When ordering a meal in a restaurant in Paris, do you order everything (starter, main course, dessert) at once

Question

In other words, when the waiter initially approaches your table do you tell him what you'd like for every course of the meal, or is it like in English speaking societies where he'll take your starter and main course order, deliver both, and then stop by once you've finished to ask if you'd like to order dessert?

Answer 1

The only reason I ever go to my fave French restaurant here in London is entirely due to the rudeness of the waiters.  My partner and me love all that Gallic c**p you get : -

YouTube - Rude French Waiter

Rude French Waiter. ... Join YouTube for a free account, or log in if you are

already a member. ... Rude French Waiter (more). Added: October 29, 2007 ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnFQuf0k2...

More French waiters : -

YouTube - 3D ANIMATION MAYA - the crazy waiter ! - short -

Hello ima french ANIMATOR,i live between Paris and Ny. ... i just create animation

of waiter . this classic character is often used by animators for ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-CLqvAuP... - Cached

YouTube - Thank You in French 7-8-07

Me asking a waiter how to say "Thank You" in French. ... Your Account, Help & Info,

YouTube. Videos · Inbox · Help Center · Safety Tips · Company Info ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8o0PmVsD...

YouTube - Restaurant Paris Columbus Café

Restaurant Paris Columbus Café Film réalisé par Minipub® Movie made by Minipub.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5EwFVdiu... - Cached

YouTube - Restaurant Paris Mathusalem

Restaurant Mathusalem Paris 5 bis Bd exelmans Paris film réalisé par Minipub®

Movie made by Minipub®

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjuVC1Dkt...

If only - here is the world's number one cafe entertainer a Paris c1954 - shame she's no longer with us.  Enjoy : -

YouTube - Edith Piaf - La Vie En Rose - 1954

Au cours de l'emission "La joie de vivre" - 03/04/1954Durante o programa "La Joie

de Vivre"La Vie en Rose - INA Productions / La Joie de Vivre / Edith Piaf ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-sUzR71w...

Answer 2

I think either way is ok.  I went out with a group of friends several times, and we always ordered dessert after we ate dinner.  On another trip, my Parisian friend took me out to dinner, and he ordered everything at once.  However, that might have been because the dessert was a special cake that was baked to order (so they had to have time to prepare it).

EDIT:  I forgot one thing...if you order from the prix fixe menu, you may have to order the dessert with the rest of the meal...

Answer 3

I was on honeymoon in France recently. We were asked for our full order at the same time, however we were travelling with a large tour group so that might have made a difference. If it is only a small group, I'm sure they would come back later for dessert orders.

Answer 4

In France, you order starters, and  main course, just like in England

Once finished, the waiter will come and talk you about the dessert.

Not all af them simultaneously.

This is like this not only in Paris, but everywhere in France!

Answer 5

white spirit answered your question, he is right.

Answer 6

Generally speaking it's the same as it is in US/UK - the waiter will take your order for starter/main course at the beginning, and then bring you the menu back after the main course to order dessert. Occasionally if you are in a coach party or similar group you will be asked to choose everything at the same time, sometimes even before you arrive at the restaurant, so that they can be sure to have the right quantities prepared. The only other time you might be asked to order dessert at the beginning is if you have a special fixed menu, or if the speciality dessert takes a long time to prepare, but in this case either the waiter will tell you this, or it will be clearly marked on the menu.

Answer 7

You usually order your starters and main course first.  Then at the end you can choose your dessert.

Answer 8

I order everything at once and they will bring it out when you're done with each course (except for dessert).  Easy!  It's not like the UK or the U.S. (in very nice places).

Answer 9

Your the customer you decide not the waiter

Answer 10

Correct to say, starter and main course first, pud later.

WATCH OUT FOR THE WATER! They will ask you if you want water. If you just say yes, they'll bring you a bottle of (expensive) mineral stuff. If you're happy with tap - it is perfectly safe! - insist that you want " une carafe d'eau", or you'll get ripped off.