My girlfriend and I are visiting Paris for the first time and we do not speak much French although, of course, we try. We were very nervous due to the rumored stereotype that Parisians would be rude and abrasive to Americans but have so far been overwhelmed by how welcoming and helpful most Parisians have been during our week stay here.
Unfortunately, we did not find the same welcoming spirit here at Restaurant Bellini. Upon entering, my girlfriend meekly asked if we should seat ourselves or get a table (it was a quiet restaurant and she doesn't like to draw attention to herself) we were met with a loud "WHAT????" from (whom we assume was) the owner which made multiple heads turn in our direction. She asked again if we should seat ourselves or wait to be seated, to which he responded "well did you make a reservation??" incredulously, like we were stupid to be asking, again putting a spotlight on us in the quiet restaurant entrance. We replied that we did not realize a reservation was needed as it did not indicate so via yelp and when we checked the website it was down. To which he further loudly drove the point home "well, it's completely full. there is no space for you." in a very abrasive and condescending tone. My girlfriend meekly replied "okay, no problem, thank you" and we tried to rush out of there as we felt pretty humiliated. The owner had a condescending look on his face as we tried to exit.
We do not feel that we deserved the disrespect that was issued to us as we were not in any fashion demanding to be served, merely inquiring if we could be. It is completely okay that we could not eat here as a result of a lack of a reservation, but the attitude of the (assumed) owner was incredibly humiliating and condescending and it did not feel like a very welcoming environment at all.
My girlfriend and I found another restaurant where we were served with respect and kindness with waiters that laughed along with us at our attempts to order in French. The night was salvaged, but we are not at all disappointed to have not spent our night here.
Travelers be wary, this may not be the welcoming experience you're looking for if you've visiting Paris. read more