Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Paris is known for its scrumptious food. Nothing can make a vacation in Paris more gratifying than an extraordinary dining experience. However, ordering at a restaurant in Paris can be intimidating if you're not prepared.
Familiarize yourself with common French dining phrases. To help you do this, purchase a French phrase book that has an extensive dining section.
Determine what kind of meal you are in the mood to eat. Go to a bistro for a small family-owned restaurant. For a brewery with snacks or a full meal, visit a brassery. Visit a baby bistro if you want a reasonable spin-off of a deluxe restaurant. A cafe, which is often mistaken as just a place to go for a croissant, is really a restaurant with many options. For 3-star dining, go to a full-fledged restaurant where multiple courses are encouraged.
Choose your beverage. You'll typically be asked to order a beverage before your meal. Water or wine are acceptable choices. There are three types of water you may choose: "carafe d'eau" (tap water), "gazeuse" (bottled sparkling water) or "plat" (bottled flat water).
Decide if you want to order a la carte or off of a "le menu." A "le menu," is a set menu prepared that day. If you order from a "le menu," your food will be fresh and served quickly, but you will lack choices.
Decide how you would like your meat cooked. Many French people order their meat "bleu," or rare. "Saignante" is medium-rare. "A point" is medium, and "bien cuit" is well-done.
Order coffee after your meal. Coffee will be served black unless you specify "au lait."