#87 Reviewing a Contract ｜ French for Business
Izumi Curious French
#183 Expressing Your Impression of Food｜French Dining Phrases
Izumi
After you finish your meal at a restaurant or café, the staff or chef may ask for your opinion about the food.
When you comment on a dish, simply saying “It was good” is often not enough. If you can explain what you liked—such as the taste, appearance, or texture—you will leave a better impression.
In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for describing your impression of food, together with their usage and nuances.
Contents
Dialogue
Alors, tout s’est bien passé avec votre plat ?
（So, how was your dish?）
Oui, c’était vraiment délicieux. La sauce était particulièrement savoureuse.
（Yes, it was really delicious. The sauce was particularly flavorful.）
Je suis ravi de l’entendre. Le plat était-il trop salé ou trop épicé pour vous ?
（I am glad to hear that. Was it too salty or too spicy for you?）
Non, pas du tout. L’équilibre des saveurs était parfait.
（No, not at all. The balance of flavors was perfect.）
Merci beaucoup. Souhaitez-vous un dessert ou un café ?
（Thank you very much. Would you like a dessert or a coffee?）
Oui, pourquoi pas. Je prendrai un café, merci.
（Yes, why not? I will have a coffee, thank you.）
1. Giving an Overall Impression of the Dish
When you describe your impression of a dish, I recommend starting with an overall positive comment before adding details.
Example
- C’était vraiment délicieux.
（It was really delicious.）
The word “délicieux” means “delicious” and is one of the most natural compliments you can give for food.
Adding the adverb “vraiment” (really) strengthens your impression.
Related Expressions
- C’était très bon.
（It was very good.） - C’était excellent.
（It was excellent.）
2. Explaining What Was Particularly Good
Next, you can explain which part of the dish you liked the most.
Example
- La sauce était particulièrement savoureuse.
（The sauce was particularly flavorful.）
By using “particulièrement” (particularly), you can highlight the specific element that impressed you.
Related Expressions
- La texture était très agréable.
（The texture was very pleasant.） - La viande était très tendre.
（The meat was very tender.） - Les légumes étaient très frais.
（The vegetables were very fresh.）
3. Evaluating the Balance of Flavors
When you want to say the seasoning was just right, French often uses the idea of balance.
Example
- L’équilibre des saveurs était parfait.
（The balance of flavors was perfect.）
The word “équilibre” means “balance.” The phrase “équilibre des saveurs” refers to well-balanced seasoning and flavor.
If you want to be more specific about taste, you can say:
Related Expression
- Ce n’était ni trop salé ni trop épicé.
（It was neither too salty nor too spicy.）
The structure “ni A ni B” means “neither A nor B.” It is usually used in a negative sentence structure.
4. Responding to Post-Meal Suggestions
After the meal, staff may suggest dessert or coffee.
Example
- Souhaitez-vous un dessert ou un café ?
（Would you like a dessert or a coffee?）
The verb “souhaiter” means “to wish” or “to desire.” The form “souhaitez-vous” is a polite way to ask what someone would like.
Example
- Oui, pourquoi pas. Je prendrai un café.
（Yes, why not? I will have a coffee.）
The expression “pourquoi pas” is a casual but natural way to accept a suggestion.
Related Expressions
- Non merci, ça ira.
（No thank you, I am fine.） - Je vais prendre juste un café.
（I will just have a coffee.）
Summary
Key French Phrases
- C’était délicieux / C’était excellent.
→ Used to give an overall positive impression of the dish. - La sauce était particulièrement savoureuse.
→ Used to describe what was particularly good. - L’équilibre des saveurs était parfait.
→ Used to evaluate flavor balance. - Ni trop salé ni trop épicé.
→ Used to describe seasoning strength. - Souhaitez-vous un dessert ou un café ?
→ Used when offering dessert or coffee after a meal.
