Why Parisians Are Rude to You (and the One Word That Fixes It)
Why do some visitors feel Parisians are rude to them? After eating in hundreds of restaurants over five years, we have noticed the same Paris restaurant mistakes again and again. In this video we explain how to spot a tourist trap, how to behave once you sit down, and how to order without surprises, starting with the one word that changes everything: bonjour.
Spotting a tourist trap
- Big terraces with red awnings right next to a major sight like Notre-Dame or the Eiffel Tower.
- Huge menus that mix French food with pizza, sushi and burgers.
- Menus posted only in English, and staff outside calling you in.
- Signs of a good place: a short menu with about three starters and three mains, and a handwritten chalkboard that changes with the market.
Manners that change the service
Say bonjour before anything else, even before telling them how many you are. Wait to be invited to sit, inside or on the terrace. Never snap your fingers or call out ‘garçon’; make eye contact and wave. Service is always included in France, so tip only if you want to, and do not overtip: Parisians often just round up the bill.
Ordering like a local
- Ask for a carafe d’eau if you want free tap water. If you just say yes to water, you may get bottled water at several euros a bottle.
- Arrive right at noon or 7 p.m. for an easy table; restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
- Prices can differ for the bar, the dining room and the terrace, and at bakeries for eating in versus taking away.
- Keep substitutions to a minimum, but do mention allergies (a note on Google Translate helps).
- If you want the weekday lunch formula, check that your dishes are on it.
- There are no free refills on coffee or soda.
As a guide, when we filmed a weekday plat du jour usually cost about 12 to 18 euros, and many mains sat between 18 and 28 euros.
To skip the guesswork, use our 125 best restaurants in Paris guide, or book the Devour food tour to eat with a local. See our favorite things to do in Paris, and plan the rest with our Paris Guide Bundle.