Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Inside the ‘Americanization’ of French dining
When people visit other places, their cultures tend to influence others,
and vice versa. Each year, over 1.5 million French people visit the US, and
around five million Americans visit France. With these exchanges and
interactions, along with entertainment and technological influences, Americanized
dining experiences are emerging in France, where gastronomy is regarded as a
core of life. For example, various kinds of Americanized menus are appearing in some
restaurants with American-flavored interiors. Also, some restaurants accommodate
early-hour diners, like 6:30 pm, as opposed to traditional French dinner time that
starts around 7:30 pm. Another American custom emerging in France is tipping.
Tipping isn’t usually expected in France because a 15% service charge is
already included in menu prices. Diners may leave the change or €1 to €2 as
appreciation for good service. But as digital tipping options on card machines
and QR codes have become more common in the last few years, a 5-15% tipping
option is shown to diners in addition to the already-included service charge.
More smiles and engaging service might become very expensive in some
restaurants in France.
Read the article and learn about the American influence on French dining.
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/04/travel/french-restaurants-american-influence
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