French Restaurant Etiquette: Tips for Dining in France

When dining in Paris or anywhere in France, it’s essential to be aware of the local etiquette to enjoy a full dining experience. France is known for placing a high importance on etiquette, and there are certain unwritten rules and customs most diners adhere to when dining at a restaurant in France. Here are some French restaurant etiquette tips to memorize before going to France!

French dining can be intimidating. With lots of traditional dining rules and long-standing etiquette practices, many people shy away from French fine dining altogether. If you want to learn French brasserie etiquette, this quick guide will help you dine like a natural at a restaurant in France.

Greeting

Firstly, always greet the staff with a polite “Bonjour” during the day or “Bonsoir” in the evening. This shows respect and is considered a basic courtesy in French culture.

Seating

If the brasserie has outdoor seating, you generally don’t need to ask before you sit down. Once you do, the waiter will come over and either bring you a menu or take your order. The only exception to this rule is if the area is blocked off with barriers, or the restaurant is upscale. Generally speaking, if there are tables that can be accessed from the sidewalk, you should be fine to sit!

If you’re visiting a café, you can usually take an open seat and wait for the waiter to bring you a menu. However, in more formal restaurants, you must wait to be seated by the host. It’s typically obvious if the seating is open at a café, as there won’t be any barriers around the tables.

Consuming Your Meal

When seated, place your napkin on your lap, not tucked into your collar. It is customary to keep your hands on the table (but not the elbows). This is slightly different from some other cultures where hands are kept on the lap.

In terms of the meal itself, remember that French dining often involves multiple courses. Start with appetizers, followed by the main course, and then cheese before dessert. While eating, hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right. If you are finished with your meal, place your utensils parallel on the plate.

Paying

Politely raise your hand to call for the waiter’s attention when you’re ready to pay. Don’t ever shout or call a waiter from a distance. If the water doesn’t see you, you can stand up and walk over to him or her.

You can say “L’addition, s’il vous plait” to politely ask for the final bill.

French restaurants accept cash and credit cards.

Tipping is not obligatory in France, as a service charge is included in your bill. However, leaving small change is a nice gesture and is appreciated.

Tipping is not necessary, however my Parisian friends do tip 1€ or 2€ at their regular restaurants to ensure they can get a table during busy times. As far as tourism goes, you should be fine without tipping your waiter! If you want, you can leave a euro or two. 

Lastly, don’t rush through your meal. In France, dining is considered a leisurely activity where the focus is on enjoying the food and the company. When you are ready to leave, get the waiter’s attention and ask for the bill by saying “L’addition, s’il vous plaît”.

Voila! Remembering these tips can help you navigate a French dining experience with grace and ease.