How to Eat at a Street Side Café in Paris

Strolling along the Seine, photographing the Cathedral of Notre Dame or hiking to the top of the Eiffel Tower can really work up an appetite. This would be the perfect opportunity to try some authentic French cuisine at a street side café in Paris.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• French Dictionaries
• French Phrase Books
• Travel Guides
• Airline Tickets
• Travel Services

1. Find a place you like. Whether it's the color of the awnings, the crowd or the name, pick a café that appeals to you, not necessarily the one your hotel concierge recommends.

2. See if the café's menu is posted and if an English translation is available. If you can't determine whether the café serves something you like, then you should probably keep looking.

3. Spot an available table and sit down. If you wait to be seated, you could die of starvation; seating yourself is the method of choice at street side cafés in Paris.

4. Take a book or newspaper to read during your meal or coffee break. It is quite common to see Parisians leisurely reading through their meals at cafés throughout Paris; relax and enjoy the experience as they are.

5. Ask your waiter or waitress up front what is included with your meal. Most cafés offer specials that include wine, entrée and dessert, and this is typically far less expensive than ordering à la carte.

6. Make sure you have French francs for payment and tip. Francs are the preferred method of payment at most street side cafés.

7. Tip for the service you receive, not what you think is expected. Eating establishments add a service charge, but leave extra coins if you had good service.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk by the place a couple of times before you decide to eat there. Pay special attention to how the customers are being treated and waited on; each café has its own personality, so choose a place that suits yours.
• Look for a place that is not too busy or crowded. That way, your waiter or waitress may have more time to spend with customers who don't have much experience in French cafés or restaurants.
• Take along a French phrasebook to help with ordering your meal or talking to your server. It could save you some time and money.
• Don't be afraid to complain if it's warranted. Bad food or service is not a result of the language barrier or cultural differences, and it's not something you need to tolerate.