How to Order in a French Café Like a Local

Visiting France? One of the best things you can do is experience a classic French café—whether it’s for a croissant and espresso in the morning or a relaxing café crème in the afternoon. But if you want to blend in and avoid the dreaded “tourist vibe,” knowing how to order like a local is key.

French cafés have their own unwritten rules and etiquette, and simply saying “Can I have a coffee?” won’t cut it. So let’s dive into exactly what to say, what NOT to say, and how to navigate a French café with confidence!

1. First, Pick the Right Type of Coffee ☕

French coffee culture is different from what you might be used to. Here’s a quick guide to ordering the right coffee at the right time:

✓ Un café – A small, strong espresso (what the French consider "coffee").
✓ Un café allongé – A longer, weaker espresso (closer to an Americano).
✓ Un café crème – Similar to a latte, with steamed milk (perfect for breakfast).
✓ Un cappuccino – A frothy coffee, often served to tourists (rarely ordered by locals).
✓ Un noisette – An espresso with just a dash of milk (similar to a macchiato).
✓ Un déca – A decaf espresso.
✓ Un chocolat chaud – A deliciously rich hot chocolate (great for non-coffee drinkers!).

2. How to Greet the Waiter (Don’t Skip This!) 👋

The French love their politeness, and starting your order with a warm greeting makes all the difference.

✓ Always say “Bonjour” first! (If it’s after 6 PM, say Bonsoir.)
✓ You can add Monsieur (for men) or Madame (for women) for extra politeness.

Example:

✓ “Bonjour, Monsieur !” (Hello, sir!)
✓ “Bonsoir, Madame !” (Good evening, ma’am!)

3. Ordering Like a Local (What to Say) 🗣️

Now, let’s put it all together! Here’s a simple and polite way to order in a French café:

✓ “Bonjour, un café s’il vous plaît.” (Hello, an espresso please.)
✓ “Je vais prendre un café crème, s’il vous plaît.” (I’ll have a café crème, please.)
✓ “Un chocolat chaud, s’il vous plaît.” (A hot chocolate, please.)
✓ “Et un croissant avec ça, merci !” (And a croissant with that, thanks!)

4. Understanding Café Culture: Where to Sit & What to Expect 🪑

Now that you’ve ordered, what’s next? French cafés have a unique culture, so here’s what you need to know:

✓ Table vs. Counter: If you sit at a table, you’ll usually pay more than if you drink your coffee standing at the bar. (Locals often have their morning espresso quickly at the counter!)
✓ Waiting for the Check: Unlike in the U.S., the waiter won’t rush to bring your bill. When you’re ready, you need to ask for it: 👉 “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.” (The check, please.)
✓ Tipping: Service is included in France, but it’s common to leave small change (1-2€) if the service was good.

5. Bonus: Ordering Non-Coffee Drinks & Snacks 🥐

If you’re in a café but don’t feel like coffee, you can order other classic French drinks:

✓ Un thé – Tea (usually black tea, unless specified).
✓ Un jus d’orange pressé – Freshly squeezed orange juice.
✓ Une eau plate / une eau gazeuse – Still water / sparkling water.
✓ Un verre de vin – A glass of wine (yes, totally normal at a café!).

And of course, French cafés aren’t just about drinks—they often have light food options like:

🥐 Un croissant – A classic French pastry.
🥖 Une tartine – A slice of bread with butter and jam.
🧀 Un croque-monsieur – A grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
🥗 Une salade niçoise – A famous French salad with tuna, eggs, and olives.

6. Recap: How to Order Like a Local (Step-by-Step Guide!) ✓ 

1. Greet the waiter: “Bonjour, Madame !”
2. Order politely: “Un café, s’il vous plaît.”
3. If you want food: “Et un croissant avec ça, merci !”
4. Enjoy your drink at your own pace—no rushing! ☕
5. Ask for the check when ready: “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”
6. Leave small change as a tip if you liked the service!

🚀 Now you’re ready to walk into any French café and order like a pro!

French café culture is all about simplicity, politeness, and savoring the moment. By following these easy steps, you’ll blend in like a local and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Next time you’re in France, don’t just grab a quick coffee—slow down, enjoy the experience, and order with confidence!