Tips for First-time Visitors to France: A Series - Part 3: French Food Culture: Dining in France: A Friendly Guide for American Travelers

Alissa Bratz
Aug 12
5 min read

Three people toast wine glasses, smiling warmly. They sit indoors near plants, with a cozy atmosphere and soft lighting.

Dining in France: Mastering Mealtimes & Culinary Customs

Eating in France is more than just a meal—it’s a cherished ritual woven into daily life. For American travelers, understanding French dining customs, rhythms, and etiquette can turn a simple dinner into a truly memorable cultural experience. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy every bite—from bustling markets to leisurely multi-course meals.

The Rhythm of the French Table

Glass of dark red cocktail with orange slice on a black table, surrounded by a charcuterie board with meats, bread, olives, and cheese.

A classic French meal unfolds in thoughtful stages:

Apéritif – A light drink and small bites to open your appetite.
Entrée – The starter (not the main dish as Americans might expect).
Plat Principal – The main course, featuring seasonal meats, fish, or veggies.
Fromage – A cheese course served with bread, often before dessert.
Dessert – Sweet treats ranging from fresh fruit to delicate pastries.
Café – A strong coffee to round out the meal.

Meals are meant to be savored slowly—each course enjoyed with good conversation and company.

Typical French Mealtimes

Croissants on a plate, two white cups, a moka pot, and a jar of jam rest on a striped tablecloth. White flowers in a metal vase nearby.

Petit Déjeuner (Breakfast): Light and simple—coffee, fresh bread, jam.

Déjeuner (Lunch): Served midday, usually between 12:00 and 2:00 PM.

Dîner (Dinner): Starts later, often around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, and can last for hours.

Plan your dining around these hours; many places close between lunch and dinner service.

A wooden sign with "Ferme Closed" in black text hangs against a blurred, warm-lit background, indicating a closed status.

Types of Restaurants You’ll Encounter

France offers a rich variety of dining spots, each with its own vibe and expectations:

Charming Parisian cafe with red awnings, wicker chairs, and lush flower boxes. Cozy atmosphere on a quaint cobblestone street.

Cafés: Casual places perfect for coffee, light meals, or people-watching. Service is relaxed, and reservations aren’t needed. Ideal for breakfast or a quick snack.

Bistros: Cozy neighborhood spots serving hearty, home-style French dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. Bistros often have chalkboard menus and moderate prices.

Brasseries: Larger than bistros, brasseries serve traditional fare and usually have a lively atmosphere. They often offer bigger portions and a selection of beers and wines.

Hands cutting food on a black plate with broccoli and almonds, on a white tablecloth. A glass of red wine is nearby.

Restaurants Traditionnels: More formal, with classic French cuisine presented with attention to detail. Expect attentive service and a multi-course experience. Smart casual dress and reservations are recommended.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants: These are fine dining temples with exceptional cuisine, top-notch service, and a refined ambiance. They require advance booking, formal attire, and a willingness to savor tasting menus at premium prices.

Understanding these types helps you pick the right place for your mood and budget.

Navigating Prix Fixe (Formule) Menus

Chalkboard menu outside a restaurant listing entrees, plats, desserts, and prices in French. Wooden frame, casual and inviting.

You’ll often find prix fixe or formule menus offering two or three courses at a set price—especially at cafés and bistros at lunch.

Why try one?

Great value and often less expensive than ordering à la carte.

Chef-curated selections showcasing local, seasonal ingredients.

Simpler choices for travelers who want to avoid menu overwhelm.

Look for “menu,” “formule,” or “prix fixe” on the menu, then choose your starter, main, and sometimes dessert. If you have dietary needs, ask politely—but remember, French kitchens don’t usually customize dishes much.

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Food allergies aren’t as commonly accommodated in France as in the U.S., but staff will always try to help. To ask for something omitted, say “sans ___, s’il vous plaît.”

If you have a serious allergy, download and fill out a French-language chef card here to clearly communicate your needs. Just keep in mind that standards around cross-contamination might differ, so stay cautious.

Market Culture & Etiquette

Many travelers want to visit a French market somewhere on their itinerary, and it's easy to understand why. French markets are vibrant hubs of fresh, local flavors. Visiting one is a real treat and a chance to interact with locals and savor the flavors of France!

Woman in a green dress shops for seafood at a vibrant outdoor market. Vendor hands her a bag. Striped canopies and signs in the background.

Always greet vendors with a friendly “Bonjour.”
Use “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” generously.

Don’t touch produce—ask vendors for what you want; they’ll select the best for you.

Vendors take pride in their goods and often offer cooking tips or ask what you’re making to select the ideal cut or ripeness for you.
Bring your own reusable bag and have cash ready—many stalls don’t take cards.

If you want organic, look for items labeled “bio” or “biologique.”

Early morning is best for quality; late afternoon may bring better deals.

Always greet market vendors with a friendly “Bonjour.”

Wine, Water, and Drinks

Wine glass on table in dimly-lit restaurant with blurred figures and warm lights in background, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

Wine pairs naturally with French meals, and house wines offer excellent value. Wine is a common accompaniment to French meals, and even simple table wines will complement a meal nicely. Ask your server for a recommendation if you're unsure; even in casual establishments the staff should be able to guide you to a decent house wine.

A hand pours water into a glass with lemon slices on a cafe table. A sandwich, menu, and sugar jar are visible. Bright and casual setting.

Water works differently here: it’s not automatically served, and ice is rare (French culture values conserving water, and many countries find American ice habits unusual).

Order “de l’eau, s’il vous plaît” and you’ll likely get bottled still or sparkling water, with a charge. If you want tap water, ask for “une carafe d’eau”—it’ll come in a small carafe with modest glasses, reflecting the French focus on quality over quantity.

French Service Style: Why “Less Attentive” Means Better Service

Smiling woman in a white dress writes at an outdoor café. A waiter in a black apron serves coffee. Bright, sunny day with urban backdrop.

French waiters don’t hover or rush you. Their goal is to let you enjoy your meal and company without interruption.

This means you might not get constant refills or quick delivery of the check like in the U.S, but this is a sign of respect, not rudeness. The assumption is that when you need something you will ask for it, but in the meantime they will give you space to enjoy your meal and your company in privacy.

If you need anything, catch your server’s eye, raise your index finger politely, and say “Excusez-moi, monsieur/madame.” They’ll come right over to help.

French waiters don’t hover or rush you. Their goal is to let you enjoy your meal and company without interruption.

Tipping in France

Server in white shirt and apron serves drinks to people sitting at outdoor café tables. Menu on wall, relaxed street scene, casual mood.

Tipping is included in your bill by law (service compris), so you don’t need to leave extra unless you want to for exceptional service.

This can feel strange for Americans used to tipping generously, but in France, servers earn a living wage, and tipping isn’t expected.

Asking for the Check (L’Addition)

Your check won’t be brought automatically at meal’s end—that’s normal. When you’re ready, say “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the slower pace, savor the flavors, and embrace French dining as a cultural experience—not just a meal. With these tips, you’ll dine confidently, respectfully, and with delight. Bon appétit!

Enjoy the slower pace, savor the flavors, and embrace French dining as a cultural experience—not just a meal.

Ready to Explore France Through Its Food?

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another taste, understanding French dining customs will make your meals more enjoyable and authentic. Have questions or want personalized travel tips? Interested in a customized trip to France with a culinary theme; including French cooking classes, wine tastings, farm and market visits, truffle hunting, cheese tastings, and more? Reach out anytime. I’m here to help you savor every moment of your journey!