Paris is not only famous for its rich history and stunning landmarks but also as a global culinary capital. The city’s food scene offers a wide variety of experiences, from traditional French dishes to contemporary gastronomy. Here are some must-visit food spots and famous dishes to try in Paris:
Famous Food Spots in Paris
1. Le Cinq
A Michelin 3-star restaurant located inside the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Cinq offers an unforgettable fine dining experience. Chef Christian Le Squer creates beautifully plated French cuisine using the finest ingredients.
2. Le Jules Verne
Situated inside the Eiffel Tower, Le Jules Verne provides not only gourmet French dishes but also breathtaking views of Paris. It’s an excellent place for a special meal with a unique perspective on the city.
3. Ladurée
Ladurée is famous for its macarons, one of Paris’s most iconic pastries. This luxurious pastry shop and tea salon on the Champs-Élysées is perfect for indulging in sweet treats and French desserts.
4. Café de Flore
One of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Paris, Café de Flore is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area. It’s a historic place to enjoy a traditional Parisian coffee, croissant, or omelette, and is known for being a gathering spot for intellectuals and artists.
5. Angelina
Famous for its decadent hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert, Angelina on Rue de Rivoli is a must-visit for dessert lovers. The rich hot chocolate, made with thick, creamy chocolate, is a Parisian favorite.
6. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
Known for its simple but delicious steak frites, this restaurant offers only one main dish: perfectly cooked steak served with crispy fries and a secret sauce. It’s a classic Parisian experience for steak lovers.
7. Pierre Hermé
Considered one of the best pâtissiers in the world, Pierre Hermé is renowned for his creative and luxurious macarons and pastries. His shops are scattered throughout Paris, making it easy to indulge in his artful sweets.
8. Chez L’Ami Jean
This cozy bistro in the 7th arrondissement is famous for its hearty portions of Basque-inspired cuisine. It’s a great spot for rustic, traditional French fare like duck confit and their legendary rice pudding.
9. Les Deux Magots
Another historic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots has been a cultural hub for writers and philosophers. It’s a great place to experience Parisian café culture with a cup of coffee, croissant, or light French meals.
10. Borough Market (Marché des Enfants Rouges)
The oldest covered market in Paris, located in the Marais district, offers a diverse range of street food from traditional French to international cuisines. It’s a great spot to experience Parisian market culture and sample fresh, delicious food.
Famous Foods to Try in Paris
1. Croissants
Start your day with a buttery, flaky croissant from a local boulangerie. A traditional French breakfast item, it’s best enjoyed with coffee.
2. Baguette
A classic French staple, baguettes in Paris are known for their crispy crust and soft interior. You can find a fresh, hot baguette in almost every corner bakery.
3. Escargot
For the more adventurous eater, escargot (snails) is a famous French delicacy, often prepared with garlic, butter, and parsley. It’s usually served as an appetizer in many traditional Parisian restaurants.
4. French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)
A comforting dish made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a topping of melted cheese and bread, French onion soup is perfect on a chilly Parisian day.
5. Macarons
One of the most beloved Parisian desserts, macarons are delicate almond-based cookies with creamy fillings in flavors like pistachio, chocolate, raspberry, and rose. Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are two of the top places to try them.
6. Coq au Vin
This traditional French dish consists of chicken slowly cooked in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and onions. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish available in many Parisian bistros.
7. Crêpes
Whether sweet or savory, crêpes are a Paris street food favorite. Sweet crêpes can be filled with Nutella, fruits, or whipped cream, while savory ones (called galettes) are made with buckwheat flour and filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs.
8. Steak Frites
A quintessential French bistro dish, steak frites features a tender cut of steak served with crispy French fries. It’s simple but satisfying and a must-try in Paris.
9. Cheese (Fromage)
France is famous for its cheese, and Paris is a great place to sample a variety. Visit a fromagerie (cheese shop) or order a cheese platter at a restaurant to try popular varieties like Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort.
10. Crème Brûlée
A classic French dessert, crème brûlée is a rich custard with a caramelized sugar crust on top. It’s often served at the end of a meal in many Parisian restaurants.