Dining

Most restaurants are closed between lunch and dinner. If you get hungry, consider visiting a bakery (boulangerie) for a sandwich or treat.

Dinner is served much later than in the United States — from 7 p.m.-11 p.m., typically. Make a reservation if you can, or arrive soon after a restaurant opens.

If you order water in a restaurant and don’t specify, you’ll most likely get sparkling and be charged for it. To get tap water free of charge, say “un carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait” (a small jug of water, please).

At the end of your meal, you’ll most likely need to ask for a check — it’s rare that the waiter automatically brings it to the table.

Tipping is not required in restaurants, though 5% -10% is considered the norm for good service.