Tourists Should Know This Dining Etiquette Rule For An Enjoyable Experience In Paris' Cafés

Dining in Paris is an experience that should be on every European traveler's bucket list. French cuisine is unsurpassed in its reputation for quality, whether you're assembling ingredients for a simple picnic or seeking out Anthony Bourdain's best eats in Paris. However, there is one type of eatery in the City of Light that is held in higher esteem than all others: the café. And if there is one unspoken French dining etiquette rule tourists should know for an enjoyable café experience, it's not to sit down before your waiter gives you the all-clear.

Paris is home to over 1,000 cafés. They have been a vital part of the Parisian social scene since the 1670s, serving as incubators for some of the great writers and artists of the ages while also providing middle-class Parisians affordable social spaces to enjoy food and drinks. Cafés are integral to Paris' food culture, and knowing how to visit one properly will save you from potential embarrassment or misunderstandings with your waiter.

Outdoor seating at cafés, also called terrace seating, is a common sight throughout the city. While it may seem natural to sit yourself down at any open table, doing so can irritate your waiter. When this happens, it unfortunately feeds into the unfair stereotype of the snooty French waiter when, in reality, the faux pas was yours.

Engaging with your waiter will prevent a lot of headaches and potential misunderstandings. A good waiter will find you a table even during the busiest times of the day. When a waiter approaches, they will ask whether you want to dine or simply have a coffee or glass of wine. Your answer will help them determine where to seat you. However, if there are plenty of open tables, waiters will often allow you to choose your own seating.

If you can't find a waiter right away, wait until one emerges. While you wait, there are a few visual cues that can help you understand the status of surrounding tables. To truly experience Paris like a Parisian, pay attention to these details. Cafés can take reservations in advance, especially when they expect to be busy. If a table is set with silverware and glasses, it usually means it has either been reserved or is intended for someone dining rather than just drinking.

Further indications of a café's preference for you to wait to be seated will be signs labeled "Attendez." This means the café has a host or hostess who will be with you shortly to assist. So, just as you would in a restaurant in the U.S., it is good form to wait to be seated if you want an enjoyable experience at a Paris café.