Is It Rude to TIP in a French Restaurant?

Just back from France, and can confirm that tipping is not required nor expected. The French do not tip so do as the French when visiting.

The French Tipping Culture Explained

In France, tipping is generally not required and is often viewed differently from other cultures. Here’s a breakdown of the tipping norms in French restaurants:

Service Charge Included

In French restaurants, a service charge is typically included in the bill, indicated by the term “service compris”. This means that the service charge is already accounted for in the total bill, so it's not necessary to add an additional tip unless you want to.

Tipping Culture

While it’s not mandatory, leaving a small tip around 5-10% of the bill is appreciated if you received excellent service. This is more common in casual dining settings than in high-end restaurants. The tipping amount typically ranges from rounding up to the nearest even number or adding a small fraction of the total bill.

How to Tip

If you choose to tip, you can leave the change or round up the bill. For example, if your bill is €47, you might leave €50. This small gesture can be a nice way to show your appreciation for good service.

In summary, while it’s not rude to tip in a French restaurant, it’s not expected either. A small tip can be a nice gesture for good service.

A Personal Perspective

One of my best friends runs a small restaurant. She considers it rude when customers do not tip their waitstaff, especially if a customer doesn’t contribute a symbolic amount like a few euros. If a customer doesn’t tip, she either thinks the waitperson did a bad job or the customer is not appreciative. However, this personal perspective is not the norm.

Tipping Is Appreciated in France

Tipping is as appreciated in France as it is anywhere else. While it’s not mandatory, good service can be recognized and rewarded with a small amount. This aligns with the general understanding of tipping in many cultures, where gratuity is a way to show appreciation.

It’s also worth noting that in France, tipping is not considered rude, but it depends on the situation and the perception of the service provided. Most French people, including waitstaff, will think you’re silly for leaving a large tip. Most restaurants automatically tack on a service charge of about 15%, which goes directly to the waiter. If you were to tip another 15-20% on top of this, it would be considered as weird as a 35% tip in America.

The Norm for Small Tips

Most French people typically leave a small tip called a “pourboire,” which means “drinking money.” Traditionally, if you were paying cash, you’d just round up the tip to the nearest or second-nearest even number above the charge. When I lived there, I used to add 5 euros, which was generous by Parisian standards but normal for a New Yorker.

In conclusion, while tipping is not required in France, it is a gesture of appreciation and good service. The amount and appropriateness of the tip can vary based on the situation and the level of service received.