How to Order in a Parisian Restaurant (and get it right!)

Last Updated on 1st July 2026 by Sophie Nadeau

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It’s no secret that Paris can be one of the most intimidating places to order a meal, thanks to the many cultural myths and dining etiquette rules that surround eating out there. But to put your mind at ease, there’s no need to worry about strict waiters or language barriers… It’s really not as bad as people make it out to be! Dining out in Paris is one of life’s greatest pleasures, so here are a few tips and tricks to help you feel more confident about ordering in a Parisian restaurant!

From language barriers, to driving on the other side of the road (for me, anyway!) to greeting people (e.g. Comment Faire la Bise?), while everything might feel different, it doesn’t mean it has to be difficult!

Perceptions and Misconceptions

First things first: There seems to be a pretty common misconception that French people (especially Parisians) are rude! However, if there’s one thing I’ve learned during my time living in France, it is definitely not the case. As a tourist, or just anyone, to be honest, you will likely encounter one or two rude people, but this is not unique to Paris.

The main thing you can do to avoid any awkward or uncomfortable reactions is to be polite and approach each situation with kindness. Sometimes English-speaking tourists speak more slowly and loudly when trying to communicate. While usually well-intentioned, this can be perceived as rude or disrespectful.

Learn some basic French

The best way to feel more confident when ordering or just visiting France in general is to learn some basic French. While it’s true that nowadays the majority of people in Paris speak very good English, it still feels right, and perhaps even more authentic, to travel and know at least a few basic phrases. I’ll also add, it shows an added layer of respect for the place you’re visiting!

Hello: Bonjour

A coffee, please.: Un café, s’il vous plaît.

The bill, please!: L’addition, s’il vous plaît!

Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous Anglais?

I would like: Je voudrais…

It’s also worth mentioning that not everyone will continue the conversation in French, even if you make the effort to start that way. Often, this isn’t meant to discourage you.

Many restaurant staff speak English and may switch to it simply because it’s quicker and more practical for them, especially during a busy service. While it can be frustrating if you’re hoping to practise your French, try not to take it personally. They’re at work, and their priority is serving customers efficiently!

Dietary requirements

Nowadays, it’s not at all unheard of to ask for special dietary requirements when ordering lunch/ dinner in a French restaurant. You can always call the restaurant in advance and, more often than not, they’ll be happy to accommodate your needs (I’ve done this plenty of times before with success!)

If you feel shy about doing this, there are plenty of restaurants in Paris to suit your needs; from vegan patisserie shops to gluten free cafés- there’s something for everyone. For inspiration, check out our foodie guide to Paris.

Just make sure you do your research beforehand to avoid disappointment! More and more frequently, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are popping up all over Paris. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best vegan restaurants in Paris.

Bread in a Parisian restaurant

More likely than not, a basket of bread will arrive with your meal (this is typically free of charge). This means that it’s intended to be eaten with your meal rather than before it. The bread is normally pretty fresh and won’t be served with butter or olive oil.

You tear a little piece of it and enjoy each morsel alongside your meal. Depending on who you’re dining with, it’s often seen as pretty ‘rude’ to make ‘sandwiches’ at the table (buttering your bread and filling it as if you were making a sandwich). I’ve personally noticed that, while some people find this rude, other Parisians will be completely au fait with it.

Wine

In Paris, wine is treated as a core part of the meal, even at lunchtime! If you don’t drink, don’t worry; there are no expectations to do so. However, if you do, then you should know that the French enjoy everything in moderation. It’s not unheard of for tourists to be thrown out of restaurants for being too drunk… Of all the French habits you should adapt, drinking alcohol in moderate amounts is definitely something you should try and stick to while in Paris.

Parisian wine bars are chic, and luckily, French wine is absolutely delicious (and fairly well priced!) At most brasseries, wine is typically ordered by the verre (glass) or by a small carafe, such as a pichet (a quarter-litre or half-litre).

Water

One of the most common mistakes that first-time visitors to the French capital make is that they order a bottle of water to go with their meal. Instead, using the simple phrase ‘Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît!‘ will ensure that you have plenty of free water to go with your meal.

Coffee

It’s customary (but not mandatory) to take coffee at the end of your meal, after dessert. Of course, if you can’t drink coffee/ don’t like it, you shouldn’t feel obliged to order one.

I’ve found most expressos in Paris range between €2/€4 and are the perfect way to finish a meal. Besides, it’s oh so Parisian to sit and sip a café while people watching from a terrace. For more information, here’s how to order a coffee in Paris.

Bill & tipping

Unlike back home, some cafés, bars and smaller restaurants in Paris may have a minimum card spend (often around €10–15). If you’re only ordering a coffee or a light snack, it’s worth checking in advance or carrying a little cash, just in case.

Unlike in the UK or the USA, your bill probably won’t arrive automatically at the end of your meal. In France, dining is meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and servers won’t rush you. When you’re ready to leave, simply ask for the bill by saying, L’addition, s’il vous plaît.

As for tipping, the service charge is already included in the price of your meal (“service compris”), so there’s no obligation to leave an additional tip. If you’ve received particularly good service, however, it’s always appreciated to leave a couple of euros or round up the bill as a small gesture of thanks.

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