Paris is a paradise for food lovers. With a wide variety of options ranging from charming cafes to exquisite patisseries, the French capital offers a unique culinary experience. Join us for a gastronomic tour of the most emblematic and delicious places to enjoy Parisian cuisine. We assure you that you will be tempted. Let’s get started!

What is a restaurant in Paris?

Bistros, which emerged in the 19th century as small establishments serving quick and inexpensive meals to workers, is the typical French restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and homemade food. These establishments, which are primarily small and family-run, are the ideal places to taste traditional dishes without the formalities of a high-end restaurant and at affordable prices. Some of the most recommended restaurants in Paris are:

1. Le Comptoir du Relais: located in the 6th arrondissement, Le Comptoir du Relais is famous for its classic dishes such as duck confit and onion soup.
2. Chez Georges: located near the Opéra Garnier, Chez Geordes is known for its retro ambiance and delicious food, such as steak tartare, fillet of sole a la meunière, and foie gras.
3. Le Bistrot des Augustins: located in the 6th arrondissement, this bistro is famous for its gratin dauphinois and croque-monsieur.
4. Bistro de la Gare: In the 14th arrondissement, Bistro de la Gare offers exquisite dishes such as cassoulet and pan-fried calf liver.
5. Bistrot Paul Bert: in the 11th arrondissement, this bistro offers an incredible gastronomic experience with entrecôte and crème brûlée as highlights.

What is recommended to eat in Paris?

Parisian gastronomy is rich and varied, and certain dishes cannot be missed on a Paris food tour:

Main courses

• Quiche Lorraine: a savory tart filled with cream and bacon.
• Boeuf Bourguignon: beef stew cooked in red wine, typical of Burgundy.
• Ratatouille is a vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, slowly cooked with herbs from Provence.
• Bouillabaisse: a fish and seafood soup accompanied by rouille, a garlic-based sauce.
• Cassoulet: a hearty white bean stew with pork, sausage, and sometimes duck confit.
• Coq au Vin: chicken simmered in red wine, usually with mushrooms, bacon, and onions.

Desserts and pastries

• Crème Brûlée: cream dessert with a layer of caramelized sugar.
• Tarte Tatin: caramelized apple tart.
• Éclair: an elongated choux pastry cake filled with pastry cream and covered with icing.
• Mille-feuille, or “the Napoleon dessert,” is a layer cake of puff pastry and pastry cream.
• Paris-Brest: a wheel-shaped cake filled with praline cream.
• Macarons: delicate cream-filled cookies available in a variety of flavors and colors.
• Croissant: the quintessential French pastry classic, made of flaky dough and butter.
• Pain au Chocolat: similar to the croissant but filled with delicious chocolate.

How many pastry shops are there in Paris?

Pastry shops have been a mainstay of French pastries since the 18th century, and Paris has approximately 1,500 of them, each with its own charm and unique selection of sweets and desserts. Among the most famous are:

1. Ladurée: famous for its macarons, this pastry shop is a must-visit for any sweets lover.
2. Pierre Hermé: known as the “Picasso of pastry,” Pierre Hermé offers innovative and delicious creations, such as the Ispahan, a macaron filled with rose cream, lychees, and fresh raspberries, or the infiniment vanille, a vanilla tartlet that is a true symphony of flavors.
3. Angelina: famous for its Mont Blanc and hot chocolate, Angelina is the perfect place for a sweet break.
4. La Pâtisserie des Rêves: known for its innovative approach and modern aesthetic, this one offers contemporary versions of French classics that are not to be missed.
5. Du Pain et des Idées: This pastry shop, founded by Christophe Vasseur and located in the 10th arrondissement, is famous for its artisanal approach and high-quality baked goods. Its specialties include its escargot pistache-chocolat and its croissant au beurre.

Other recommended experiences

In addition to visiting the most outstanding restaurants and pastry shops in Paris, a food tour of this fascinating city would only be complete with activities and experiences such as participating in cooking classes, enjoying guided tastings, visiting local markets, and tasting street food. 

French cooking classes

From making croissants to preparing an authentic quiche Lorraine, participating in a cooking class is a fun and practical way to learn the secrets behind the most iconic dishes of French cuisine. Schools such as Le Cordon Bleu Paris and Cook’n With Class offer cooking, pastry, and baking classes.

Guided wine and cheese tastings

France is famous for its wine and cheese. Paris offers a wealth of places to enjoy guided tastings, where you can sample these products and learn about their history and production processes, such as the wine bar O Chateau and the historic cheese dairy Fromagerie Jouannault.

Visits to local markets

Visiting local markets such as the Marché d’Aligre and the Marché des Enfants Rouges is one of the best ways to experience daily life in Paris and discover the fresh ingredients that make delicious French cuisine possible. Various products are here, from cheeses and charcuterie to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Street food tasting

Although Paris is known for its haute cuisine, street food offers delicious surprises. In the historic Le Marais district and Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, you can find various food stalls offering options ranging from crêpes, cheeses, and charcuterie to falafel.

Conclusion

After exploring Paris’ iconic cafes, patisseries, and other culinary experiences, it is clear that the French capital is a true food lover’s paradise. From cozy cafes to elegant patisseries, every corner offers an opportunity to indulge in exquisite flavors and discover new culinary delights.

In conclusion, a culinary journey through Paris is an unforgettable experience that combines tradition, innovation, and a passion for good food. Whether enjoying a freshly baked croissant at a little bakery or visiting one of the famous local markets, every moment is unique.