Eat Like a Local: Decoding Parisian Restaurant Etiquette

Entering a Parisian restaurant can feel like stepping onto a stage where everyone knows the script but you. Why is the waiter ignoring me? Why is there no butter with the bread? Am I supposed to tip?

Relax. The rules are simple once you know them. Here is how to navigate a French meal with confidence.

1. The "Bonjour" Rule

This is non-negotiable. When you enter a restaurant (or any shop), you must say "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir" after 6 PM) to the staff.

In France, walking in without greeting is seen as treating the staff like servants rather than professionals. A smile and a "Bonjour" will transform your service experience instantly.

2. The Truth About Tipping (Service Compris)

"Service Compris" means "Service Included." By law, a 15% service charge is already included in your menu price.

• Do you need to tip 20%? Absolutely not.
• Should you leave nothing? You can, and no one will chase you.
• The Local Way: For a casual meal/coffee, round up the bill (leave the small change). For a nice dinner, leave 2€ to 5€ on the table as a gesture of appreciation if the service was good.

Note: Most credit card machines do not have a "tip" option. Carry some coins.

3. Water: To Pay or Not to Pay?

If you ask for "water" (de l'eau), the waiter might bring a bottle of mineral water (Vittel, Evian) which costs 5-8€.

To get free tap water (which is delicious and safe in Paris), you must ask for:

"Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît." (A carafe of water, please.)

4. Bread and Butter

The basket of baguette arrives immediately. It is free and unlimited. However, butter is rarely served unless you are at a high-end restaurant or eating breakfast. Bread is meant to soak up the sauce on your plate, not to be an appetizer on its own.

Also, unlike in the US, you put your bread directly on the table next to your plate, not on a side plate.

5. The "Rude" Waiter Myth

In the US, good service means checking on you every 5 minutes ("How are those first bites?"). In France, good service means leaving you alone.

The waiter will not bring the bill (l'addition) until you ask for it. This isn't laziness; it's politeness. They are letting you own the table for as long as you want.

When you are ready to pay, catch their eye and make a scribbling motion, or say:

"L'addition, s'il vous plaît."

6. Dinner Time is Later

If you walk into a restaurant at 6:30 PM, you will likely be dining alone (or with other tourists).

• Lunch: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Kitchens close strictly at 2:30 PM usually).
• Dinner: Parisians eat between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Most restaurants don't even open until 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM.

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Want to Find the Best Spots?

Knowing how to eat is half the battle. Knowing where to eat is the rest.

On my Montmartre Walking Tour, I not only show you the history of the artist's quarter but also point out the hidden bistros where locals actually eat (and the tourist traps to avoid).

For the ultimate foodie experience, book a Tailormade Tour, and I can design a full itinerary revolving around Paris's best markets, bakeries, and wine bars.