Bonjour from Paris! As an American who has called this beautiful city home for a few years, and has been a frequent visitor since the late 80s, I’ve picked up a few restaurant secrets that I love to share with friends who are visiting for the first time. So, if you’re heading to Paris, these tips are for you!
Water, Dessert, and Bread: The Parisian Restaurant Essentials
First, let’s talk about water. Don’t fall for the overpriced bottled water! Instead, ask for a carafe d’eau (pronounced care-aff duh). You’ll get a free bottle of tap water, perfect for staying hydrated without breaking the bank. Just remember, this usually only applies to still water, so if you crave sparkling, you’ll need to pay.
Next up: dessert. If you’re a sweet tooth, order a cafe gourmand. It’s basically a mini-dessert sampler – think 3-5 bite-sized delights and a coffee – for the price of one regular dessert! It’s perfect for sharing, or for those who want to indulge without overindulging.
And finally, bread. In most Parisian restaurants, you won’t get a dedicated bread plate. Instead, the bread comes in a basket, and you can simply place your piece directly on the table or your plate. And don’t forget, bread is your best friend for soaking up the delicious sauce left on your plate! It’s a Parisian tradition, so embrace it!
Navigating the French Restaurant Experience: Billing and Dining Times
Now, let’s talk about the bill. French service can be a bit different from what you’re used to. Don’t expect the bill to magically appear – you need to ask for it! And if you’re ready to leave but can’t find your server, don’t worry! Just stand up and head towards the payment station, making sure to let the server know you’re leaving. This is perfectly normal, except at Michelin-starred restaurants or other places known for their particularly attentive service.
And, of course, let’s address the timing of things. Dinner in Paris typically happens around 8 or 9 pm. Apéro (pre-dinner drinks) often starts at 6 or 7 pm. The French often wrap up their work day around 7 pm, so you won’t see many locals eating dinner at 6. The atmosphere is much more lively if you head out closer to 8:30 or later. So, while you can dine earlier, be prepared to share the restaurant with a few other tourists.
Paying the Bill and Splitting the Check: No Problem!
Speaking of the bill, it’s totally normal to split it evenly. But if you have a mix of people who ordered different things (some had wine, others didn’t), no problem! Simply figure out what each person owes, and then pay the server individually. The last person in the group just pays whatever remains. Some restaurants use POS systems that allow the server to click individual items for each person, making it a breeze, but not all restaurants have this feature. No worries, you can easily do the math yourself!
Share Your Parisian Restaurant Tips!
I hope these insider tips help you have a fantastic dining experience in Paris. Let me know what you think, and feel free to share your own Parisian restaurant tips in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ways to eat like a true Parisian!
