10 Essential Restaurant Tips To Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in France

3. Wait to be seated

Bouillon Chartier, 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9e
Photo: Michel wal

French restaurants generally expect you to wait to be seated, even if you’ve reserved. Let the staff know you’re here, and they’ll take care of the rest. Don’t rush in and find your own table, it’s considered impolite. Note that some restaurants let you sit outside without waiting for staff.