For this type of food, it's better to go to a brasserie or a caf , or to other types of restaurants like pizzerias or cr peries. In a French traditional restaurant, you are expect to eat a whole meal. Consult the menus, which must be displayed outside, to find out what type of place it is. It is considered very impolite to come in, read the menu and leave, especially since the prices are displayed outside. In France, green salad and cheese are consumed after the main course and before the dessert, but you can stop at the main course if you feel like it.
Many restaurants have a cheaper menu for lunch.
Do not be creative with the menu. No, they will not change the salad dressing, it is home made and the chef cannot make one dressing especially for you. It is also awkward to order one dessert for three people, or to order an entr e as a main dish, except in more informal places, or until you know the patron better. French people generally drink water or wine during their meals. Do not hesitate to order a cola if you feel like it, but most of the time, it will cost more than a carafe of wine.