When it comes to food, Paris is a city that never disappoints. Each time I visit, the city’s vibrant culinary culture sweeps me off my feet. From local bistros hidden in quiet alleys to bustling patisseries and sophisticated brasseries, the food scene in Paris offers an endless array of options. Here’s a detailed guide to some of my favorite must-try dishes in Paris, each with its unique flavor and charm, and where to find them.
1. Croissants and Pain au Chocolat
A classic French breakfast item, the croissant is synonymous with French culture. But don’t be fooled – not all croissants are created equal! The best ones are buttery, flaky, and have a perfect balance between lightness and richness. A close cousin, the pain au chocolat, is equally delicious with a gooey center of chocolate wrapped inside buttery pastry layers.
Where to find the best:
- Du Pain et des Idées (34 Rue Yves Toudic): Famous for its pain au chocolat and escargot pistache, a spiral pastry with pistachio and chocolate.
- La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac (24 Rue Paul Bert): Their croissants have a delicate, crispy crust with an incredible buttery flavor inside.
2. Escargot (Snails)
Escargot may not be everyone’s first choice, but this French delicacy deserves a try, especially in Paris. Prepared traditionally with garlic, parsley, and butter, the snails have a rich and earthy taste that pairs perfectly with crusty bread. The texture may seem odd at first, but the flavor is exquisite.
Where to find the best:
- L’Escargot Montorgueil (38 Rue Montorgueil): Known as a premier spot for escargot lovers, this charming bistro serves escargot in a variety of ways, with classic garlic butter or more adventurous sauces.
- Bouillon Pigalle (22 Boulevard de Clichy): This restaurant offers escargots at a great price and is a fantastic place to experience French comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.
3. French Onion Soup
This warming dish is perfect for chilly Parisian evenings. French onion soup consists of caramelized onions simmered in a rich, flavorful broth, usually topped with melted Gruyère cheese and crusty bread. It’s hearty, aromatic, and irresistibly comforting.
Where to find the best:
- Le Comptoir du Relais (9 Carrefour de l’Odéon): A cozy spot in the heart of Saint-Germain, known for its well-balanced onion soup with the perfect amount of cheese.
- Au Pied de Cochon (6 Rue Coquillière): This historic brasserie serves a classic onion soup with a rich, beefy broth and plenty of melted cheese.
4. Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is a classic French stew made with beef braised in red wine, traditionally from the Burgundy region. The beef is slow-cooked with carrots, onions, garlic, and herbs until it’s tender and full of deep, savory flavors.
Where to find the best:
- Chez Dumonet – Josephine (117 Rue du Cherche-Midi): A cozy spot popular with locals and tourists alike, known for its generous portions of rich, flavorful boeuf bourguignon.
- Le Procope (13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie): A historic restaurant offering an authentic and slightly modern twist on traditional dishes, including a delicious boeuf bourguignon.
5. Steak Frites
Steak frites, or steak and fries, is a straightforward yet beloved French classic. What makes it special in Paris is the quality of the meat and the preparation – typically served with a rich, herb-infused butter sauce or Béarnaise on the side. The crispy, golden fries are the perfect accompaniment.
Where to find the best:
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (15 Rue Marbeuf): This iconic restaurant specializes in steak frites, served with a secret sauce that’s both creamy and slightly tangy.
- Severo et le Clan des Jules (8 Rue des Plantes): Known for its high-quality meat and casual atmosphere, this bistro serves one of the best steak frites in Paris.
6. Foie Gras
Foie gras is a quintessential French delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose. Its rich, buttery texture and complex flavor make it a luxurious appetizer. Served with crusty bread and often accompanied by fig or onion jam, it’s an indulgence worth savoring.
Where to find the best:
- Comptoir de la Gastronomie (34 Rue Montmartre): A delicatessen and restaurant specializing in foie gras and other traditional French foods, with an incredible tasting platter.
- Le Train Bleu (Gare de Lyon): This opulent restaurant serves an unforgettable foie gras that matches its luxurious decor.
7. Crepes and Galettes
Crepes are versatile, ranging from sweet to savory. The savory versions, known as galettes, are made with buckwheat flour and often filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs. Sweet crepes, on the other hand, are often filled with Nutella, fruit, or sugar.
Where to find the best:
- Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple): A popular spot in the Marais offering delicious crepes and galettes with unique fillings.
- La Crêperie Josselin (67 Rue du Montparnasse): Located in the Montparnasse district, this creperie is known for its authentic Breton galettes with various savory and sweet options.
8. Macarons
These delicate almond meringue cookies are filled with ganache or buttercream in various flavors like pistachio, raspberry, and chocolate. Macarons are the perfect souvenir and an ideal way to sample French pastry artistry.
Where to find the best:
- Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées): Ladurée is famous worldwide, and their macarons live up to the reputation. They offer a wide range of flavors, each beautifully crafted.
- Pierre Hermé (72 Rue Bonaparte): Known as the “Picasso of Pastry,” Pierre Hermé offers innovative and unique macaron flavors, including rose and lychee.
9. Duck Confit
Duck confit is a traditional French dish made by slow-cooking duck in its own fat. The result is tender meat with a crisp, golden skin. It’s usually served with potatoes or a simple salad, allowing the rich flavors of the duck to shine through.
Where to find the best:
- Le Petit Canard (19 Rue Henry Monnier): This charming bistro in Montmartre is dedicated to duck dishes, serving an incredible duck confit with crispy potatoes.
- Chez Flottes (2 Rue Cambon): Known for its authentic French menu, Chez Flottes serves a perfectly cooked duck confit with a beautiful presentation.
10. Eclairs and Pastries
Parisian patisseries offer an impressive selection of pastries, but the éclair stands out. Filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy glaze, éclairs come in various flavors, from classic chocolate to exotic passion fruit.
Where to find the best:
- L’Éclair de Génie (14 Rue Pavée): Chef Christophe Adam’s eclairs are both beautiful and delicious, with inventive flavors and stunning designs.
- Stohrer (51 Rue Montorgueil): Paris’s oldest patisserie, Stohrer is known for its pastries, especially their éclairs, which are rich and filled with the perfect amount of cream.
Eating my way through Paris was a sensory journey. From savory classics like boeuf bourguignon and duck confit to sweet delights like macarons and éclairs, each dish offered a taste of the city’s culture and history. What I loved most was the diversity in flavors and textures, reflecting the creativity and skill of Parisian chefs. Parisian dining is an experience in itself, and every meal was a reminder of the city’s deep-rooted love for food.
Each of these restaurants is worth visiting for an authentic taste of Paris. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular visitor, don’t miss out on these delicious delights – they are truly the heart and soul of French cuisine.
