Well, actually most of them aren't. Parisiens already know you're a tourist--there's no use in pretending otherwise. It might be the Paris map hanging from your bag, your decidedly uncool footwear, or the unsure look on your face, but you're outsider status has already been spotted. So, trot out your high school/college French and give it a go. Your waitperson may respond in English no matter how good your accent, or she may just take your order and pretend like you're French too. So affirming.
The young, ultracool waiters tend to be the snotty ones. Beware the tall, thin good-looking guy in shirt and tie, rolled up sleeves and bored expression. Unless, of course, you're female, 22, and totally gorgeous. I've watched this phenomenon. He's still bored (so cool), but now he's attentive and actually makes eye contact. Probably they go out for a drink when he gets off work.
