Do's and Don'ts: Restaurants in Paris

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How to be a Respectful Eater in Paris

What's the stereotype about French waiters? Are they snobby? Are they rude? I can't exactly remember it, but I know that they don't get a good reputation by American tourists. And I get why American see them as a certain way because no one knows the etiquette expected of them. And I understand the waiters' frustrations as these tourists come in and don't conform to the restaurant culture in France. So in order to clear the air, here are the do's and don'ts of eating in a restaurant in Paris.

Don't

Don't expect to have a quick meal. Going out to a restaurant in Paris means that you want to experience the atmosphere, the food, and enjoy the company. It may take a while to seat you (it is Paris), and the waiter will give you ample time to pick from the menu. And time is taken in between courses to digest. And don't expect the waiters to hover, they'll wait for you to arrange your fork and knife on the plate to signal that you are finished rather than rush you along.

Moussaka, Latin Quarter in Paris

Do

Take your time. Savor the food, don't scarf if down. French food is meant to be savored and appreciated, so take your time. If you wanted your food to be fast, you can go to a fast food place. So take your time in a restaurant. The waiters are in no rush to push you out the door, so neither should you be.

Don't

Don't make any substitutions or alterations. French food is an art form, so what the chef created is their work of art. You wouldn't ask Michelangelo to change the David, so don't ask for substitutions. If you're allergic, make it clear before you order anything. But if you don't like something, pick something else on the menu.

Do

Remember that red meat does not come well done. It is just not possible. Those closest you can get is pink. It is considered to be bad taste if you order the meat well done and the chef will not serve something so "horrible." So if you must have your red meat well done, order something else.

Boullion Chartier, Paris

Don't

Don't order the water, ask for a carafe d'eau. Much of Europe will offer you water, but the water is bottled and you have to pay for it. Parisian restaurants are required to serve you free water, but only if you ask for it. So ask for a carafe d'eau which is tap water and completely safe to drink.

Do

Remember your table manners. Be as polite as you can. Chew with you mouth closed. Keep you elbows off the table. Don't clank you silverware on the plate. Don't be too loud. Table manners are very important in France, so make sure that you are using them.

Steck au Poivre, Boullion Chartier

Don't

Don't ask for a doggie bag. This is unheard of in France. If you cannot finish your food, don't expect to bring it home. Most people think the food is not good the next day or just consider it rude. Some places outside of Paris do it, but it is not as common as in the US. So either order less or prepare yourself for the Olympic event of eating.

Do

Avoid sharing food. In France, each person orders what they want rather than split something. And don't think about taking one thing off of someone else's plate. Each plate is meant to tie together, so swapping items changes the whole presentation, and in turn, the chef's art. So just pick what you want and don't share.