master-cooks | Is The Phrase Bon Appétit Actually Considered Rude In French Restaurants?

The phrase "Bon appétit," often used to wish someone an enjoyable meal, is commonly associated with French dining culture. However, its usage in French restaurants can sometimes be perceived as informal or even slightly rude, depending on the context. In France, dining is viewed as a social and cultural experience, and the phrase might be considered unnecessary or overly casual in more formal dining settings. Some French people view "Bon appétit" as redundant, as they believe that the enjoyment of the meal is already implied by the act of dining together. In contrast, others might interpret it as a friendly, albeit informal, gesture that can foster a sense of camaraderie among diners. The perception of "Bon appétit" can also vary by region, generation, and the formality of the dining environment. In general, while the phrase is not inherently offensive, those dining in more upscale or traditional French restaurants might opt for silence or a simple exchange of smiles to convey goodwill, aligning more closely with traditional French dining etiquette. Ultimately, the appropriateness of "Bon appétit" depends on the setting and the discretion of the diners involved.

When is bon appetit used in France?

When dining at a restaurant in France, it's typical for waiters to say a particular phrase as they finish serving your meal. The same applies at fast food establishments—when your order is placed on the counter, you'll hear the same expression. At a dinner gathering, everyone might join in unison to announce that the food is ready, signaling that it's time to start eating. It's also customary to say this phrase as you pass by other diners in a restaurant or even to those enjoying a picnic in a park.

While "bon appétit" is the most commonly used expression, there are other similar phrases in French. "Bonne dégustation," which translates to "good tasting," is often used by waiters to encourage diners to savor the flavors of their meal. If you hear "régalez-vous," it means "treat yourself." According to a Reddit discussion on r/france, another popular way to say "bon appétit" is simply to shorten it to "bon app."

So, how should you respond when someone says "bon appétit" to you? If the person is also dining, you can reply with the same phrase. For waiters, cashiers, or passersby who are not eating, a simple "merci" is appropriate.

Etiquette to remember while dining in France

Now that you no longer need to stress about when to say "bon appétit," there are several other dining etiquette rules to keep in mind while eating out or at home in France. Many dining customs in France align with common sense practices found worldwide, such as not chewing with your mouth open or eating too hastily. One particular guideline in French restaurants is to refrain from cutting lettuce into smaller pieces; instead, you should fold it to make it easier to eat.

If you're invited to someone's home for dinner, it's best not to arrive empty-handed. While bringing an unusual side dish might seem odd as a gift, a bottle of wine is always appreciated. When a whole French baguette is offered at the table, tear off a piece for yourself instead of slicing it. In restaurants, baguettes and bread are typically served pre-sliced, and you should wait until the first course is served before eating any of it.

In the United States, we often view a cheese board as the ideal accompaniment to a pre-dinner happy hour or an aperitif. However, in France, ordering a cheese board before dinner or as an appetizer is uncommon, as it is regarded as a digestif. A cheese board is considered an after-dinner dish that is believed to aid digestion, thanks to the probiotics found in cheese.

Is The Phrase Bon Appétit Actually Considered Rude In French Restaurants?

When is bon appetit used in France?

Etiquette to remember while dining in France

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