10 Mistakes Tourists Make at French Restaurants

Have you ever felt lost or unsure of proper etiquette while dining in a French restaurant? You’re not alone. Millions of tourists visit France each year, and inevitably, some cultural missteps occur. This can lead to a less than ideal experience, affecting not only your enjoyment but also the impression you leave on your hosts.

Our list of common mistakes is based on real-life observations, expert opinions, and surveys conducted among frequent travellers to France. We aim to educate and inform, helping you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a more authentic and enjoyable dining experience. So, grab your fork and knife, and let’s dive into what not to do at a French restaurant.

Mistake #1: Leaving a Large Tip

While tipping is customary in many countries, in France, it is not expected or mandatory. Service charge is usually included in the bill, and it’s a common mistake for tourists to leave an additional tip, thinking it’s obligatory. This is unnecessary and can even be seen as ostentatious.

Understanding the local tipping etiquette can save you money and help you better blend in with the local culture. According to Conde Nast Traveler, a simple ‘Merci’ to the server often suffices.

Mistake #2: Asking for Ice

Asking for ice in your drink is another faux-pas that tourists often make in French restaurants. In France, beverages are often served at room temperature or slightly chilled. The addition of ice is seen as diluting the flavor of the drink, which is a big no-no in a country that takes its beverages seriously.

Respecting this tradition not only decreases the chance of getting side-eyed by your server but also allows you to experience the drink as the French do. According to Bon Appétit, the French believe that the flavor of the drink is paramount and should not be diluted by ice.

Mistake #3: Snapping Your Fingers to Get a Waiter’s Attention

In many cultures, it’s considered rude to snap your fingers to get a waiter’s attention. However, this is a common mistake tourists make in French restaurants. The French dining experience is meant to be leisurely and relaxed, not rushed. Waitstaff are trained to give patrons space to enjoy their meal and conversation.

Snapping fingers or making other impatient gestures can be seen as rude and disrespectful. Patience and courtesy are the key to a pleasant dining experience, as highlighted by Fodor’s Travel. A simple eye contact or a polite ‘Excusez-moi’ is the preferred way to get a waiter’s attention.

Mistake #4: Demanding Menu Alterations

In many places, it’s common to ask for menu alterations or substitutions. However, in French restaurants, this is not the norm. Chefs take immense pride in their menus, which are often designed to showcase the best local and seasonal ingredients. Asking for alterations can be seen as an insult to the chef’s expertise.

Accepting the menu as it is allows you to fully experience the chef’s vision and culinary artistry. According to BBC Good Food, it’s best to trust the chef and embrace the culinary journey they’ve designed for you.

Mistake #5: Not Saying Bonjour

The French are sticklers for politeness, and not greeting the staff with a ‘Bonjour’ when you enter a restaurant is a big mistake. It can come across as impolite and may set a negative tone for your dining experience.

According to Expatica, a simple ‘Bonjour’ can make a big difference in how you’re perceived. It’s a small gesture that shows respect and goodwill, and it’s a great way to start your dining experience on the right foot.

Mistake #6: Eating Bread Before the Meal

When a basket of bread is placed on the table, it’s tempting to start munching right away. However, in France, bread is typically used to accompany your meal or to mop up sauces, not as an appetizer.

Resisting the urge to devour the bread before your meal arrives is a mark of good etiquette and allows you to fully enjoy the bread with your meal. As Eater points out, in France, bread is considered part of the meal, not a pre-meal snack.

Mistake #7: Ordering Coffee With Dessert

Ordering coffee to accompany your dessert may seem like a natural pairing, but in France, it’s a faux-pas. Coffee is typically served after dessert, as a separate course.

Adhering to this tradition enriches your dining experience and allows you to fully savor each course. Rick Steves advises tourists to embrace this custom and enjoy the rhythmic flow of a French meal.

Mistake #8: Using a Fork to Eat Cheese

In France, cheese is often served as a course in itself, and it’s a faux-pas to use a fork to eat it. Instead, a small knife is provided for you to cut and spread the cheese onto your bread.

Awareness of this simple etiquette rule not only enhances your dining experience but also shows your respect for French culinary traditions. Cheeses of France provides a thorough guide on how to properly enjoy French cheese.

Mistake #9: Ordering Steak Well-Done

While it’s common in some countries to order steak well-done, in France, this is often seen as ruining the meat. French chefs pride themselves on their ability to cook steak to perfection, and a well-done steak is considered overcooked.

As Food & Wine points out, ordering your steak medium-rare to medium allows you to taste the meat’s true flavor and appreciate the skill of the chef.

Mistake #10: Eating on the Go

In France, meals are a time to relax and enjoy good food and conversation. Eating on the go is viewed as a sign of a hectic lifestyle and is generally frowned upon. This is a common mistake tourists make, especially those used to fast-paced lifestyles.

Slowing down to enjoy your meal is not only a mark of respect for French culinary traditions but also a way to enhance your own dining experience. Serious Eats recommends embracing the leisurely pace of French dining for a more enjoyable meal.