How to Enjoy a Full-Course French Meal: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fine Dining Etiquette

Being invited to a full-course meal at a top-tier French restaurant can make anyone a little nervous, right?
After all, a course meal is the very essence of French fine dining. From aperitifs to after-dinner coffee, the experience unfolds over two to three elegant hours.
By understanding the basic flow, you can elevate your dining etiquette and enjoy the experience with confidence and grace.

Table of Contents

1 Amuse
2 Potage
3 Hors d’oeuvre & Pain
4 Poisson (Fish Main Course)
5 Salade
6 Viande (Meat Main Course)
7 Fromage
8 Dessert
9 Petit Fours & Cafe

Amuse

Amuse is a small dish served even before the appetizer (hors d’oeuvre). It’s like a “bite-sized hors d’oeuvre.” Enjoy it with an aperitif such as champagne.

Potage

In French cuisine, soup is typically served before the main dish. A consommé-style soup is a classic example. Use a spoon to enjoy it—more like eating than drinking.

Hors d’oeuvre & Pain

Hors d’oeuvre corresponds to the appetizer in French cuisine. If multiple dishes are served, it’s common to start with cold appetizers followed by warm ones. At this stage, it’s a good idea to choose a wine to match the course.

Bread is served along with the appetizers. Generally, refills are free of charge (confirm with the restaurant).

Poisson (Fish Main Course)

It is common for the main courses to be served in the order of fish followed by meat.

Use the special sauce spoon for fish dishes in place of a knife to eat elegantly.

Salade

A salad may be served between the main dishes as a palate cleanser. In some French courses, salad may not be served at all.

Viande (Meat Main Course)

Following the fish dish, the meat main course is served, often accompanied by a colorful sauce. The photo shows roasted pigeon.

It's okay to pick up bone-in meat with your hands.

It’s perfectly acceptable to pick up bone-in meat with your hands. It’s not considered bad manners.

Fromage

While it may feel unfamiliar to some, in a top-tier French course, cheese is served after the main dishes. Select 3–4 varieties and savor them slowly with any remaining wine.

Dessert

After enjoying cheese and wine, it’s finally dessert time. Pairing it with a sweet dessert wine is also a traditional French approach.

Petit Fours & Cafe

After dessert, it’s time for coffee. It is served with petit fours—small sweets. Once coffee is served, it’s considered the end of alcohol service.

Introduction to a full course at a French restaurant

This was an introduction to a full-course meal at a French restaurant. The order may vary slightly depending on the restaurant, but if you know the basics, you’ll feel at ease. Be sure to enjoy it with a fine wine pairing!