Dreaming of a romantic meal in the French capital? Figuring out how to order food in Paris can feel intimidating, especially if you do not speak the language. To eat like a true Parisian, you need to learn a few local dining customs. This knowledge is necessary for a great trip and will make sure you skip the tourist traps for an unforgettable culinary experience.
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The Golden Rules of French Dining
Before you sit down, you must learn the most critical rule of French hospitality if you want to master how to order food in French.
- The Mandatory “Bonjour”: Always greet the staff before speaking. Saying “Bonjour” sets a polite tone for the whole meal.
- Wait for a Host: Never choose your own table. Wait for a host, then hold up your fingers for the table size. Keep in mind that restaurants serve meals during strict times: lunch from 12 to 2 PM, and dinner from 7 to 10 PM.
Navigating the Menu: How to Order in Paris
Understanding the menu structure helps you figure out exactly how to order smoothly.
- Decoding Courses: An entrée is a starter, not your main dish. The plat is the main course. Look for la formule (the set menu) for the best value.
- Order All at Once: Besides starters, waiters expect you to order your mains at the same time. Chefs dislike ingredient substitutions, so pick dishes you already love.
- Coffee Comes Last: Waiters never serve coffee with dessert. You drink it at the very end.
Etiquette for Ordering Food Like Parisians
You do not need absolute fluency to learn the local habits.
- The Magic Phrase: Plainly say “Pour moi…” (For me…) to pick your food without struggling over complex verbs.
- Meat Doneness: To order steak, ask for saignant (rare) or à point (medium rare).
- The Tap Water Secret: If you want to know how to order food in France, Paris offers a great budget trick. Ask for “une carafe d’eau” to get free, safe tap water instead of paying for bottles.
Settling the Bill: How to Order in France
Finishing your meal requires a specific approach when figuring out the payment process.
- Never Rush: Servers let you linger. To get the check, you must ask by saying “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”
- Service Compris: Waiters do not expect a big tip. By law, the restaurant includes service in the price. Leaving a few extra euros provides a nice bonus for great service, though you break no rules if you pay the exact amount. In the end, this provides a smooth dining experience.
Now you are ready to dine with confidence. Let our local experts design your dream culinary itinerary. Contact My Private Paris right away to plan your customized trip to the city!
Photo Credits
All images used in this article are credited to their original creators and made available under Creative Commons licenses or as public domain / royalty-free images.
- Café terrace in Paris, Le Némours near the Louvre Museum. Copyright: Unsplash/Markus Winkler
- People Seating Near the River Seine in Paris on a Terrace. Copyright: Unspash/Alain ROUILLER
- Women Looking at a Menu Restaurant in a Parc in Paris. Copyright: Unsplash/Getty Images
Images are used in accordance with their respective licenses. All rights remain with the original creators.
