Tipping in Paris

Posted by Mumbling & Stumbling on 03/29/17 12:10 AM

I will turn 70 this June while vacationing in Paris with my wife and two youngest children (22 & 17). One of my older children told me to pack a suit, as my kids are arranging dinner for us on my birthday. Since they (I assume) are paying for dinner, I do not know about tipping. In Paris do you tip waiters in better restaurants? If so, how much?

I am not a finer dinning guy. As a matter of fact I have never been in a "fine restaurant" In Paris or anywhere for that matter. Any help would be a blessing.

Posted by FastEddie

Florida

03/29/17 12:19 AM

1450 posts

The tip is included in the bill. If you get truly exceptional service then you might consider maybe 5% in addition.

Posted by Robert

Portland, Maine

03/29/17 02:58 PM

2916 posts

I question the advice about the suit, but if your children want you to wear one, then you might as well.
Although I assume that wait staff won't complain if you tip, service is included in the charge and tipping isn't expected.

Posted by Mumbling & Stumbling OP

03/29/17 04:52 PM

449 posts

My daughter providing the meal said I would need a suit. (I hate them. 12 years of Catholic education wearing a tie every day plus 37 years a police officer with a tie YUCK).

Thanks ever so much for the information.

Posted by Dawn

Denver, CO

03/29/17 04:57 PM

796 posts

HAHA! Joseph, you made me laugh out loud! Happy early birthday, and have a fantastic time in Paris!

Posted by Dave

Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA

03/29/17 05:36 PM

2262 posts

Tipping is not necessary. If you really enjoyed the service leave a euro or two. Suits with ties are not expected except in the most exclusive restaurants. In the vast majority of places you are perfectly stylish with slacks, a polo, and clean shoes. Subdued colors. Perhaps the suit with no tie is a compromise. Have fun!

Posted by janettravels44

Chicago

03/29/17 05:55 PM

8554 posts

Good restaurants may require a jacket for men (a blazer is plenty); we lunched at la Tour d'Argent and it is not only clear on the website that jackets are to be worn by men and appropriately dressy clothes by women but when they confirm the reservation they repeat the information:
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/03/01/anniversary-lunch-at-la-tour-dargent/
Most places don't enforce dress codes, but some do and for a truly lovely restaurant it is inappropriate to show up in casual clothes or worse yet, trainers, sweatpants or shorts and t-shirts. A whole suit seems like a lot to pack, but a blazer shirt and tie over decent pants is worth throwing in.