Yes, it’s true. Europeans are renowned espresso drinkers. If you’re after a flat white, latte or cappuccino don’t get your hopes up. It’s most likely you’ll be disappointed in what you’re given. But don’t be disheartened. If you’re in need of a good caffeine fix, we have some good news. There is a new wave of baristas coming through that know a thing or two about lattes. You just need to know where to find them. Here’s our list of the best cafes in Paris.

Unlike in Australia, where for the sake of non-smoking diners smokers are required (in most states) to be at least four metres away from a seated dining area before lighting up, smoking is still part of the culture in France. While indoor smoking has been banned, those looking to smoke a cigarette while dining are welcome to when seated at a restaurant as long as they are outdoors.

Good restaurants in Paris don’t have to be ridiculously expensive and Michelin-starred. You’ll often find foreign tourists in these establishments that are almost impossible to secure a reservation at. France is renowned for its incredible bistronomy movement, especially in Paris. Here you’ll find traditional French food, without the pomp. These days, the hottest Parisian restaurants are in the formerly working-class 10th and 11th arrondissements and not the typical tourist hangouts. Need help picking a spot? Here is our list of the best bistros in Paris.

Pooch lovers will be thrilled to hear that the rules around dogs and dining are way more lax in France than in Australia. Most sit-down restaurants in Paris will allow dogs to enter as long as they are well-behaved and don’t sit on the furniture, and if larger are on a leash. Worst case scenario, diners with dogs are invited to sit outside or on the terrace, if not indoors. Oddly enough, in establishments that sell food, like supermarkets or patisseries, dogs are not allowed to enter.

Well, not in the western sense. French children are raised to eat the same foods as their parents around a dining table each night. They’re not given dino nuggets and spaghetti bolognaise while parents eat a separately cooked meal. While there is a ‘kids menu’ at most establishments, the options will more likely be smaller versions of the meals already on the menu like steak frites.