Welcome to the culinary capital of the world, Paris; a city renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and most importantly, its mouthwatering cuisine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there’s always something new and delicious to discover in the City of Light.
Today, we’re taking you on a gastronomic journey through six must-try foodie experiences that will make your trip to Paris truly unforgettable. From indulging in classic French dishes like croque monsieur and duck confit to exploring artisan boulangeries and savouring the city’s exquisite pastries, as well as, of course, a few Michelin-starred restaurants thrown in for good measure, these foodie adventures will not only leave you satiated and satisfied, but will also provide a unique insight into the vibrant culture and traditions of Paris.
With all that in mind, here are the best foodie things to do on a touristy trip to Paris.
Bouillon Chartier
This is our first stop whenever we’re in Paris. If you’re looking for a taste of old school Paris, with dirt cheap wine, stereotypically brusque wait staff and hearty food, then look no further than Chartier, a Parissien institution.
This place has been feeding fold since 1896. It’s big and bustling and doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared to queue. They look after you when you’re in line – we’re given mulled wine to warm our cockles while we waited.
Housed in the Grands Boulevards district, this historic restaurant has been serving authentic French cuisine for over a century. With its stunning Belle Époque decor and Art Nouveau elements, Bouillon Chartier offers an unforgettable dining experience that transports you back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Here you can try nearly all the classics. The restaurant’s simple yet satisfying menu features traditional French fare – steak tartar, escargot, confit duck and all – at unbeatable prices (those three just mentioned dishes all clock in at under €10), making it a favourite among both locals and tourists alike.
Open 365 days a year, Bouillon Chartier is not only a testament to the enduring charm of Parisian dining but also a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Almost as legendary is Le Consulat. Established in the 19th century, this iconic establishment has been a cultural hub for legendary creatives, including Picasso, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec, who found inspiration within its walls. With its quintessential Parisian façade, adorned with vibrant red awnings and overflowing flower pots, Le Consulat invites patrons to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee or delectable French pastries while soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of the cobbled streets of Montmartre.
A visit to Le Consulat is a window into the rich artistic history of Paris, connecting visitors with the creative souls who have graced its tables for centuries.
Eat At A Michelin Star Restaurant
It’s a city which smells of food, in the best possible way; there’s a certain aroma of sweet, freshly baked pastry which seems to permeate through every wall and linger on every street. Paris has fine dining at its heart, with easily the most Michelin stars of any city in Europe.
One of the hottest tickets in town (no, the world) is Septime. With a lunchtime tasting menu a relative steal at €70, it’s essential that you book well in advance for this one.
For three Michelin starred luxury, Paris boasts an incredible ten restaurants with the guide book’s highest accolade. Perhaps the most thrilling of these is Arpège, which places a keen focus on organically grown fruit and vegetables, but sacrifices no opulence or flavour in doing so.
Of course, you can eat extraordinarily well in Paris on a budget, too.
Go On A Food Tour
From a plethora of patisseries, boulangeries and delicatessens to cute cafes by the dozen, when it comes to food in Paris, there’s so much to see and do. Step off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord or on to the runway at Charles de Gaulle and you’ll immediately be tempted with shops selling cheeses, charcuterie and pastries at every turn. However, not all places are equall. Enter a foodie walking tour, which we’ve explored in more detail over here. Do check it out sometime.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to do things in style, consider a chauffeur services in Paris that can ferry you from venue to venue, helping you take a load off between meals and conserve your energy for more eating!
Enjoy A Crepe While Looking At The Eiffel Tower
As Anthony Bourdain once said “The absolute worst thing to do when you come to Paris is plan too much. Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, stand in line for hours to experience what everybody says you have to. Me? I like to take it easy in Paris, especially if I’m only in town for a few days”. And we couldn’t agree more with this sentiment.
Rather than go up the Eiffel Tower, we’d much rather have lunch while admiring the structure. Enter Crépuscule.
Paris is home to scores of cafes and creperies celebrating the cuisine of Britanny, which is wonderfully rich yet humble and Le Crépuscule is perhaps our favourite. Its fantastic buckwheat crepe (we’d always recommend savoury) of Breton cheese, ham and an unctuous egg yolk. This place attempts to eschew tradition with some more flamboyant flavour pairings but we suggest staying safely in the middle of the road for this one, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely. A very reasonable option with the Eiffel Tower in sight.
Read: 5 of the best restaurants close to Eiffel Tower, Paris
Try All The Classics At A Brasserie
Though we’re going to need a much bigger word limit to list them all, some of the most renowned French foods include pâté, tartare, crepes and soupe à l’oignon. On top of that, oysters or herb buttered snails, croissant pain au chocolat, tarte tatin, quiche lorraine, and boeuf bourguignon all need to be tried, though not necessarily all at once!
Here are just a handful of Paris’ most classic dishes, and some of the best places in the city to try them:
- Baguette: Paris is famous for its fresh, crusty baguettes. You can find them in any bakery (boulangerie), but some of the best are at Le Grenier à Pain, Eric Kayser, and Maison Landemaine.
- Croissant: Another French classic, the flaky, buttery croissant, can be found in most bakeries. Some of the best include Dupain, La Maison d’Isabelle, and Des Gâteaux et du Pain.
- French Onion Soup: This comforting, hearty soup is made from onions, beef broth, and topped with cheese and a slice of baguette. You can find delicious French Onion Soup at Le Comptoir du Relais, Brasserie Lipp, and Chez Denise.
- Escargot: This traditional dish consists of cooked land snails served in their shells with garlic butter. Try their scrumptious preparation at L’Escargot Montorgueil, Chez André, and La Fontaine de Mars.
- Boeuf Bourguignon: A slow-cooked beef stew with red wine, onions, and mushrooms, this classic French dish can be found at Le Petit Canard, Chez Mère, and Josephine Chez Dumonet.
- Coq au Vin: Another traditional dish is a slow-cooked chicken in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Best enjoyed at Le Récamier, Le Saint Jean, and Chez Germaine.
- Croque Monsieur: A delicious sandwich with ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce, toasted to perfection. Try it at Le Petit Cler, Cafe de Flore, and Carette.
- Ratatouille: A vegetable dish made with aubergine, courgette, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, served as a side dish or a main course. Head to La Jacobine, Chez Janou, and Paris Anchor for their delicious versions.
- Crème Brûlée: This creamy dessert with a caramelized sugar topping is beloved by Parisians. Savor it at Le Comptoir du Relais, Berthillon, and Lézard Café.
- Tarte Tatin: A classic upside-down caramelised apple tart best enjoyed at La Fidélité, Le Royal Trinité, and Bistro Paul Bert.
Remember that Paris is a dynamic city with a constantly evolving culinary scene. Some of these places may change over time, and new ones may emerge that offer fantastic renditions of these classic dishes. It’s always a good idea to ask locals for their recommendations.
Enjoy Shellfish At Le Dome
Nestled in the vibrant Montparnasse neighbourhood of Paris, Le Dôme Café stands as an ode to culinary excellence, with its star attraction being the exquisite shellfish delicacies that elevate the French dining experience.
As you step into this Art Deco gem, you are immediately enveloped by the unmistakable aroma of the freshest sourced seafood, whisking your senses away to the glittering Atlantic coastline.
Here at Le Dôme, master chefs artfully present a dazzling array of shellfish, from succulent oysters and tender langoustines, to the pièce de résistance: a majestic seafood platter, overflowing with flavours as colourful as the artist and writer patrons who frequented the café in its illustrious past. Each bite captures the essence of Parisian savoir-faire, transporting you to a world where every element comes together harmoniously, epitomising the very soul of French cuisine.
In the words of Anthony Bourdain…
”If there’s two things you do in Paris, this would be one. It’s an old classic, and I mean classic with a capital C, brasserie in the Montparnasse district. After the mime incident, I feel my producer is unlikely to protest when I get a really…expensive bottle of wine and the royal deluxe version of the best shellfish tower in Paris: oysters, clams, shrimp, big…crabs and also the classic langoustine, periwinkle and whelks. You’re going to get your hands dirty doing this, by the way, okay? There ain’t no way around it. They give you all the tools, but ultimately, you have to dig in, crack, skewer and suck your way through this thing.”
And what wiser words to end our tour of Paris on than those?