There are variations as well. Une noisette is the French version of the Italian macchiato or the Spanish cortado. It’s a shot of espresso with a slight splash of hot milk. Noisette is the French word for “hazelnut. " The name comes from the fact that the milk turns the drink a hazelnut color – it does not taste like hazelnut.
Since a French café has a bit more water than an Italian espresso, un café serré comes closer to the espresso you’re probably used to.
This drink has far more milk than coffee, so it’s not as strong as a latte. If you want it stronger, order a petit café crème. You’ll get a smaller amount of milk with the same single shot of espresso. If you typically drink coffee with milk, this is likely the drink you want. Some French cafés have cappuccinos or lattes, but they generally taste the same as a café crème. And since they’re usually only on the menu because tourists order them, you can expect them to cost more. [5] X Research source If you order a café au lait, the server or barista will likely understand what you want, but you’ll sound touristy.
If you’re looking for actual filtered coffee, you may have a hard time finding it in France unless you’re in a touristy area. Ask for a café filtré or a café Americana. Typically, you’ll still get un allongé. You can also ask for a café Americano and the barista or server will likely know what you want, even though “Americano” is Italian. Keep in mind when you finish your cup, it won’t be refilled. You’ll have to order another cup.
Iced coffee is typically brewed at double-strength and then cooled before serving, so the ice doesn’t water down the coffee. However, since French coffee is a lot stronger than American filtered coffee, hot coffee watered down with melting ice might not taste so terrible to you.
For example, if you want a decaf iced coffee, you might say “Bonjour. Je voudrais un café glacé déca, s’il vous plaît. "
For example, if you go to the bar to order to coffees for yourself and your friend, you might say “Bonjour. Je voudrais deux cafés, s’il vous plaît” (Hello. I’d like 2 coffees, please).
For example, you might say “Bonjour. Un café, s’il vous plaît” (Hello. One coffee, please). More informal greetings, such as salut, are typically not considered appropriate unless you are a regular at the café and familiar with the person you’re speaking to. However, if the server or barista says salut to you first, you can return the greeting. Use your best judgment and remember to be respectful.
For example, you might say “Bonjour. Je voudrais une noisette, s’il vous plaît. "
Keep in mind that the French like to linger in cafés. Your more traditional French cafés may not have a “to go” option available. However, most specialty cafés will have to-go cups available, particularly in areas that get a lot of tourist traffic.
For example, you might say “Bonjour. Je voudrais un café allongé, s’il vous plaît. "
For example, you might say “Bonjour. Je voudrais un café crème, s’il vous plaît. Merci. "
Tables are serviced by wait staff at most cafés. If you order your coffee at the bar, drink it at the bar. It’s considered rude to order your drink at the bar and then go sit at a table.
For example, you might say “un croissant s’il vous plaît. "
If you want to do things the French way, eat your lunch or dinner, then go to a café to have your coffee afterward. You should also keep in mind that the French typically only drink coffee with milk at breakfast. If you can’t drink black coffee, you can feel free to order a café crème any time you want it – but expect some strange looks.
