Le Café Marly — Restaurant in Paris

I came here for a second time tonight with two friends. I came 2 nights ago by myself and the food and view from the ground level across from Louvre pyramid was nice. Tonight the lower level was closed so we sat in the hallway area. After we got seated, we sat there for a long time and no waiter ever came by. We really needed some water, so I had to flag down the hostess in red dress to ask who was our waiter since no one came in over 10 min. She then pointed at a guy and finally he came over. So naturally I asked if we can have some water, but he kinda gave us this look and started taking in French first I guess to point out to us we needed to greet him first in French before he can serve us. So already we haven’t been served yet and is already getting attitude from the waiter who didn’t bother noticing us for 10 min. Then when we were wrapping up appetizers before mains came, we wanted to finish the appetizers so we are not wasting food, but as I went to grab the tuna tartare appetizer plate to pass to my friend to finish, once again our waiter stopped me, told me to put the plate down and just took it away. I then had to tell another waiter we were not done yet, why did they take it away. I had to ask for it back. By now the waiter was pissed at me I guess and I was pissed at him for again a very rude interaction. Maybe he was confused and didn’t realize I was trying to pass the plate for my friend to finish not taking the plate to remove it. Anyways, after that awkward appetizer incident I was not happy with this waiter and he’s clearly unhappy with us and was telling off on the side to other waiters. After that the waiter didn’t come again and we got our check from another waiter. Needless to say, I’m not a fan of waiters trying to give you attitude because you’re not a local or don’t speak French. I would be happy to say hi if the waiter greeted us as we sat down. Don’t expect too much etiquette when you had to be flagged down by a hostess and we’ve been sitting there for 10 min, saying hello in your language is the last thing on my mind so don’t be giving me attitude about it, period. I love the view of this place but the food and service will not be what’s...

A bitterly racist experience! I will not be visiting again and urge my fellow female solo travellers of African descent to avoid spending your money here too!

After dining here with family on several occasions previously, last month I visited the cafe outdoor front terrace alone. The host on arrival clearly looked unwelcoming to tourists in general, but I asked for a table as others had done before me and received a “shrug” when I asked how long the wait will be. After 10 mins minutes and two groups of people from the front row, I asked again “please can I be seated now?” Her response “just wait a minute!” She didn’t move or ask anyone, 5 minutes later and now 4 tables were visibly empty but this time two “white” women asked for a table suddenly she gets into action and preps the tables. But as I was first inline and unless the women physically moved me out of the way, she had no choice but to seat me, but where was I seated… on the back row (in order of availability 1. front row centre, 2. front row corner, 3. 3rd row and 4. 4th row). As I sat down I noticed the tables around me had smokers, so I got up as she was seating the “white” women immediately in front of me, to ask if I could move as I have asthma to which she replied “No! You have to stay in your seat once seated!” I thought that’s rude but decided to asked the women if I could switch tables with them to which the daughter replied yes, but unfortunately her mother said she also had asthma, so what did the host do move them right to the front corner away from everyone smoking and not to the table in front of me which she had laid their menus on. After waiting a total of 30mins in the sun I was so thirsty I ordered an ice latte, but thought with all this smoke I can’t breathe let alone eat here. The waiters were very pleasant and attentive. I asked for the bill and to speak with the manager before I left. But noticed the hostess had left and was replaced. The manager came and I explained the terribly rude customer service. And his response was “We can’t do anything about the smoke!” Clearly if the management doesn’t understand prejudice or bad customer service how can...

I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding the treatment I received at your café on 30th Jan.

During my visit, a Black female staff member abruptly handed me a receipt and told me to leave because the table was “reserved.” I found this extremely unprofessional and offensive, as there were no prior indications that the table was unavailable. Instead of politely assisting me in relocating to another table, she seemed to single me out unfairly, making me feel as though I was being treated this way simply because I am Asian.

When I questioned her behavior, she not only failed to provide a reasonable explanation but also displayed a disrespectful attitude—shaking her head, glaring at me, and even lying about having explained the situation properly. Her actions were completely unacceptable and made me feel both unwelcome and disrespected.

Eventually, the manager stepped in to clarify the situation, and I was moved to another table. However, my tea and dessert, which I had already started enjoying, were not transferred. to the new table. The lack of basic courtesy and customer service at your establishment was appalling, leaving me with no choice but to leave in frustration.

I expect a formal response regarding this incident and an explanation of how you plan to address such discriminatory and unprofessional behavior among your staff. This experience was deeply upsetting, and I will not hesitate to share it with others if no appropriate action is taken.

In the end, I didn’t receive any apology from anyone. This was the most unpleasant experience of my trip to Paris, and I never want to return to that place.

To. Black female server.

How dare you be so rude to a customer as a restaurant server? Don't be so shameless. you work there as a server, you should know how to treat customers like an employee. I'm so shocked that you treated me like that. You must have been subject to racial discrimination in your daily life. You have to change your attitude toward serving so that you won't be ignored. Why were you looking at me? I'm probably more financially powerful than...