Ordering Food at a French Restaurant in Paris
Paris is renowned for its gastronomic scene, and French cuisine is one of the most popular styles of food in the city. If you’re planning to dine at a French restaurant in Paris, here are some tips to help you navigate the menu and order like a pro.
Understanding the Menu
The first thing to note about French menus is that they tend to be quite extensive, with multiple courses and many different dishes to choose from. The menu may also be written entirely in French, so it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the language or bring along a translation app.
French menus typically include several categories of dishes, including:
- Entrées: These are small appetizer-style dishes that are served before the main course.
- Plats principaux: This is the main course, which usually includes meat or fish accompanied by vegetables or potatoes.
- Fromages: Cheese is an important part of French cuisine, and many restaurants offer a selection of local cheeses to try.
- Desserts: French desserts are famous around the world, so be sure to save room for something sweet!
Ordering Your Meal
When it comes time to order, start with the entrées if you’d like to try some small bites before your main course. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask your server for recommendations or try something that sounds interesting, even if you’re not sure what it is.
For your main course, consider ordering a classic French dish like coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), boeuf bourguignon (beef stewed in red wine), or ratatouille (a vegetable dish made with eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes). If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server for help.
Don’t forget about cheese! Many French restaurants offer a selection of local cheeses, and it’s worth trying at least one. Desserts are also a must-try, whether you opt for a classic crème brûlée or something more unique like a tarte Tatin (upside-down apple tart).
Drinks
Wine is an important part of French cuisine, and many restaurants offer an extensive wine list. If you’re not sure what to order, ask your server for a recommendation based on your tastes and the dishes you’ve chosen.
Other drinks to consider include apéritifs (such as pastis or kir) or digestifs (such as cognac or calvados) to accompany your meal.
Conclusion
Ordering food at a French restaurant in Paris can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the cuisine or the language. By understanding the menu and asking your server for recommendations, you can enjoy a delicious meal that showcases the best of French cooking.
If you have any questions or need assistance planning your dining experience in Paris, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible city!
Table Manners
- Wait for everyone to be seated before starting to eat.
- Napkin should be placed on your lap, not tucked into your shirt collar.
- Keep your hands visible on the table at all times – resting them on your lap is considered rude.
- Don’t start eating until the host or hostess invites you to do so.
- Cut bread into bite-sized pieces and butter each piece as you go.
- Use utensils from the outside in, working your way towards your plate.
- Do not use your fingers to eat any dish, except for dishes specifically designed to be eaten with fingers.
- Keep your elbows off the table while eating.
- Do not slurp soup or make loud noises while eating.
- Place your utensils parallel to each other across the center of your plate when finished.
- Avoid using your phone or any other device during dinner as it can be seen as impolite.
By following these simple rules, you’ll be able to blend in with the locals and enjoy an authentic French dining experience. Bon appétit!