
→ A question used to confirm food preferences. - Quelque chose de simple et typique de la région.
→ A phrase for expressing a preference for local, regional cuisine. - C’est loin d’ici ? / Continuez tout droit…
→ Expressions used to ask about distance and directions.
