Paris Delices City Guide

HOW TO DINE IN PARIS

TIMING EVENING MEALS
As many Parisians choose to dine around 8:30 pm, many Paris restaurants will not be ready to serve until 8pm . If you would like to dine earlier, expect to be the first to arrive or to share the restaurant with other vacationers.

RESERVING YOUR TABLE IN PARIS
Reserve your table. Many restaurants are small, independent businesses owned by individuals. They are often closed on Sunday, Saturday afternoon, one week in December, and the entire month of August. We highly recommend that you call in advance to ensure the restaurant is open and can seat you. As is common courtesy, cancel your reservations if you have a change in plans.

NON-SMOKING TABLES IN PARIS
If you prefer to dine separately from smokers, ask for “non-fumeur” (non-smoking) table when you call to reserve your table. Many Parisian establishments now have a special non-smoking section or will seat you at their best non-smoking table. If you dine early, around 8pm, you may find that restaurants will be less smoky than later hours.

BEING SEATED
You must wait to be seated when entering a restaurant or bistrot. Someone will soon greet you and either take your name if you have reserved or ask you “combien de personnes?” (how many people) before seating you. In a café or brasserie, you may seat yourself, unless the establishment is especially crowded or you need assistance. One will find that the staff will treat you more kindly if you take the time to ask for a table

WATER
Restaurants never require their guests to order bottled water. If you would like to be French ask for the complimentary ‘carafe d’eau’. If you choose to order bottled water be sure to tell the server “l’eau gazeuse” (with gas) or “l’eau plat” (flat, without gas).

Drinks are rarely served with ice.