Many foreigners wonder how French people manage to make their kids behave so well in restaurants. While the ritual of long Sunday family lunches probably trains them to sit still at an early age, there’s also the fact that childhood rowdiness is not well tolerated in eating establishments. If the kids can’t sit still, the parents simply don’t eat out with them. It’s rare to find crayons, puzzles, and other kid-friendly items in Parisian restaurants, though they usually have high-chairs (chaise-haute, shehz-oht), if not booster seats (réhausseur, ray-hoh-sur). That said, by and large French people are kid-friendly, so small, family-owned restaurants will usually be pretty understanding, as long as you don’t let your kids run wild. Ask if there’s a children’s menu (menu enfant). While french fries are not particularly nutritious, restaurants usually keep small ones busy with plenty of these treats. You might want to bring along your own kiddie-size forks and spoons, however, as they are never provided. Below is a short list of some restaurants that are particularly amenable to the kid contingent:
* Wepler: On Place de Clichy, by Montmartre, this traditional brasserie offers a 9€ kids menu that goes beyond fries and burgers, featuring ham and cheese pasta, fish of the day, and green beans as an alternative to frites.
* Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: Serving unlimited helpings of steak and fries, this lively place is a no-brainer for the kid set.
* Rosa Bonheur: Located inside the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, this cool cafe has a beautiful outdoor terrace where parents can nibble on tapas while watching their kids roll down the hill.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
