This gesture you make in a restaurant reveals your social class without you even realizing it.

Anticipating the bill too early: a reflex that spoils the experience.
Many people mentally calculate within minutes: “If I have this + a drink + a dessert… how much will it cost?” There’s nothing wrong with keeping an eye on your budget. But this constant calculation is noticeable and creates a slightly tense atmosphere, as if everything needs to be controlled.

To ease the experience, a simple guideline is all it takes: set an overall budget before you arrive. Once seated, there’s no need to constantly recalculate. Your mind relaxes, and the evening immediately becomes more enjoyable.

The tricky part: the bill and the famous tip.

In France, service is included, but a tip is still appreciated. What can be awkward, however, is lingering over the wallet or visibly recounting the bill.
Elegance lies more in the smoothness of the transaction than in the amount: calmly announcing that you’re paying by card, offering a kind word, or simply stating if you’re adding a small extra charge. Clarity is worth far more than a few cents.

Bread and a carafe of water: a very French custom. A
classic approach: timidly ask if bread or a carafe of water is extra. In France, in the vast majority of traditional restaurants, they are not.
To avoid any awkwardness, it’s best to ask for these items naturally, without justification: “Could we have some extra bread?” or “A carafe of water, please.” It’s simple, clear, and perfectly in keeping with custom.