Fine Dining Festival 2025: Top French Restaurants for Half the Price
If you’re in France this autumn, there’s a simple way to eat better for less — and it’s happening right now. TheFork Festival, the country’s biggest dining promotion, is back until late November, offering up to 50% off meals at thousands of restaurants across France.
What It Is
TheFork is France’s leading restaurant-booking platform, and every year it runs a nationwide event to boost restaurant bookings during the quieter months.
For travelers, it’s the perfect chance to experience real French dining, from small bistros to Michelin Bib Gourmand tables, without spending a fortune.
During the festival, participating restaurants apply automatic discounts on the food portion of your bill when you book through TheFork website or app.
Drinks are usually excluded, but no promo codes or vouchers are needed.
The Dates
The 2025 edition began on October 9 and continues until around November 30, depending on the city. The offer covers lunch and dinner slots, though some restaurants limit the discount to specific days or services.
Booking is simple:
- Open thefork.fr or the app.
- Choose your city.
- Tap the “Festival TheFork” section to see eligible restaurants.
- Book a table as usual – the discount is applied automatically.
You can filter results by price range, cuisine, or neighborhood. Many restaurants display the exact percentage off next to their listing.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Paris has one of the biggest selections, with hundreds of participating restaurants spread across every arrondissement. You’ll see options near Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Montparnasse, and the 9th arrondissement. A few standouts include:
- L’Atelier du Marché (17th): classic bistro dishes, 50% off à la carte.
- Le Bistrot des Dames (17th): leafy terrace and modern French cooking.
- Le Petit Commines (3rd): elevated comfort food and warm service.
Beyond the capital, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, and Toulouse also have long lists of restaurants offering 40-50% discounts.
Smaller towns join too, often family-run places that rely on the festival to bring in new diners during autumn.
Worth Trying
France is never short of good food, but restaurant prices have climbed in recent years. TheFork Festival gives travelers a way to stretch their dining budget and explore places they might skip otherwise.
A three-course meal that might usually cost €50 per person often drops to around €25-€30 with the festival discount.
For locals, it’s a way to discover new chefs or revisit favorites. For visitors, it’s an easy path to dining like a Parisian without the tourist markup.
Tips Before You Book
Check the details carefully: the discount usually applies to food only. Some menus or set meals might be excluded.
Also, confirm that your booking says “Festival TheFork” in the reservation notes – that’s how the discount is activated.
Popular restaurants fill up fast, especially for Friday and Saturday dinners. Early or weekday slots often have better availability.