10 Cafe Tips for Paris

Most visitors to Paris want to spend some time being Parisian, and there’s nothing more Parisian than an authentic café! Mealtime, even a simple “coffee break” is sacred to the French. In 1894, France enacted a labor law forbidding employees from eating at their desks. This led to cantines (cafeterias) at workplaces and restaurants where employees could gather and socialize during lunch, or employees going home or to a park to spend time and eat lunch with their families and friends. The most iconic example of this today is the French café, where Parisians go to eat, spend time with family and friends, or just enjoy the City and la patisserie. So here are some tips to help you look, and feel, like a true Parisian.

1. Getting a table
When you approach a cafe, even if it has plenty of open tables, don't just sit without acknowledging the staff. Stand at the edge of the tables in front of the restaurant entry and a waiter or manager will approach or acknowledge you and ask inside or on the terrace. Say Bonjour and hold up the number of fingers in your party, and motion for inside or out, or reply with “Terrace “ (outside) or “Enterior” (inside). They will tell you where to sit or ask you to “install” yourself where you wish.

2. Where to sit
After indicating inside or out, staff may ask you if you will be eating, and sit you accordingly. If they don’t ask and let you choose a table, choose a table that is set with glassware and silverware only if you plan to eat something. If you're not eating, and only want a beverage, you should choose a table that has a drink menu and ashtray. In France, smoking is still common. If you don't want to sit near a smoker, choose an interior seat where smoking is prohibited. Smoking on restaurant terraces is permitted, and you should not ask neighboring tables to refrain from smoking. Sitting outside can also be chilly, Outdoor heaters are not allowed, but many restaurants have blankets available so be sure to ask if you are cold. Be prepared to rub elbows, the seating is tight and even more so when it rains.

3. Water
When your server arrives at your table, the first thing they generally will ask is if you want water. If you say yes they will ask if you want still or sparking (“gazeus”). Keep in mind that unless you specifically ask for a carafe of (tap) water, it will be bottled water and you will have to pay for it. Tap water is fine to drink and free —just tell the server you want a “carafe.” Don't expect ice, and if you ask for it, chances are you’ll only get 3 or 4 cubes.

4. Timing
If you'd like to hang out in a cafe and watch the fashion show parade on the sidewalks in front of you, plan to do so in the morning or afternoon (between lunch and dinner time) when it is customary to sit for an extended amount of time. The best time of day to sit in a cafe is the afternoon. Grab a table early enough for Apéritif/Apero(Happy Hour). That's when the after-work crowd will gather at the little tables. You can usually linger at a café in the morning as well. The locals will stop in for coffee and a croissant, but if the café is serving Sunday brunch and there’s a line, don’t dawdle. The staff also won’t like it if you take up a table for drinks only, or sit for an extended period of time, during lunchtime or dinner, especially when there’s a line of diners

5. Reservations
France is famous for its cuisine, and all visitors should plan at least one special meal. Eating out is also very popular among locals, so reservations are a must. A good travel concierge can find someplace special, or make a personalized reservation for you. The French eat later than Americans and the fashionable reservation is 8 or 9 pm, and most restaurants don’t open before 7 pm. Your travel concierge can make a reservation for you, or you can try online, usually up to 6 weeks in advance.

6. Choose Restaurants wisely
Another reason a reservation is a good idea is that premade food is reheated and served in most of Paris’ cafes. If the menu has too many options to count, the food is likely coming from the freezer. This is a prime example of less is more. Friend's recommendations should be researched since things change quickly in the culinary scene and often a great place no longer lives up to the memories.
https://francetoday.com/food-drink/what-does-frances-new-homemade-label-mean-for-french-restaurants/

7. Rude Waiters
Don’t believe the rumors, most French waiters are very polite, and rude behavior is usually a reaction to perceived rudeness! Other than in fine dining, most French cafes and restaurants employ fewer staff than in the United States, and the customs are different. French waiters usually leave you alone for some time. This allows time to sit back and relax. But when they do come to your table, be ready. Time is precious and they will get irritated if you hem and haw over choices. If your menu is open, they will assume you are still deciding. When you’re ready to order, close your menu. They will not bring the check until you motion that you are done and ready to pay. If in a high-traffic tourist area, they may bring the bill at the same time as the drinks so you don't wander off without paying. If they are nowhere in sight when you wish to leave, just head into the bar and they will help you at the counter.

8. Leftovers and Restrictions
France recently adopted laws requiring restaurants to have “to go” cartons so while it is legal to take your leftovers, it is considered bad etiquette. Portions sizes are smaller and you're expected to finish your meal, not to bring it home. They also don't respond well to customizing the menu, substitutions are usually disregarded although more cafes and restaurants are offering options for those with dietary restrictions. Almost all cafes now include a vegetarian option on the menu, but you most likely will need a larger, more upscale dining option to accommodate other dietary needs.

9. Restrooms
Be sure to use the restrooms before you leave since they are hard to find and not as pleasant on the streets. You must purchase something to use a restaurant's facilities. There is a different price to have a coffee at the bar inside than if you sit at a table with a waiter service. A quick easy and relatively inexpensive bathroom break is when you ask for a café (espresso) at the bar and tell them you'll be right back after using the facilities. Generally, the bathroom will be downstairs, but if you’re unsure, ask for the WC and staff will direct you.

10. Tipping
The most debated subject at cafes is to tip or not to tip. You are not obligated to tip, but it is considerate. “Pourboire” is an old term meaning “to drink” and it is customary to give your server enough to get one. The amount is debatable. A simple cafe warrants a coin or two. If service is good round it up to the closest euro. In general, the average tip is 10% is and the tips are shared with the entire staff. Before they put the amount due into the credit card machine, you can ask them to add a specific amount, but cash is always appreciated.

Be sure to check out a couple of specialiets of the cafes during your trip. I recommend the “Cafe Gourmand” where you will get a few house-made mini desserts to enjoy with your coffee or tea. Or the obligatory cheese board with optional charcuterie. You’ll see a lot of orange Aperol Spritz’s being consumed. Be sure to look into the other person's eyes when you clink glasses. Ask a French person the reason why! With all these tips you will surely have the best service during your cafe time. Be sure to drop us a line so we can help make those memorable dining experiences come true on your trip to Paris.