If you’ve ever sat down in a Paris restaurant, opened the menu… and
didn’t know what to order — this video is for you.
In this episode of How to Eat Like a Parisian, I show you:
• the safest dishes you can order almost anywhere
• the great French classics worth trying
• a few more “adventurous” options if you want a real local experience
• and the common mistakes to avoid in Paris restaurants
From steak frites and magret de canard… to pâté de campagne, filet de
bar, or even steak tartare and andouillette — you’ll know exactly what
to choose, and what to be careful with.
I also explain:
• why long menus can be a red flag
• why English menus are NOT a problem in Paris
• and how the chalkboard (plat du jour) can often lead you to the best
dishes
👉 Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your tenth, this video will
help you eat better… and avoid the usual traps.
🎥 Watch the full “How to Eat Like a Parisian” series:
💬 Have you tried any of these dishes?
Let me know in the comments — I reply to everyone!
📍 Filmed in Paris
🎬 New videos every week on Paris Top Tips
24 Comments
I’ve never found a decent andouillette outside of France. Worth trying-I love it!
Bonjour. Yes. When in France eat like the French (as much as you’re comfortable with). You’ll enjoy it.
💙🤍♥️
Why do French people never eat two eggs? Because one egg is un oeuf.
Ok enjoy you videos. My wife and I have just spend our second consecutive April in Paris. After watching your videos she now lovingly refers to you as Mr. Mopup! She is constantly giving me bread and saying mop it up!
I don't quite like the gen AI thumbnail, Alain. It looks a bit unfortunate and may seem like a low effort thing to people. But I like your videos 🙂
I’m definitely be trying traditional dishes. Great video! I’ll be in Paris in July I’m most looking forward to eating-I wish I was kidding 😂 also the archeological crypt. Do you have a video where you address the “doneness” of steaks. I know it’s best to get it how it comes out of the kitchen but I was just wondering. Perhaps you already have a video on that you could refer me to. Ty❤
Do you have any recommendations for les poissons ou les fruits de mer?
I love escargots ❤️
And thanks to your videos I had last week a just perfect birthday lunch at Joel Robuchon Etoile, wouldn’t have known the place without 🥰
A diner at a neighboring table generously offered me a taste of his andouillette. I choked it down politely, but never, ever again.
Bouef Bourgignon is my favourite and occasionally I make it chez-moi and pretend I am in France. I serve mine with buttery mashed potato, which is great for mopping up the juices.
Coq au vin? Its delicious
We love’Top Tips’. Griffons like Roscoe are popular in France! You always make us feel civilized and amused. Merci bien.
Excellent suggestions … and very well presented.
Isn't the eggs mayo the same as Deviled eggs in the states?
My favourite entree is French onion soup. I had it a couple of times during my visit in November last. I could live on it!
Most places I went into had it on the menu.
I would be interested to hear your dessert recommendations, Alain.
I’d recommend anyone who is visiting Paris for the first time to look for bakeries which do a lunch formule. Basically, you can get a baguette, a drink and a dessert for around 11 or 12 Euros. Reasonably priced, very tasty, and sets you up for the afternoon and early evening id you are exploring.
Steak tartare and escargots are simply not to be missed. A couple of your other 'adventurous' dishes definitely require exploration.
Dining at Bofinger must begin with their flammekueche!
My wife and I can easily read a menu printed in French, but the chalk boards in cursive French are impossible to decipher for us, even our son with a B2 level French just shrugs. 🤷♂
Great video & great recommendations.
I WISH I WERE THERE
Lol… on first reading the video's title, I thought it was "how to eat like a Persian" 😉
Blanquette de veau is so good, for me it is a spring meal, so will be on the table soon here.
Also, I have had a craving for les escargots for several months now, but can't seem to find them anywhere. Is there a shortage?
(I'm not in France, but close by).
well, even in reputed places, some traditional dishes can be very disappointing. the Bourguignon du Marais is famous for its boeuf bourguignon, but the day I went to try it was not good, because the sauce seriously lacked wine, so I was sarved more of a pot au feu than a real bourguignon.
Marvelous!!!!