French restaurant names

Tips for naming a french restaurant

• Use a simple place or bistro word, such as Chez, Maison, or Brasserie, to set the tone without a long explanation.
• Short, two-word names are easier for guests to say and remember than long French phrases.
• Keep accents out of signage and search text if you want guests to find you, since they are often dropped.
• Match the register of the name to the menu, since a bistro and a brasserie signal very different prices.
• A small playful word works well for a bakery or cafe, while a formal word suits a dinner room.

What to avoid

• Avoid stock names like Le Petit Cafe that appear on countless listings.
• Avoid misspelled French words, since guests may hesitate to recommend a name they cannot say or spell.
• Avoid names that echo famous Paris landmarks or department stores, which can cause confusion or trademark trouble.

Before you commit to a name

Search the name with your city on Google and Maps, check your state's business registry and the USPTO trademark database, and confirm the domain and social handles are free. These ideas are starting points; any of them may already be in use near you.

Once it's yours, put it on a free menu template and give it a home guests can order from directly with commission-free online ordering.