Country menu guides
What is the plat du jour?
The plat du jour is the dish of the day: one main course the kitchen cooks that day, usually from what was fresh at the market. It's written on the chalkboard (l'ardoise) rather than the printed menu, is often cheaper than the à la carte mains, and can usually be part of the lunch formule. When it's gone, it's gone.
- On the menu
- Plat du jour
- Meaning
- Dish of the day — a main course cooked that day, usually on the chalkboard.
What to expect
Plats du jour tend to be home-style cooking: a stew, a roast, a fish of the day, a blanquette or a bourguignon on cold days, something lighter in summer. It usually comes out faster than à la carte dishes because it's ready to serve — handy on a short lunch break.
Because it changes daily, ingredients aren't always listed. If you have an allergy, ask what's in it, and remember that French home cooking leans on butter, cream, flour-thickened sauces and wine.
What to do
- Arrive early at lunch. A popular plat du jour can sell out by 13:00.
- Ask: Quel est le plat du jour ? ("What's the dish of the day?")
- Photograph the board. Handwritten chalkboards are hard to read; MenuGuide can translate a photo of the board and convert the prices to your currency.
Frequently asked questions
What does plat du jour mean?
Plat du jour means "dish of the day". It's a main course the kitchen prepares that day, often from fresh market produce, and it's usually written on a chalkboard rather than in the printed menu. It's often cheaper than the regular mains and can be part of a lunch formule with a starter, dessert or coffee.
Is the plat du jour cheaper?
Usually, yes. The plat du jour is typically priced below the à la carte mains because the kitchen cooks it in quantity for that day. It's often the best-value hot meal on the board, especially when bundled into a lunch formule. Check the chalkboard, since prices vary by restaurant and some specials cost more.
What is the difference between plat du jour and suggestion du chef?
A plat du jour is the daily main course, usually simple and good value. A suggestion du chef is a special the chef recommends, which may be more elaborate, seasonal or expensive, and may stay on for several days. Both are typically written on the board rather than in the printed menu.
Is the plat du jour served at dinner?
Often not. The plat du jour is mainly a lunchtime tradition, aimed at people eating out on a working day, and many restaurants offer it only at midday on weekdays. Some keep it until it sells out, including at dinner. If it isn't on the evening board, ask for the chef's suggestions instead.
