Language Barrier in Montreal Restaurants?
 

I am traveling to Montreal this summer? Is it difficult to order @ restaurants as a non-French speaking visitor? Are the menus all in French? I'm assuming that they are and am already brushing up on basic French, but I am afraid I won't be anywhere near speaking or reading French in the next 6 months! Any wisdom would be most appreciated. Thanks.

I believe that questions of this type have been adressed ad nauseum. Anyway, the answer is NO, there will be no problem.

No probelms anywhere in the city of Montreal with language.<BR>Most restaurants have English on their menus as well as French. If you get a French only menu just ask, everyone speaks English!<BR>

You wont have a problem but no, not everyone speaks English and you shouldnt have that type of attitude when you go to Montreal. It really is perceived as being arrogant. Just say&quot;Parlez vous Anglais&quot; first. Also throw in a Bonjour and merci from time to time and you will be greatly received.

Only arrogant if that is the attitude. Whenever we are in Montreal- no matter where we are or who we talk to, THEY talk to us in English first!<BR>Some people just want to be picky, so let them. If you don't speak French, ask for someone to tell you the menu in English or ask for an English menu. Easy, and no one cares.

We travel to Montreal several times a year. I can't remember any menu not being in English and French, except the printed daily specials sometimes attached (which the server will be happy to describe in English).

And isn't experiencing the language part of the fun of traveling?? Mystified by the issue....<BR><BR>I do speak French although not Quebecois and on our recent trip went to a restaurant in the Eastern French speaking area where I could read everything but could barely understand a word they said! We ordered the Assiette Quebecois (Quebec Plate) and Assiette Noel (Christmas Plate) without understanding what was on them. Among many components, one plate had a HUGE and shockingly unattractive piece of meat that nonetheless was quite tasty. When someone who spoke English sat down next to us, we asked what it was and they said &quot;pig's leg&quot;. We probably would not have ordered it if I could have understood what it was - but we were both glad for the opportunity to try it!<BR><BR>So....relax and enjoy yourself - a little &quot;language chaos&quot; is usually great fun!