Paris is a dream destination for food lovers. The city offers a wide range of culinary delights, from haute cuisine to street food, from classic bistros to trendy restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a sweet treat, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds in Paris. Here are some of the best places and dishes to try in the City of Light.
Michelin-starred restaurants
If you want to splurge on a memorable meal, you can’t go wrong with one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. These are the places where you can experience the finest French cuisine, prepared by some of the most talented and creative chefs in the world. You’ll need to book well in advance and be prepared to pay a hefty price, but it will be worth it.
Some of the most famous and acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris are:
• Le Cinq: This three-star restaurant is located in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V, and offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. The menu features refined and inventive dishes, such as langoustine with caviar, turbot with truffles, and pigeon with foie gras. The service is impeccable and the wine list is impressive.
• L’Arpège: This three-star restaurant is run by chef Alain Passard, who is known for his mastery of vegetables and his organic and sustainable approach. The menu changes daily, depending on the availability and seasonality of the produce, and showcases the chef’s creativity and passion. You can expect dishes like beetroot tartare, artichoke soup, and vegetable ravioli.
•Septime: This one-star restaurant is one of the most popular and trendy places in Paris, and has a waiting list of several months. The chef, Bertrand Grébaut, creates modern and minimalist dishes, using fresh and local ingredients. The menu is a surprise, and consists of seven courses that change every day. You can also opt for a wine pairing, or choose from the natural and organic wine selection.
Traditional Parisian bistros and brasseries
If you want to enjoy a more casual and authentic meal, you can head to one of the many traditional Parisian bistros and brasseries. These are the places where you can find the classic dishes of French cuisine, such as steak frites, onion soup, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. The atmosphere is cozy and lively, and the prices are reasonable.
Some of the best traditional Parisian bistros and brasseries are:
•Le Comptoir du Relais: This small and cozy bistro is located in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, and is run by chef Yves Camdeborde. The menu changes daily, and features dishes like duck confit, beef bourguignon, and apple tart. The portions are generous and the quality is high. You’ll need to reserve in advance, or try your luck at the no-reservation lunch service.
•Bouillon Chartier: This historic and iconic brasserie is located in the lively Montmartre district, and has been serving affordable and tasty food since 1896. The menu offers simple and hearty dishes, such as escargots, roast chicken, and chocolate mousse. The service is fast and friendly, and the decor is vintage and charming.
• Le Bistrot Paul Bert: This rustic and cozy bistro is located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, and is run by chef Bertrand Auboyneau. The menu features traditional and seasonal dishes, such as foie gras, steak tartare, and tarte tatin. The meat is sourced from the best butcher in Paris, and the cheese is aged in-house. The wine list is extensive and well-curated.
Up and coming chefs and restaurants
If you want to discover the new and exciting trends of the Parisian food scene, you can check out some of the up and coming chefs and restaurants. These are the places where you can find innovative and original dishes, inspired by different cuisines and cultures. You’ll be surprised by the flavors and textures, and the presentation and ambiance.
Some of the most promising and interesting up and coming chefs and restaurants in Paris are:
• David Toutain: This young and talented chef has his own eponymous restaurant in the 7th arrondissement, where he showcases his creativity and skill. The menu is a surprise, and consists of several courses that change regularly. You can expect dishes like cauliflower with smoked eel, egg yolk with truffle, and chocolate with buckwheat.
• Clamato: This casual and cozy restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement, and is run by chef Bertrand Grébaut, the same as Septime. The menu focuses on seafood, and features dishes like oysters, ceviche, and grilled octopus. The plates are small and meant to be shared, and the wine list is natural and organic.
• Le Chateaubriand: This hip and trendy restaurant is located in the 11th arrondissement, and is run by chef Iñaki Aizpitarte. The menu is a surprise, and consists of six courses that change daily. You can expect dishes like scallops with seaweed, lamb with anchovies, and pineapple with coconut. The cuisine is influenced by the chef’s travels and experiences, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed.
Neighborhood favorites
If you want to eat like a local and explore the different neighborhoods of Paris, you can try some of the neighborhood favorites. These are the places where you can find the best food and drinks in each area, and mingle with the locals. You’ll discover the diversity and charm of the city, and the hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Some of the best neighborhood favorites in Paris are:
• Le Petit Cler: This cute and cozy cafe is located in the 7th arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides. It’s a great place to have breakfast, lunch, or a snack, and enjoy the typical Parisian fare, such as croissants, quiches, salads, and sandwiches. The coffee is excellent, and the service is friendly.
• Le Baratin: This unassuming and humble restaurant is located in the 20th arrondissement, in the multicultural and vibrant Belleville neighborhood. It’s a favorite among chefs and foodies, who come here for the delicious and honest food, prepared by chef Raquel Carena. The menu changes daily, and features dishes like pork belly, rabbit, and chocolate cake. The wine list is natural and organic, and the prices are very reasonable.
• L’As du Fallafel: This famous and popular falafel joint is located in the 4th arrondissement, in the historic and lively Marais neighborhood. It’s the best place to have a quick and satisfying meal, and enjoy the crispy and flavorful falafel, stuffed in a pita bread with salad, hummus, and tahini sauce. You can order at the counter, or join the long queue outside.
Markets and street food
If you want to experience the freshness and variety of the Parisian food scene, you can visit some of the markets and street food stalls. These are the places where you can find the best produce, cheese, bread, and pastries, as well as some of the most delicious and affordable snacks and meals. You’ll be amazed by the colors and smells, and the atmosphere and culture.
Some of the best markets and street food in Paris are:
• Marché d’Aligre: This lively and colorful market is located in the 12th arrondissement, and is open every day except Monday. It’s one of the oldest and cheapest markets in Paris, and offers a wide range of products, from fruits and vegetables, to meat and fish, to cheese and wine. You can also find some ethnic food stalls, such as Moroccan, Lebanese, and Vietnamese.
• Crêpes: One of the most iconic and popular street foods in Paris is the crêpe, a thin and delicate pancake that can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. You can find crêpe stands all over the city, especially near tourist attractions and metro stations. Some of the most common fillings are Nutella, banana, ham, cheese, and egg.
• Bread and cheese: One of the simplest and most satisfying meals you can have in Paris is bread and cheese. You can find some of the best bakeries and cheese shops in the city, and choose from a variety of types and flavors. You can also add some charcuterie, such as ham, salami, or pâté, and some wine, and have a picnic in one of the many parks or gardens.
Patisserie and chocolate
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be in heaven in Paris. The city is famous for its patisserie and chocolate, and you can find some of the most exquisite and decadent creations in the world. From macarons to éclairs, from croissants to mille-feuilles, from truffles to pralines, you’ll be spoiled for choice and taste.
Some of the best patisserie and chocolate shops in Paris are:
• Pierre Hermé: This renowned and award-winning pastry chef is known as the “Picasso of pastry”, and for a good reason. His creations are artistic and innovative, and combine flavors and textures in surprising and delightful ways. His signature product is the macaron, a delicate and colorful cookie that comes in a variety of flavors, such as rose, pistachio, and salted caramel.
• Ladurée: This legendary and elegant patisserie is one of the oldest and most famous in Paris, and has branches all over the world. It’s also known for its macarons, which are slightly larger and more traditional than Pierre Hermé’s. You can also find other classic pastries, such as éclairs, religieuses, and mille-feuilles, as well as a tea room and a restaurant.
• La Maison du Chocolat: This exquisite and refined chocolate shop is the creation of master chocolatier Robert Linxe, who is considered one of the pioneers of modern chocolate making. You can find a wide range of chocolates, from truffles to pralines, from ganaches to bars, as well as cakes, ice creams, and hot chocolate. The quality is exceptional, and the flavors are subtle and sophisticated.
These are some of the best places and dishes to try in Paris, but of course, there are many more. You can always find something new and delicious in this amazing city, and you’ll never get bored of its food. Paris is truly a foodie’s paradise, and you’ll fall in love with it.
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