Do restaurant menus have to be in French in Quebec? A guide for owners

If you run a restaurant, café or bar in Quebec, the language of your menu is not just a style choice. Quebec's Charter of the French Language requires French in many business communications, and Bill 96, adopted in 2022, strengthened those rules. Here is a practical overview for owners. It is general information, not legal advice; check the official guidance or a professional for your specific situation.

Do restaurant menus have to be in French in Quebec?

Yes. Menus and wine lists in Quebec must be available in French. You can also offer other languages, such as English, but French must not be less prominent than any other language. That applies whether the menu is printed, on a board, on a screen or online.

The simplest approach: write your menu in French first, then add English beneath or beside it, at the same size or smaller.

What changed with Bill 96?

Bill 96, which became Law 14, updated the Charter of the French Language and reinforced French as the language of business in Quebec. For restaurants, the practical effect is that French must be present and at least as prominent across more of your customer-facing materials, including digital ones. The rules apply to businesses of all sizes, and the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) oversees compliance.

What restaurant materials need to be in French?

Material	What to check
Menus and wine lists	Available in French, French not less prominent
Signs and storefront	French must be markedly predominant on public signage in many cases
Website and online menu	A French version available and easy to find
Online ordering and QR menus	Must work in French
Receipts and invoices	French versions available
Contracts and forms	French versions for customers
Employee documents	Many workplace communications must be in French

Can a restaurant menu include dish names in other languages?

Dish names that are specialties from another language, such as "sushi", "ramen" or "pizza", are commonly used. But descriptions and the main information should be available in French. If you run a restaurant serving a particular cuisine, keep authentic dish names, and add clear French descriptions.

Does an English menu have to be the same size as the French one?

French must not be less prominent. That means an English or other-language version can be the same size or smaller, but not larger or more prominent than the French version. If you have separate menus, the French menu must be at least as available.

What about online menus and ordering in Quebec?

Your website, online menu, QR code menu and any ordering or booking system aimed at customers in Quebec must work in French. If your platform defaults to English, check that a full French experience is available and that French is not hidden behind an extra click.

How can a restaurant stay compliant with Quebec language rules?

1. Audit everything a customer sees: menus, signs, website, receipts, social media, emails.
2. Write French first. Translation into French as an afterthought often leads to errors.
3. Use a professional translator for menus, especially for culinary terms.
4. Check your suppliers' systems, such as point of sale, booking and ordering tools, for full French support.
5. Keep it consistent as menus change with the seasons.

Do staff in a Quebec restaurant have to speak French?

The Charter also gives consumers the right to be informed and served in French. In practice, that means a customer who speaks French should be able to order and get information in French. Many restaurants in Montreal serve customers in both French and English, and that is common and welcome, as long as French service is available. Training staff with key French phrases, menu vocabulary and allergy information helps everyone.

What happens if a restaurant does not comply?

The OQLF handles complaints and can require businesses to correct issues, and fines are possible for non-compliance. In practice, many cases begin with a complaint, so fixing gaps early is the best protection.

Are there other Quebec rules restaurants should know?

Yes, a few that affect day-to-day operations:

• Tipping on payment terminals: suggested tip percentages must be calculated on the price before taxes.
• Sales tax: bills show GST and QST.
• Drinking age: 18 in Quebec.

Mosey is built for diners who want to know what is worth ordering. In Quebec, a clear, well-written French menu is not only a legal requirement but one of the best ways to help guests choose well.

More guides for your business:

• How to get more customers for a Montreal restaurant
• Tip suggestions on payment terminals in Quebec: what restaurants must do
• Winter in Montreal for restaurants: surviving the slow months

More in the Canadian guides for food businesses.