How to Order Food in Paris
Paris is known for its scrumptious food. Nothing can make a vacation in Paris more gratifying than an extraordinary dining experience. However, ordering at a restaurant in Paris can be intimidating if you're not prepared.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself with common French dining phrases. To help you do this, purchase a French phrase book that has an extensive dining section.
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Determine what kind of meal you are in the mood to eat. Go to a bistro for a small family-owned restaurant. For a brewery with snacks or a full meal, visit a brassery. Visit a baby bistro if you want a reasonable spin-off of a deluxe restaurant. A cafe, which is often mistaken as just a place to go for a croissant, is really a restaurant with many options. For 3-star dining, go to a full-fledged restaurant where multiple courses are encouraged.
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Choose your beverage. You'll typically be asked to order a beverage before your meal. Water or wine are acceptable choices. There are three types of water you may choose: "carafe d'eau" (tap water), "gazeuse" (bottled sparkling water) or "plat" (bottled flat water).
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Decide if you want to order a la carte or off of a "le menu." A "le menu," is a set menu prepared that day. If you order from a "le menu," your food will be fresh and served quickly, but you will lack choices.
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Decide how you would like your meat cooked. Many French people order their meat "bleu," or rare. "Saignante" is medium-rare. "A point" is medium, and "bien cuit" is well-done.
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Order coffee after your meal. Coffee will be served black unless you specify "au lait."
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Tips & Warnings
Parisians do not even consider having dinner before 7:30 p.m. Most people eat between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Eat finger foods such as french fries with a fork and a knife.
Don't be embarrased to use your French phrase book when ordering.
Never ask for a doggy bag.
The tip will be included in the bill. You may leave an additional small tip if the service was astounding.
Always make a reservation for a high-end restaurant.
Your server will not present your bill until you ask him for it.
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Comments
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Anonymous
Oct 29, 2011
Good article! The only tip I would add is to never ask to 'split a meal' or to ask for difficult changes like 'hold the butter' or to ask to only have an appetizer. Respect the food culture of France and go with the flow. If you're not sure what to order, always go for the 'prix fixe menu' which will usually have a delicious selection of appetizer, main course and dessert.
