A guide to French restaurants
With so many different types of restaurants in France, I thought it might be useful to explain a little bit about each. Each of them typically have different ranges in price, what is offered and specific opening hours.
Café
What is France without the quintessential French Café? They are typically smaller neighborhood establishments and can range from classic local ambience to trendier bobo (hipster) vibes. They will serve coffees and teas, soft drinks and light snacks like toasted sandwiches. Cafes are usually open from morning (roughly 7 am) until evening and are usually open mid-day unlike most other restaurants.
Bistro
Bistros are the casual alternative to more formal restaurants offering decently-priced meals and in a bit more fast-paced environment. They typically serve classic fare like steak frites, burgers, soups and salads and other French staples. They tend to be open only during meal hours, meaning from around 11:30 am- 2:00 pm for lunch and 7:30 pm- 11:00 pm for dinner and can be quite lively and crowded at peak meal times.
Brasserie
The translation for brasserie is brewery which is basically like a pub restaurant. They offer a wider selection of food than bistros and usually a good choice of beers and wines. They serve traditional French food at moderate prices and are typically open all day, from morning until late at night.
Bouchon
Famous in Lyon, bouchons serve hearty meaty dishes well-known in the region such as sausage, duck pâté and pork. As an alternative to upscale restaurants, they are known for lively atmospheres. And dishes are usually accompanied by a glass of Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône. Hours are typically only open at meal times 11:30 am- 2:00 pm for lunch and 7:30 pm- 11:00 pm for dinner.
Restaurant
If you want to experience a traditional multi-course meal in France, than you must go to a restaurant. Most will offer a wide selection of dishes from meat to fish to vegetarian as well as nice wine lists. The prix-fixe menu (includes appetizer, entrée and dessert or as they say in France entrée, plat, dessert) is always the best bang for your buck and you’ll leave feeling full. If you’re not as hungry, you can also opt for à la carte options. A great tip is that most restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu at wildly cheaper prices at lunch time. Like bistros, restaurants are usually open only during meal hours (see above), and many are closed on Sundays or Mondays.
Auberge/table D’hôte
Normally found in the countryside, an auberge is attached to bed-and-breakfast or small hotel serving rustic meals made with local ingredients. A table d’hôte is the same idea as a prix-fixe menu and is often served at auberges.
Salón De Té
Typically only open in the afternoons, Tea Salons serve a wide selection of teas, coffees, light snacks and desserts. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your afternoon sweet cravings or as the French like to call it goûter.
