Navigating French Restaurant Etiquette

In France, dining is a paced ritual rather than a quick transaction. Always greet the staff upon entry, keep your hands visible on the table, and wait for the server to bring the check rather than asking for it prematurely.

1. Greeting is mandatory. As soon as you walk in, make eye contact and say 'Bonjour' (daytime) or 'Bonsoir' (evening). If you skip this, you will be viewed as rude, which sets a negative tone for your entire service.
2. Requesting the bill. Servers will not bring the bill until you explicitly ask for it, as they consider it impolite to rush you. When you are ready, catch their eye and say, 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît.'
3. Tipping standards. Service is legally included in the price of your meal. You are not expected to tip 20%. Simply rounding up or leaving 2-5 euros for a good meal is sufficient and appreciated.
4. Handling utensils. Keep your hands above the table during the meal—resting them on your lap is considered poor form. When you finish, place your knife and fork parallel on the plate at the 4 o'clock position.

Is it okay to ask for tap water?

Yes. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' to get free tap water. If you just ask for 'de l'eau,' they will charge you for a bottle of mineral water.

Can I request changes to a dish?

French chefs consider their recipes 'finished.' Avoid asking for substitutions or removing ingredients, as it can be seen as an insult to the kitchen.

What if I have allergies?

Use a translation card to state your allergy clearly: 'Je suis allergique aux...' (I am allergic to...).