Dinner-time guide

The French eat late. The French first-service vs second-service tradition is invisible to tourists but absolutely central to whether you get a table. Pick your scenario and we'll tell you when to arrive.

What's your situation?

What this tool actually solves

The "service" in a French restaurant is the seating wave: premier service (19:30–21:00) and deuxième service (21:00–22:30). Showing up at 19:00 without a reservation puts you in the no-man's-land between the two waves when the kitchen has not fired yet. Brasseries are different — they run continuous service 11:30–01:00, no service split.

How to read the result

Each scenario gives you the right arrival time, whether to reserve, and the local customs.

Limitations

Real opening hours vary by venue. Mediterranean (Marseille, Nice) posts describe later seatings than Alsatian. Touristy brasseries stay open 01:00, suburban restaurants close 22:30.

FAQ

Why are the French so late for dinner?

Two waves, not one. The 19:30 wave is for families and the elderly; the 21:00 wave is for couples and the late-nighters. The kitchen runs hot from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Tourists who arrive at 18:00 are often turned away.

Are last orders closed?

At a bistro or restaurant, last orders are usually 21:45–22:00. The kitchen shuts down 30–45 min after that. At a brasserie, the kitchen is open until 23:00–23:30.

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Estimate only. Real opening hours and reservation rules vary.