The tax on food and drink in restaurants and cafés in France used to be a lofty 19.6%.

In 2009, the French government lowered the tax on food and non-alcoholic beverages to a mere 5.5%, but left intact the 19.6% tax on alcohol.

When you receive your restaurant bill, it should have the price of each item listed "TTC" (tax and service included). That is, the price for each item is the price you'll pay. Tax and service are already included in it.

But your bill will also probably list separately the amount and rate of taxes paid on your meal.

Thus, if you have a cup of coffee that costs 3.50€, it should be listed on your bill as 3.50€, and you should pay 3.50€, but beneath this amount there may be an item such as "TVA 5.5%" (Value-Added Tax 5.5%) of 0.19€. This means that of the 3.50€ you'll pay for your coffee, 3.31€ is for the coffee and 15% service, and 0.19€ is tax.

The tax amount is for your information only. It is already included in the price of your cup of coffee.