6 Things to know before going to a restaurant in France

Summary

In this video, Diane from the 'We in France' blog shares six essential tips for dining at a French restaurant. She covers everything from restaurant hours and mealtime schedules to the importance of knowing local tipping customs. Diane also explains the concept of the aperitif, how to ask for the bill, and how to request free tap water. Aimed at helping tourists navigate French dining culture, her tips emphasize respect and understanding of French customs, while reassuring viewers that mistakes are part of the learning process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Restaurant hours in France are typically tied to French meal times: lunch from 12-2 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM or later.
• 🍽️ In smaller towns, restaurants may not open outside these hours. Look for 'Salle à Manger' signs if you're seeking early dining options.
• 🥩 In France, 'filet mignon' often refers to pork, not beef, so check the menu description before ordering.
• 🍹 When seated, waiters may offer you an aperitif (a pre-dinner drink). You can enjoy something fancy or politely decline with 'no merci.'
• 💶 Tipping in France is different: service is usually included in the bill (marked as 'Service Comprise'). Small tips (coins or a couple of euros) are fine for exceptional service.
• 💡 At casual spots, it’s common to leave just a few coins, especially if you pay in cash. No need for a 15-20% tip like in other countries.
• 📝 To request the bill, ask the waiter by saying 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.' The bill won't be brought to your table automatically.
• 💧 If you want tap water, ask for 'une carafe d'eau.' It's free and served chilled, but it’s not offered by default.
• 👶 Families with young children may have a harder time dining early unless the restaurant has special hours or signs indicating they’re open between meal times.
• 🌍 French people are generally forgiving of language mistakes and misunderstandings. Just do your best and stay respectful!

Q & A

What are typical dining hours at French restaurants outside major cities?

In France, especially outside of major cities and tourist areas, restaurants typically follow French meal times. Lunch is served between 12:00 and 2:00 PM, and dinner generally starts no earlier than 7:00 PM, with the first reservation often at 7:30 or 8:00 PM.

What should you expect when you order filet mignon at a French restaurant?

In French restaurants, 'filet mignon' usually refers to a filet of pork, not the tender beef cut you might expect in other countries. It’s important to check the menu to see if it's specifically noted as beef.

What is an aperitif in French dining culture?

An aperitif is a pre-dinner drink offered at French restaurants to kick off the meal. It’s not the drink you’ll have with your meal, but rather a cocktail or special drink like a kir or mojito to start your dining experience.

How does tipping work at French restaurants?

Tipping in France is different from many other countries. A service charge is often included in the menu prices, so leaving a 15-20% tip is not expected. If you wish to leave extra, it’s usually a small amount, like a couple of euros, particularly for good service.

What does 'service compris' mean on a restaurant bill in France?

'Service compris' indicates that the tip is already included in the bill. It’s common to see this on receipts, and it means you’re not expected to leave an additional tip, though leaving some small change for excellent service is appreciated.

How do you signal that you’re ready to pay at a French restaurant?

In France, once you're finished with your meal, you need to indicate to the waiter that you're ready to pay. You can flag them down and say 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' (the bill, please). The bill will not come automatically.

What should you ask for if you want tap water in a French restaurant?

If you want regular tap water in France, you should ask for 'une carafe d'eau' (a jug of water). This is usually free of charge, unlike bottled water, which is often offered as the default.

Are children’s dining hours more flexible in France?

If you have young children and want to eat earlier than the usual French dining times, look for restaurants with a sign saying 'Service Continu' (continuous service). This indicates that the restaurant serves meals outside of the regular lunch and dinner hours, commonly found in touristy areas.

What should you expect if you dine in a small village in France?

In smaller towns or villages in France, restaurants will typically adhere strictly to traditional French meal times. Outside these hours, most restaurants will be closed, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

How important is language accuracy when dining in France?

While it’s helpful to speak French or attempt some basic phrases, French people are generally understanding of foreigners’ language mistakes. The key is to be respectful, and even if you make a mistake, it’s not a big deal.