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- Le Sélect Bistro. Le Sélect Bistro is a gorgeous Parisian bistro in Toronto’s chic Fashion District, and they recently re-opened after closing during the pandemic.
- Jules Bistro. Jules is a super cute French bistro with locations in both Trinity Bellwoods and Leslieville. Indulge in classics like Onion Soup, Escargot, or Steak Frites.
- Batifole. Batifole is an intimate French bistro in Toronto’s Riverdale neighbourhood, and you’ll find authentic French dishes made using modern cooking techniques.
- La Palette. This cozy and relaxed French bistro and wine bar on Queen West has been around for over two decades. Order traditional French fare like Paté (house-made with wild boar) or Steak Tartare, or go for more modern dishes like their Surf and Turf featuring roasted bone marrow, bay scallops, pickled chillies, and toasted brioche.
- The Cutlery and Table Setting
- The Table Manners
- Other Dining Etiquette Don’ts
- Dining Etiquette Do’s
As you can see from image above, the table setting in France places the forks on the left and the knives on the right. The basic cutlery set will include: 1. une fourchette – a fork (to the left of the plate) 2. une petite fourchette – a small fork for dessert (to the left of the regular fork, further away from the plate) 3. un couteau – a knife (t...
Good French table manners also indicates that one does not switch the fork and knife back and forth, like North Americans do. Other basic rules for the main fork and knife are: 1. Fork and knife at 4 and 8pm (upside down V) means that you are still eating. 2. Fork and knife placed diagonally together across the plate means that you have finished ea...
1. Don’t expect to eat at 6 pm.
French people don’t usually get off work till 6:30pm, so having familydinner early is quite strange. Only small children eat their meals at 6 pm. Most French restaurants will not even be open till 7 pm, unless they are specifically catering to the tourist crowd and you want to avoid those sorts of restaurants anyway. ☞ READ MORE: French Business Etiquette: 12 Pitfalls to avoid
2. Don’t sit down.
If you are at someone’s home for a dinner party, the host/hostess likely has a seating plan for where everyone should sit. So don’t just grab a seat. There may be place cards on the table, or the host will just indicate where to sit once everyone is gathered around the table. The same rule applies if you are a large group invited to a restaurant. The person issuing the invitation, may suggest where everyone should sit.
3. Don’t ask for butter.
When you arrive at your table, there may be some bread there, but there will most likely be no butter. Do not ask for butter, in France this is reserved for cooking or for breakfast.
1. Do put your bread on the left side of the plate, not in it.
In a normal brasserie or café, you will not have a bread plate. The bread is supposed to lie directly on the table, at the side of your dinner plate, where the bread plate would have been. This may seem odd (and unhygienic) to you, but I assure you, this is the French way. ☞ READ MORE: French Table Setting – The Easy Version
2. Do tear the bread with your hand, not with your knife.
Along with placing the bread directly on the table, you are meant to tear into the bread with your hands, and not a knife. More unhygienic stuff, you say. I agree, but c’est la vie.
3. Do order a jug of water with dinner.
A jug of tap water is free in French restaurants, so don’t hesitate to ask for a “Carafe d’eau“. If you are a tourist speaking English, they might try to fob you off with bottled water that you will then have to pay for, so watch out. Don’t hesitate to insist on a carafe, it is the law in France.
Start learning. Choose the Restaurant. French restaurants come in all shapes and sizes, each offering its own unique dining experience. From a traditional Parisian bistro to a Michelin-starred establishment, there’s something for everyone. But, how do you choose the right French restaurant for you?
- The Café-Brasserie. This is probably the sort of restaurant you most associate with Parisian people-watching, sidewalk terrace-loafing, and servers in traditional black-and-white uniforms frantically pacing back and forth with laden platters balanced on one arm.
- The Bistrot. Next in our (basic) typology of French restaurants is the bistrot (or bistro if you’re an English-speaker): smaller, more intimate restaurants that are typically less formal than their grander brasserie cousins, and have a familial, or even rustic, vibe about them.
- The “Restaurant Gastronomique” The “restaurant gastronomique” (gastronomic restaurant) is a preferred term when referring to higher-end restaurants in France, whether with or without Michelin stars attached to them.
- The “Table d’Hôte” Less familiar to most non-French speakers is the table d’hôte, a restaurant (often attached to a hotel or inn, but not always) that offers restricted options for dining, typically in the form of one or more fixed-price menus (menu au prix fixe).
Mar 29, 2023 · Summary. How We Chose The Best French Restaurants in Toronto. The Best French Restaurants in Toronto. 1) Le Sélect Bistro. 2) Scaramouche Restaurant. 3) Alo Restaurant. 4) Le Baratin. 5) Maison Selby. 6) Auberge du Pommier. 7) Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie. 8) Biff’s Bistro. FAQs About French restaurants. Conclusion.
Jun 30, 2019 · Basically, this guide, a little patience and an open mind are all you need to have the best Parisian restaurant experience! After reading this guide, you’ll know how to avoid any faux pas and ensure that you have a great meal out in Paris! 1. Timing.
Feb 14, 2023 · Choucroute, Aligot, Ratatouille, Piperade, Pot au Feu, Coq au Vin, Bouillabaisse, Raclette, Boeuf Bourguignon… whatever your favourite French dish, there’s nothing more quintessentially French than dining in a good French restaurant. Here’s what you need to know about restaurants in France, including some tips for dining out like a local.
