12 Foods you need to try in Paris! (And where to try them)
Are you travelling to Paris and in need of some true Food inspo?
Well, I have you covered!
I travel to Paris at least once a year, and as a true gourmand, I try to have mostly local French food (no kebabs for me thanks!).
The first time I was in France on my own, I didn’t really know what to order in Paris. So the first day I just had McDonald’s (I was poor to so…). To make sure you don’t have to munch big macs on your first night in the City of Light, I have put together a list of the 12 MUST TRY foods in Paris.
I myself love every single dish in this list which is why I am more than happy to recommend them!
Key Takeaways
- Don’t leave Paris without trying a flaky, buttery croissant from a local boulangerie. It’s a breakfast game changer.
- Indulge in colorful macarons from a reputable patisserie for a sweet taste of French delicacy.
- Be adventurous and sample escargot; it’s a traditional French dish that might surprise you with its flavor.
- Experience the comfort of French cuisine with a hearty serving of ratatouille or coq au vin, perfect for dinner.
- Treat yourself to a classic crème brûlée for dessert, enjoying the contrast between the hard caramel top and the soft custard beneath.
- For a true taste of French culinary art, don’t miss out on boeuf bourguignon, French onion soup, or confit de canard, each offering a unique flavor profile and cooking technique.
1. Croissant
Every trip to Paris should include at least one fresh croissant from a local boulangerie. The secret behind the perfect flakiness of this iconic pastry lies in the quality of butter. The baker selects high-fat content butter, which creates those irresistible, airy layers that croissants are famous for.
If you can, head to the boulangerie early in the morning when the croissants have just come out of the oven. There’s something magical about starting your day with a warm, buttery croissant that simply melts in your mouth.
Best places for croissants in Paris
- Du Pain et des Idées: Known for its perfectly golden, crisp outer shell and tender, butter-rich interior.
- Cédric Grolet Opéra: Famous for its beautifully crafted, buttery croissants with a superb interior texture.
- La Maison d’Isabelle: Celebrated for its award-winning croissants, combining flakiness with buttery richness
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2. Macarons
A macaron must be had in Paris – not just because they’re pretty (they come in beautiful colours) – but because the shell itself requires careful technique and patience on the part of the maker to create that thin flat top and ruffled ‘foot’.
The magic is also in the ratio of filling to shell. Get that wrong and you lose the textural dimension of the experience – too much filling and the shells won’t wow you, and too little will leave you craving more of that luxurious creamy filling. The best Parisian patisseries get that perfect ratio, and ensure every macaron is a joy to eat.
Best places to get Macarons in Paris
- Pierre Hermé: Known for its innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients, Pierre Hermé offers macarons that are a true delight for the senses.
- Ladurée: Famous for its traditional double-decker macarons, Ladurée is a must-visit for classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and rose.
- Carette: Located at Place du Trocadéro, Carette is well-known for its delicious macarons and charming café ambiance.
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3. Escargot
Escargot, a French delicacy, is not just any dish. It is a symbol of French culinary heritage. This creation is made from cooked land snails and has a rich history and cultural significance. It is a must-try for anyone exploring France’s food traditions.
Chefs in Paris have been experimenting with escargot, adding their own creative touches. Besides the classic preparation with butter and garlic, you may find versions with a decadent Roquefort sauce or sprinkled with crunchy almonds and fragrant herbs. Each restaurant offers their own spin on this iconic dish, providing a variety of flavors to satisfy all tastes.
Best places to get escargots in Paris
- L’Escargot Montorgueil: Located at 38 Rue Montorgueil, this charming restaurant is famous for its variety of snail dishes, including traditional escargots bathed in garlic butter sauce.
- Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie: Found at 34 Rue Montmartre, this restaurant offers a range of traditional and innovative escargot dishes in a romantic setting.
- Chez La Vieille: Situated near Notre-Dame Cathedral, this cozy bistro serves mouthwatering snail dishes in a comfortable, authentic Parisian atmosphere.
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4. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a total hit in Paris when you want some summer veggies. This French classic is a lively stew with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. You can only find the juiciest and tastiest ratatouille during the summer months because it’s all about the seasons.
If you want authentic ratatouille, go to family-owned restaurants. They keep it traditional by passing down recipes through generations. This ensures that you’re getting a dish made with love and is true to its roots.
Best places in Paris to have Ratatouille
- Chez Janou: Located in Le Marais, Chez Janou is renowned for its flavorful ratatouille and offers a cozy, authentic dining experience.
- Le Potager du Marais: Situated at 24 Rue Rambuteau, this restaurant focuses on vegetarian dishes, including a highly praised ratatouille.
- La Ferme Saint-Simon: Known for its beautiful presentation and perfect flavors, this restaurant serves a memorable ratatouille made with fresh, seasonal vegetables.
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5. Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a standout in French cuisine for its amazing flavors that come from a slow-cooking process. This classic dish involves marinating and braising chicken in wine. Usually, a bold red wine is used, which not only makes the meat tender but also gives it an unforgettable taste. The addition of mushrooms, onions, and sometimes bacon adds to the complexity of its flavor.
Coq au Vin has a long history in French cuisine. It represents rustic elegance and comforting food at its best. Initially, it was considered food for peasants because of its use of simple ingredients and older poultry made tender through cooking. However, it has now become a beloved staple in France and beyond.
Best places in Paris to have Coq au Vin
- Le Procope: Established in 1686, this historic café offers a traditional coq au vin. Located at 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie.
- A La Biche au Bois: Near Gare de Lyon, renowned for its superb coq au vin. Find it at 45 Av. Ledru Rollin.
- Chez René: Famous for its rich and flavorful coq au vin, situated at 14 Boulevard Saint-Germain.
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6. Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée is a dessert that you must try in Paris. It is renowned for its perfect combination of a crispy, caramelized sugar topping and a smooth, creamy custard underneath. This contrasting texture showcases the impressive craftsmanship that is put into creating this traditional French dish.
Parisian chefs excel at adding their own unique twist to this dessert. They have introduced flavors such as vanilla bean and lavender that elevate it to a whole new level. These variations not only enhance the taste, but also bring a touch of Parisian creativity to your plate. Vanilla bean contributes a rich complexity, while lavender provides a delicate floral flavor that transports you to the picturesque French countryside.
Where to have creme brule in Paris
- Le Coupe Chou: Located at 11 Rue de Lanneau, this charming brasserie near La Sorbonne serves a divine crème brûlée delicately flavored with Grand Marnier.
- La Fontaine de Mars: Situated at 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, this classic French restaurant near the Eiffel Tower offers a silky and smooth crème brûlée infused with high-quality vanilla.
- AuBourguignon du Marais: Found in Le Marais at 52 Rue François Miron, this restaurant provides a delicious crème brûlée with a perfectly caramelized top
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7. Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is the ultimate French comfort food. It contains beef, red wine, and a mix of veggies. It captures the cozy vibes and classic flavors of French cuisine. The slow cooking is the secret to its amazing taste, as it brings all the flavors together into one delicious and satisfying dish.
If you’re in Paris and want an authentic experience, go to a traditional bistro and order some boeuf bourguignon. It’s the perfect place to explore French food and enjoy the local ambiance. You’ll be surrounded by locals and charming decor, and in this setting, boeuf bourguignon truly shines as a genuine example of French culinary heritage.
Best places to have Boeuf Bourguignon in Paris
- Chez Toinette: Cozy and intimate, this Montmartre gem serves a rich and flavorful boeuf bourguignon.
- Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond: Located in the 1st arrondissement, this lively spot offers an excellent traditional boeuf bourguignon.
- Joséphine Chez Dumonet: In Montparnasse, known for its generous portions and rich, delicious sauce.
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8. French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a must-try when you’re in Paris. This classic French comfort food is famous for its rich and flavorful taste, which comes from slowly caramelizing onions. It’s a process that takes hours, but it’s totally worth it. The onions become sweet and give the soup its unique character.
If you want to have the best French Onion Soup in Paris, look for restaurants that make their own stock. A good stock not only adds depth to the soup but also guarantees an authentic dining experience that showcases traditional French cuisine.
Best places to have French Onion Soup in Paris
- La Jacobine: Located in the Latin Quarter at 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, this cozy restaurant offers a highly praised French onion soup with a rich flavor and a homey atmosphere.
- Au Pied de Cochon: Situated at 6 Rue Coquillière, this brasserie is open 24/7 and serves a classic French onion soup that’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie: Found in Les Halles at 34 Rue Montmartre, this restaurant is known for its traditional French cuisine and outstanding French onion soup.
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9. Steak Frites
Steak Frites is all about the beauty of simplicity in Parisian cuisine. This dish shows that with top-notch ingredients, even the simplest meals can become an unforgettable dining experience. The trick is in how perfectly the steak and fries are prepared: a juicy steak paired with crispy, golden fries.
But the magic of Steak Frites doesn’t stop at meat and potatoes. The variety of sauces available adds another level of complexity to this seemingly straightforward dish. Béarnaise sauce, with its delicate blend of tarragon and butter, provides a creamy contrast to the savory steak. And for those who like a little more spice, au poivre sauce, packed with peppercorns, brings a fiery depth that takes the dish to another level.
Best places to have Steak Frites in Paris
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this restaurant is famous for serving only steak frites with a secret sauce and unlimited servings of fries.
- Bistrot Paul Bert: Situated in the 11th arrondissement, this beloved bistro offers succulent rib-eye steak with crispy, golden fries in a lively Parisian atmosphere.
- Au Bœuf Couronné: Found in the 19th arrondissement, this traditional bistro specializes in various beef cuts paired with fluffy pommes soufflées and an extensive wine list.
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10. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a must-try dessert in Paris. It has a super cute backstory. The Tatin sisters made a mistake while trying to make a traditional apple pie back in the late 1800s. They cooked the apples in butter and sugar for too long because they were in a hurry. Instead of starting over, they decided to put some pastry on top, bake it, and then flip it over when serving. It turned out to be amazing and became a total classic.
If you’re dying to try this mouthwatering masterpiece, Paris is the place to be. There are loads of places where you can find it, from fancy restaurants to cute little cafes in the neighborhoods. Each chef puts their own spin on the recipe, so every tarte Tatin experience is totally unique. The fancy restaurants focus on using top-notch ingredients and making it super precise. The more casual cafes give it a rustic vibe to pay homage to its humble beginnings.
Best places to have tarte tatin in Paris
- La Palette: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this classic Belle Epoque style brasserie is known for its traditional French desserts, including a superb tarte Tatin with perfectly caramelized apples and a flaky crust.
- Berthillon: Found on Île Saint-Louis, Berthillon is famous for its ice cream but also serves an exceptional tarte Tatin that’s highly praised for its rich, caramelized flavor.
- La Contrescarpe: Situated near the Panthéon, this charming café offers a delightful tarte Tatin that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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11. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Paris, even though it originally comes from Marseille. This traditional fish stew really shows off the amazing variety of food you can find in France and gives you a true taste of the sea. The secret to its unique flavor is using all different kinds of seafood, like sea bass, John Dory, mussels, and even lobster.
To really enjoy bouillabaisse, you should have it with a chilled white wine from Provence. Wines like Bandol Blanc or Cassis Blanc go perfectly with the rich flavors of the stew, bringing out the taste of the seafood without being too overpowering. This pairing is what French dining is all about – simple yet sophisticated, where every single thing on the table is carefully chosen to create a really special experience.
Best places in Paris to get Bouillabaisse
- Le Dôme: Located at 108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, this Parisian institution is renowned for its chic art deco decor and high-quality seafood, including a standout bouillabaisse.
- La Méditerranée: Situated at 2 Place de l’Odéon, this restaurant offers a beautifully presented bouillabaisse in a setting reminiscent of the Southeastern French coast.
- Restaurant Marius: Found at 82 Boulevard Murat, this 16th arrondissement favorite is celebrated for its refined atmosphere and meticulously prepared bouillabaisse.
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12. Confit de Canard
Confit de Canard is a super awesome French dish that everyone loves, especially when they’re in Paris. They cook the duck very slowly in its own fat, which makes it taste amazing and tender. This technique has been around for centuries and shows how clever the French are when it comes to cooking.
If you’re thinking of trying this fancy-pants dish, you should do it in the fall or winter. That’s when Confit de Canard is a warm and cozy meal that warms you up from the inside. It has delicious flavors and a comforting texture. Trust me, both locals and tourists go crazy for it during this time of year.
Best places in Paris to get Confit de Canard
- Bistrot Victoires: Located at 6 Rue de la Vrillière, this cozy bistro offers a mouth-watering duck confit served with haricots verts and potatoes, all in a classic Parisian setting.
- Le Petit Canard: Situated at 19 Rue Henry Monnier, this restaurant specializes in duck dishes, with their confit de canard being a standout for its tender, flavorful meat.
- Chez Dumonet – Joséphine: Found at 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi, this establishment is well-known for its traditional French cuisine, including an exceptional duck confit that draws both locals and tourists alike.
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