First visit to Paris --don't speak French, worried about restaurants

Learn some words and get one of those little translation book to carry along. May restaurants in Paris offer an English and French Menu, here are a few that I know offer both...

Le Caveau de l'Isle (my favorite) , 36 rue Saint Louis en l'Isle 4e arr, Paris
Metro- Pont Marie (closer) or St Paul
Open everyday for lunch and dinner
www.lecaveaudelisle.com

Le Petit Troquet, 28 rue de l'Exposition 7e arr., Paris
Metro - Ecole Militaire
I can't remember if they have an English menu but they are very friendly and helpful. Plus this is a fab restaurant!

L'Endroit, 24 rue Tournelles 4e arr., Paris
Metro - Bastille
They have an English menu and its a nice place for dinner.

Le Florimond, 19 ave Motte Piquet 7th arr., Paris
Tel - 01 45 55 40 38
Metro - Ecole Militaire
No english menu but this place is super good, super friendly and they speak English and will assist you. Reserve for this one, its real popular.

Le Relais de Saint-Paul, 33 rue Francois Miron, 75004 Paris, tel 01 48 87 34 20
Sweet little romantic place. Great prix fixe menu.

La Fontaine De Mars, 129 rue Saint Dominique 75007 Paris
Metro Ecole Miltaire, La Tour Maubourg
Classic, classic, classic! This one has an English menu and the the most "French" bistro I know. Its a great place but be careful, the prices can be high.

If you are interested in any of these, email your hotel and they will probably be able to make you reservations!

Don't be overly concerned about ordering in the restaurants in Paris. First of all Paris is a tourist city and most restaurants are prepared to help you.

Before you enter the restaurant the menu is outside where you can read before you enter. Take your time before you go in so that you are a little prepared.

Have your hotel call and make your reservations. When you get to your hotel ask them how to handle this. If you wish to dine at the Eiffel Tower, you might want to go to their web site and make your reservations many months in advance. Many restaurants do not require a reservation.

I am also addicted to this site. I have a PDF file with French/English French food terms with their definations that is about 41 pages if you would like. Just e-mail me at louisxiv@charter.net and I will e-mail the attachment to you. I think I downloaded it from the Patrica Wells web site.

Just don't worry. I am sure you will not have any problems and even if you do, they will most likely be the best stories of your trip.

I don't know about the typical dining experience or how to describe it, and I do speak French so haven't has the same experience in France, unfortunately, as you might. However, I know that if you are dining anywhere in central Paris, that restaurant will have been well used to tourists of many nationalities who don't speak French. I wouldn't go in with a chip on your shoulder as to expecting some special behavior because you are American compared to any other nationality who doesn't speak French. I think you are worrying about nothing, and the waiter will probably explain to you in English what something is (even if perfunctory -- at least the main ingredient, and whether it is beef, etc.) or that the a restaurant will even have a menu translated into English. Many restaurants of all kinds do in the central area. It wouldn't hurt for you to learn just a few basic words of French for a menu, as menus are usually divided into sections for meat, fish, salads, etc., and the words aren't that difficult. For example, knowing that poulet is chicken, and boeuf is beef, poisson is fish. If you have a particular restaurant you want to go to, I think it is a good idea to have your hotel make reservations for you. There are definitely some restaurants where you need reservations far in advance, and if you have targeted those, you should call from home. Otherwise, the hotel can probalby handle it for you within a few days. But if you want to go to a really popular name restaurant, and one that is named in a lot of guidebooks, they could be booked if you try to reserve the same day. If you do need a lot of help from a waiter in translation, and he or she is helpful and spends time with you, I would suggest you tip something for that service, rather than leaving no tip.

We use a small food guide book called "Eating and Drinking in Paris". Its small and fits into my handbag. We are foodies and I want to know what I am ordering. I learned a little French and there was no way I could know all the food terms -- sauces etc. No way!! And some of the really fun restaurants didn't have an English menu. I certainly wouldn't limit myself to restaurants with an English menu.

Definately learn some French. I used Behind the Wheel French and I was amazed at how much I retained and was able to converse with the French.

Thanks everyone, I feel much better. I am not a worry wart (usually), but appreciate the words of wisdom (and reassurance). I will try to learn the basics and know whereever we end up it will be a great experience!

Oh and thanks Richardab for all the great suggestions; we will explore further! I just wish we had more than 5 days...there's always next time!

I use the Marling Menu-Master for France (they are available for other countries also). It is a dictionary of menu terms and very easy to use, plus it is only 4 x 6 inches and very thin, so it goes easily into my purse. Sometimes when a waiter sees me using it, they just hand me an English menu. Even though my French is decent enough for a tourist, there are still things on the menu I need to look up. By the way, sometimes the English menus are not well translated, and I usually prefer to eat at places that don't have them. I avoid restaurants where English menus are posted, since I think they are probably not where the French eat, but I suppose this could be debated.

Anyway, I never travel to France without my Marling Menu Master.

First, most/many restaurants will have an English menu, and NO, this does not mean it is a tourist restaurant never patronized by French gourmets.
I strongly recommend a French food glossary--Patricia Wells has one on her website that you can download.
I know it is often recommended but the Marling book is a total waste to me. It is organized by meal divisions--entree, plat, etc.
With a glossary, you can look up the actual preparation (alphabetically) and know approximately what you will be eating.
Be advised that food is one place that your French-English dictionary will not suffice at all.
ENJOY ENJOY~~~

Hi K,

Except for very popular places, you can make reservations the night before or the morning of the day you want to visit.

I use a small menu translator that I got from www.travelersmenureader.com.

>I am not picky, except I don't eat poultry.<

Oh dear. The French make terrific rotisserie chicken with potatoes.

Enjoy your visit.

I don't speak French, but I have found that the smaller places off the tourist route are usually more helpful and friendly. We have had 2 waiters treat us very badly in the past. But, that's only 2 out of many. And you can have that happen in your home town.

Book the day before or in the morning will probably do. Try not to book a very busy place for your first try as the staff have less time. If you cannot speak perfect french the staff will assume you are an idiot anglo so they will give you an english menu.

Try to start the contact with some words of French, they will still be unimpressed but at least you tried and they know it.

Take a food guide as suggested because their translation may be wrong. If the wine list is too big ask the wine waiter to chose for you. Don't expect the best loos but you may be lucky. Do be prepared to wait so even if you don't want a first course you might take something to let the guys get course 2 sorted.

George Bush is wrong the word the French don't have a word for is "Vegitarian"

Finally don't tip. Yes I know, don't tip

Bilbo is correct about tipping.

There is a 15% service charge included in the price.

If your waiter has been particularly helpful, leave a few euros on the table.

kitamaria,

Any restaurant you end up in will very likely have at least one staff person who speaks English and can help you order. In the tourist heavy areas (close to the river) all wait staff will have some English.

Even if you don't speak English, you really should learn a few simple phrases in French: "Do you speak English?", "Does anyone here speak English?", "Good evening", "Yes, please", "No, thank you", "Good bye"

If I can find an online menu/carte, I print it and put a * by anything that we would be willing to eat. I also can recognize some of the key 'meats' that I don't want to eat. This helps:
http://www.intimatefrance.com/glossarypag.pdf

bkm

Hi kitamaria,
Some good advice already. I can tell you that knowing that restaurants post their menus outside gives you an opportunity to prepare yourself. Paticia Wells is a good resource. I would not sweat the reservation angle. I know that I have been to many restaurants in Paris and France without making reservations. Mind you, I don't go to 4 star restaurants, but have been to a few that I saw listed in the Michelin Red Guide. So, make them if you must, but know that you can also do a "wander by" pick of a restaurant.

People in Paris eat dinner around 8, so don't plan on showing up before then, unless you are going a some bistrots / brasserie which will be more flexible.

Many restaurants will offer a "menu", which is similar to specials of the day. Often there will be two or three of these, at different price points. These are complete meals, so you may get a soup, an entree and a desert. Usually a good deal. Otherwise, you order from "la carte".

There are some basic formalities, such as saying Bonsoir when you walk in, and Aurevoir when you leave. Tipping is, as someone mentioned, included. So leaving any change is for service above and beyond. Also, you pay at the table. When you get a table, it is yours for the night. The waiter will not rush you to leave. So you may think "service is slow", but really they're simply letting you enjoy your time at their restaurant.

I like spring water and I like wine. I'll not be able to give you any experience with ordering tap water (eau du robinet), but can attest that is is perfectly fine. If you order spring/mineral water, you may be asked gaz/no gaz, which simply means with carbonation or not. Popular brands are Badoit and Evian. Many restaurants will offer half bottles of wine. In general, I've found I can always get a reasonably priced glass/half bottle. I don't order coffee or soft drinks with dinner, but that's just me.

Breakfast may be offered at your hotel, but you may find it cheaper to go to a cafe, sit down and have a petit dejeuner. I also sometime just go to a patisserie and have a pain au chocolat and a juice to go. There will be many patisseries wherever you are in Paris.

For going to a cafe, my lesson learned was don't sit down. Stand at the entrance (even if it is an outdoor cafe) get the waiter's attention by a nod of the head and a Bonjour, and let him tell you where to sit. Outside is most expensive, inside cheaper.

I've kept my breakfasts and lunches simple, and do my main sit down meal at dinner time. Lunch can be found at a creperie, a simple cafe, or takeout sandwhich from street front vendor or a boulangerie.

If you search this site, you will get a lot of recommendations. I've used this, Chowhound, Michelin Red guide and Time Out Paris as guides, but there are many. I prefer recommendations from travellers, so Fodor and CH are a good start.

I'm going this Wednesday, so I will post some restaurant and other info on my return.

Hope this helps.

Michel_Paris, nicely done. Have a great trip to Paris!!

Anselm

kitamaria,
I like Marling's Menu Master -- a tiny book that easily can fit in a pocket or purse and available on amazon.com:

http://tinyurl.com/yzkntl

Truthfully, though, we haven't had to refer to it too much, as we know ahead of time what the restaurant serves. Things we like are sole meuniere -- sole sauteed in butter with lemon --confit de canard -- a crispy leg and thigh of duck, usually served with fried potatoes -- and poulet roti -- roast chicken.

Sandy

"People in Paris eat dinner around 8, so don't plan on showing up before then, unless you are going a some bistrots / brasserie which will be more flexible."

We've often eaten before 8 -- 7 or 7:30, say -- and we've never had a problem getting a good meal in Paris. Sometimes, as the song says, "I get too hungry for dinner at 8". And there are usually plenty of French people in the restaurant.

Now, Spain, that's another story.

I second the recommendation for Eating and Drinking in France. I have used it on several trips and have rarely found a menu item that was not listed in the book. Have a fun trip!

Mjsilver,

For my education,as well as the OP, can you clarify? Where these places restaurants, bistrots, breaaseries, cafes? My undrestanding was that the staff at at restaurants from 6 to ~8, at which point they open the doors. I've always aimed to eat around 8, usually being first in the door since I travel solo.

You don't need to drag an entire guidebook along, but perhaps copy the page of restaurant words & carry that in your purse. Or make your own list of what you think you'd want to eat (write out the words for chicken, beef, etc.). You don't need to memorize them or even be able to say them aloud... just read the menu for comprehension and be able to point and smile!

And remember you are most definitely not the first tourist in Paris who can't speak French!

As far as typical experience to help you visualize, basically think of eating at the same kind of restaurant, only things are in French....

You are shown a table, you order something to drink, read the menu, etc. etc. Restaurants really are a universal language, no need to be intimidated.

Everyone, esp. Micheal_Paris, thanks!

Definitely get one of those pocket dictionaries that focus on just food/restaurants (we have a Berlitz one with about 16 languages that we have ripped into sections).

This won;t give you every detail of every dish - but will at least let you know the major ingredients of what you;re eating - and also describes the ingredient of some of the most common dishes.

(In most upscale restaurants the waiters are likely to speak some English - but we always like to look at the menu before we go in - or make resies for that night.)

Hi Bilbo, Ira and Michel,

Not to be grumpy but ... In most French restaurants there is a 15 percent "service charge" added to the bill. In the vast majority of French restaurants, the waiter does not receive one centime of this. There is no legal requirement that it be passed along, and most restaurant owners don't. See "From Here You Can't See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and Its Restaurant" by Michael Sanders, or talk to our friend Paul, who owns a Paris restaurant. Or our renter, Harris, who works in one. Mostly, zilch.

Most French people do not leave much on the table. And there's nothing wrong with "When in Rome..." Remember that in France, unlike the U.S., waiters receive the minimum wage. But please don't imagine that you've rewarded your waiter when you pay that 15 percent.

I find the menu translater in "Eating and Drinking in Paris" to be better than the Marling. The latter has items separated into categories and is harder to follow. It is more compact.

>>>>>
But please don't imagine that you've rewarded your waiter when you pay that 15 percent.
>>>>>

if the service charge is included "servis compris". then no tip is needed...just round up. how the restaurant compensates its employees is between the restaurant and its employees. if you wish to give the waiter a gift on top of what is expected, that is your choice.

Hi D,

I do believe that I also said, "If your waiter has been particularly helpful, leave a few euros on the table".

Hi Ira,

No doubt you're "overtipping" when you do. Good for you! So do we, but we've both been there, done that - waiting on table. A gratuity is never required, in any land. Clarity, in any matter, is a virtue. The "service charge" has nothing to do with a tip. Bon appetit a toutes et tous!

Wonderful tips and comments from everyone! I'm going to make notes for my next trip to Paris. I would not worry about not speaking French. As noted, Paris is used to dealing with visitors. On my one and only trip to France, I spent a great deal of time before hand brushing up on my college French. I found that in Paris, my attempts to speak French were generally ignored. Parisians either responded in English (indicating they understood me but preferred not to acknowledge my attempt) or they looked very puzzled until I switched to English. My French language skills improved dramatically outside of Paris, however. In Spain on that same trip, I had only a phrase book which I studied on the plane ride over. However, any attempt to use Spanish was appreciated.

I second the Marling Menu Master for France. It does give you a complete description of the item with it’s ingredients usually. This is most helpful if you eat in restaurants & bistro’s that are off the tourist path, and don’t have the menu in English.

It is worth it’s weight in gold. Because no matter how well you speak a language the language and idiom of food and it’s preparation uses unique words & terms. It is set up so that you can easily look up terms in sections i.e. entres, desserts, meats, fish, etc. It makes looking up menu items quick and accurate.

To order tap water you’ll ask for a Carafe d’eau “a carafe of water”, this will indicate to the waiter that you don’t want bottled water but free house/ tap water. It is completely safe to drink and will save you a bit on your restaurant bill because each bottle of water is about 3€.

Also learn the difference between gaseous and non gaseous with & without bubbles.

If you learn the polite words, please, thank you, hello, goodbye,it will be appreciated. The French applaud your understanding that French is a beautiful language and you are trying to use it.

A big second for L'Ptit Troquet. It is run by a very friendly English speaking husband/wife team. Although I speak French, do learn a few words Bonjour (good day), bonsoir (good evening). Try some conversational French audio CDs or tapes from your library to practice. Learn a few phrases, your cheerful attitude and attempt at conversing in French will go far. Good luck!

On our first trip to Paris I made a list of restaurants I wanted to eat at and we would take the metro there. Now it is true that you can get anywhere by the metro system fairly easily but we found that after a long day of sightseeing sometimes the trip to the restaurants by metro got to be a bit tiring, esp the trip back to the hotel after a long dinner and wine! So now we eat at restaurants we can walk to in our "neighborhood". I would suggest you either research restaurants near where you are staying or post here and ask for recommendations. Several of the places named previously are some of my favorites (we stay in the 7th) but I'm not sure they beat out others you could easily walk to in the other areas of the city.

Restaurants around Hotel Littre:

<>Le Montparnasse 1900 - 59 blvd Montparnasse ("Belle Epoque" decor )
Author: djkbooks Date: 09/29/2006, 10:52 am
Here's another huge recommendation for Montparnasse 1900. The Art Nouveau interior is spectacular. (And, since changing from Bistro de la Gare, the menu and food are top notch.) Service is very friendly and you can order as you please (just appetizers, salad only, or whatever).

<>Le Bec Rouge (Alsacian / wine bar) - 46bis blvd Montparnasse
http://www.fra.cityvox.fr/restaurants_paris/le-bec-rouge_2493/Avis-Lieu

<>Aux Saveurs de Claude - 12 rue Stanislas
www.auxsaveursdeclaude.fr/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d197434-r4110273-Hotel_La_Residence_Montparnasse-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
"...Take your breakfast at Bd Montparnasse, your dinner at "Aux saveurs de Claude" next door (very good and nice guys) or "La Coupole"..."

<>Chez Marcel - 7 rue Stanislas

. . . . and many many more . . . .

Since the participants in this conversation appear to very up to date on Paris restaurants, I'm curious if anyone knows whether a very small restaurant called Des Colonies is still open(I believe that was the name). We had a wonderful meal there over ten years ago - an eternity in the restaurant world, I know. I've searched on-line without luck. Thanks!

Or could it have been Colonnes?
There is a restuarant Les Trois Colonnes, at 1 rue Pierre Semard in the 9th arrondissement.

Or the Bouillon des Colonies at
3 rue Racine in the 6th arrondissement?

No, the Bouillon des Colonies appears to be a new restaurant.

Dave in Paris - no, I'm pretty sure it was Des Colonies - but I'll rummage through our memorabilia from that trip. We were so impressed I recall we had the owner autograph the menu!

Where was than restaurant, Braunsky and what was it's full name? It couldn't just be Des Colonies (at least, not likely) as that starts with a preposition.

Bouillon Racine is at 3 rue Racine and that's been around about 100 years. I can't believe they've changed their name to Bouillon des Colonies as they are so wellknown by their other name. I wonder if there is some problem on pagesjaunes with that name. Even the link is Bouillon Racine.

Okay, I found a mention that there are actually two places at that address -- Bouillon Racine and Bouillon des Colonies, which is a North African/Asian cuisine place (and co-owned by Racine). It sounds like it, actually, with that name.

There is apparently a Maison des Colonies in the Marais which is a tea salon or something which another branch in the 15th, but that doesn't sound right. If it was a bistro or restaurant, it's probably gone.

You could call Bouillon Racine and ask them
3, rue Racine - 75006 Paris
Tel: 01 44 32 15 60

(for some strange reason i still have their business card in my wallet from a trip years ago...)

I checked our box of memorabilia. I was slightly off. The front of the menue has "Des Colonies" in large type, but as part of a reproduction of an old book cover. It reads "Traite des menue, ragouts et entremets DES COLONIES Graves Sur Les Originaux Dessines a la Chine." That's what I was remembering. The restaurant was actually "Les Colonies," which makes more sense gramatically. Unfortunately, there's no address on the menu. The owner/chef was Chantal Siley(?) - not sure about the spelling on the last name. She signed our menu but I cannot read the last name very well. She was wonderfully welcoming and accomodating and a great chef. It was a short cab ride from our hotel near L'Arc de Triomphe, I just don't remember in what direction. I know - not much help. Turns out it was over 13 years ago - 1993. No wonder my memory has faded.

Les Colonies du Paradis
3 rue du Faubourg St-Antoine 75011
http://mmmm.free.fr/scripts/script_detail_resto.php?id=318
Doesn't seem to be there anymore, according to PagesJaunes...

No, I don't think so. Rue du Faubourg St. Antoine is 20 to 30 minutes by cab from the Champs-Elysees.

oh well. nothing else came up.

Whatever you do, do not go to Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. It is only for American tourists with bad taste and too much money. Try Le Cinq in the Four Seasons George V which I sumply adore and Le Grand Colbert which was in that hit movie "Something's gotta give". My friend Masterchef Philippe Legendre in Le Cinq is a culinary genius and a very nice gentleman too. I have cooked in his kitchen with him and everything is top class! Taillevent is not bad too with my friend Alain Soliveres as the Chef creating great dishes. Try Sur le Champs in the Marriott Champs Elysees too, just inside the lobby and after the posh bar. Nowadays the French are more friendly, whereas in the past they would pretend not to understand English even when they did. A smile and "sil vous plait" (please) and "merci" (thank you) goes a long way. Enjoy or as they say in Paris, Bon appetit! By Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet who is a celebrated travel, Food & Wine Writer/Editor based in Asia.

Dave & Travelnut - nothing came up when I looked last night either. Thanks for trying! Even in Paris, good restaurants can have a brief life.

>Taillevent is not bad too ...<

Now that is real British understatement.

" Le Grand Colbert which was in that hit movie "Something's gotta give"."

UGH!! Take away the pretty plant life and the food and service is something wanting.

The Americans at Le Cinq don't have much money?
When we ate lunch at Jules Verne about 5 years ago, we were the only Americans I noticed in the restaurant! Most of the diners were speaking French. It may not be a three-star place but the combo of the view, very good food and friendly and professional service at about 50E. pp lunch make Jules Verne a good bet for many people, not only tourists and certainly not only Americans.

Over the years, we've gone to Le Jules Vernes three times and have always been thrilled. We've found the food and service magnificent. It's best to reserve (as soon as you know you're going) a table at opening time (and we've always gotten a window table). That way, you get to spend the entire evening, and if you arrive in the daylight, enjoy dusk and twilight, when Paris is its most beautiful! We always advise our waiter that we'd like to go outside after dinner and then have our dessert, coffee, after dinner drinks in the lounge. This level is plenty high up for glorious views and photos. The views from the cocktail lounge (where there is a fabulous piano) are the best - toward the east - Place de la Concorde, Pont Alexandre III, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame...Most folks wander past the cocktail lounge on their way in and out and never know it's there.

As for English and restaurants and menus - you can get by, but perusing a comprehensive food glossary and studying some menus ahead of time is highly recommended. It's best to learn preparations and ingredients you would and would not enjoy ahead of time. Even with English menus and English speaking staff, much can be lost in the translation. And, knowing a few things, rather than nothing, will gather you far better assistance everywhere you go.

I totally agree with Gretchen that any glossary sectioned by course/type of food is virtually useless.

Over the years, I've compliled my own extensive French Food Glossary, from various resources, and downloaded it to my PDA. It is invaluable. We learned early on that just because you know "boef" is beef, well, you need to know all the "parts". And, if you don't care for curry or liver...

French restaurants prefer reservations. You can do fine, but not as well, without them. Even when they're not full and appreciate your patronage, they prefer you phone ahead so a table can be set up "just for you". It is definitely a good idea to have the hotel reserve for you a day ahead.

It is not true that a 15% service charge is added, rather a service charge is included in the prices, and you are not expected to add a gratuity. It IS true that a gratuity added to a credit card slip will go to the "house" and not to the waiter. Though, nowadays there is no means of doing this when the slip is presented. If you want to leave something in appreciation for your wait person, just do it with cash (best discretely handed).

We've enjoyed many, many magnificent meals at Le P'Tit Troquet. Then we heard/read the owners wish to retire. And, our visit there in September was quite disappointing (by comparison).

I also highly agree with finding appealing dining destinations near your hotel for dinner. After being out and about all day long, it's usually best (except if you have one or two "destination" places planned) not to have to return to the hotel to change and then head out again, or if you do, just to freshen up a bit and not have to go very far.

I just returned from Paris and highly recommend the Budda Bar and Spoon Food and Wine which is an Alain Ducasse restaruant. Waiters are very friendly. I also recommend Rotisser D'En Face which is a Jacque Cagna bistro.

bookmarking

I feel compelled to reply as I started this thread... I absolutly loved Paris and had no trouble in any of the restaurants (even the french only menus), although it was useful to know the general words for fish, steak, chicken etc. Waiters were kind and patient, and the food was beyond wonderful. Thanks to everyone for your advice!

Thanks for the information.

Kitamaria, what were some of your favorite restaurants and foods you tried? I am glad you had a good time.

We are going to Paris for our first time in July and I have been worried about some of the same things you were.

I think again people must realise that Paris is an international city which receives millions of tourists each year. The majority of them will speak little if any french! Most restaurants will cater for those unable to communicate verbally, although a few polite phrases will help you along the way.

http://www.travel--guide.org/Paris