Why I Love Dining Out in France

I enjoy eating at restaurants, and there’s nothing quite so pleasurable as dining out in France. If you go to a traditional French restaurant, being served a delicious meal with savory flavors is a given. But dining in France is a different experience than eating out in the US. If you’re planning a trip to the land of wine and cheese for the first time, it’s helpful to know what to expect. With that in mind, here are the aspects of French dining I enjoy the most — in addition to the wonderful meal.

Normal portions and options

French restaurant portions are the perfect size to satisfy your hunger without feeling overly full. Thus, you’re not encouraged to overeat. And there’s no need for a doggy bag. You can always order additional dishes if you have a big appetite.

When dining out I usually go for the plat du jour (the menu of the day) as you know it’s freshly prepared. You’ll generally have two or three choices for the entrée (the appetizer), the plat (the main course) and the dessert. You also have the option of choosing just the entrée and plat or just the plat and dessert for a lower price.

Extra vegies

Nine times out of ten, my meal in a French restaurant will include a side of tender field greens with a delicious vinaigrette, usually set on the edge of the plate. And often in addition to a vegetable. Rarely is it just meat and potatoes. Having that salad makes me feel like I’m eating healthy, even if the main dish is Tartiflette — carb, cheese and cream heaven.

Not feeling rushed

In the US, waiters depend on tips to make a decent wage. That means they need to turnover tables quickly. In the US, it’s not uncommon to receive your bill along with your food. In France once you sit down, that table is yours for the rest of the day or evening until the establishment closes. The result is a more relaxed dining experience which is a big part of the French culture. You take your time while eating, relishing the food and the company of your dining companions. Even if you’re only stopping for a cup of coffee, you’ll never feel rushed.

No need to tip

In France, being a waiter is a profession, not just a summer job or something to do until your acting career takes off. Servers are paid a living wage and full medical benefits. Hence, there is no need to tip. The VAT (value-added tax) is included as well, so the price you see on the menu is what you pay.

If you receive good service and want to acknowledge this, you can leave a few coins. I urge you not to leave a 15 or 20 percent tip as it is not necessary and creates a perception that American tourists will pay 20 percent extra. If a restaurant adds a service charge to your bill, please realize this is a scam. However, it might not be worth getting into a skirmish with the restaurant owner. The best way to avoid scams is to stay clear of restaurants near main tourist attractions, especially in large cities.

The cost

Prices vary depending on the location and the time of day. It’s almost always less at lunchtime, especially if you order the plat du jour. Some restaurants will have two different plat du jour at different prices. Each with two or three options for the entrée, plat and dessert.

In the countryside, I can enjoy a salad bar; main dish of meat, potato/rice and vegetable; cheese plate with baguette; dessert and wine or lemonade for €14.50 ($15.12). At a more upscale restaurant I’ll spend at most €35 ($36.49) for an entrée, plat and dessert. A six-course dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant will set you back €65 ($67.76).

In Paris and other large cities, expect to pay more. A Michelin-star restaurant in Nantes charges €50 for three courses at lunch and €95 for six courses at lunch or dinner.

The quiet

This is my favorite aspect of French dining. In the US, I don’t enjoy dining indoors where I have to shout to my dinner partner over blasting music and the roar of other diners’ conversations. It’s not a relaxing experience. In France there is no loud music playing in a restaurant, and it’s consider rude to talk loudly while dining. People quietly chat to themselves and are not interested in hearing your tête-à-tête. The end result is a more peaceful and pleasurable dining experience.

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Much as I love dining out in France, there are a few limitations and challenges. Check out Six Annoying Things About Restaurants in France.