How Does Restaurants & Food Work in France?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Service is legally included in all French restaurant bills, bread and tap water are free, and the best value is always the lunchtime formule (set menu) at €12–18 for three courses.
2What You Need to Know
French dining has its own rhythm and customs. Service compris (service included) is legally required to be included in all restaurant prices, so no additional tipping is necessary. Bread is brought automatically at most restaurants and is free. A carafe d'eau (free tap water) must be provided by law when requested. The lunchtime formule or menu du jour — typically a starter, main, and dessert for €12–18 — represents dramatically better value than ordering à la carte. Dinner is typically served from 7:30pm, with peak dining 8–10pm. Asking for a steak bien cuit (well done) is likely to disappoint the chef; à point (medium) is the French default.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Order the formule du midi (set lunch menu) for the best value in any French restaurant — the same kitchen, half the price
- 2Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' for free tap water — never feel obligated to buy bottled water
- 3Arrive for dinner after 7:30pm — arriving at 6pm will find most restaurants not yet open for evening service
How does this compare?
Restaurants & Food rules in nearby and similar countries:
German food is hearty and regional — bread, sausages, pretzels, and Schnitzel are staples, and lunch is often the main meal of the day.
VAT is included in displayed prices; service charge may be added separately; and British food culture spans the Full English, fish and chips, Sunday roast, and a world-class curry scene.
Italian meals follow strict timing and regional variation; coperto (cover charge) appears on every bill and tourist-zone restaurants near sights are dramatically overpriced.
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