The Places To See

A Food Lover’s Guide to Paris: What to Eat and Where to Eat it

•

Becca

Paris, often hailed as the culinary capital of the world, is a city where food transcends mere sustenance to become an art form. From the buttery, flaky croissants of quaint patisseries to the sophisticated dishes of Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris offers a gastronomic experience like no other. This guide will take you through some of the city’s most iconic foods, must-visit eateries, and tips for enjoying Parisian cuisine to the fullest.

Iconic Parisian Foods

1. Croissants and Pain au Chocolat

Nothing says Paris like starting your day with a fresh croissant or pain au chocolat. These buttery, flaky pastries are a staple of French breakfasts and can be found in bakeries (boulangeries) all over the city.

Where to Try:

  • Du Pain et des Idées: Renowned for its artisanal approach and high-quality ingredients. Their croissants are perfectly flaky and buttery, offering an unparalleled texture and flavor. The bakery, led by master baker Christophe Vasseur, is a favorite among Parisians and visitors who seek the quintessential croissant experience. https://dupainetdesidees.com/
  • La Maison d’Isabelle: Winner of the prestigious “Best Butter Croissant in Paris” award in 2018. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, this bakery is known for its use of organic ingredients and traditional methods. The croissants are particularly lauded for their perfect balance of crispiness and softness.

2. Baguettes

The French baguette is a cultural icon, often enjoyed simply with butter or cheese. Parisian bakeries compete annually for the title of “Best Baguette in Paris.”

Where to Try:

  • Le Grenier à Pain: Le Grenier à Pain has won the prestigious “Best Baguette in Paris” competition multiple times, including in 2010 and 2015. This award means their baguettes are of such high quality that they even supply the French President. The bakery is known for its perfectly balanced baguettes with a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb.
  • La Parisienne: La Parisienne was the winner of the “Best Baguette in Paris” competition in 2016. The bakery’s baguettes are praised for their consistent quality, light texture, and flavorful crust. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, located conveniently near the Luxembourg Gardens.
  • Maison Landemaine: Maison Landemaine is known for its artisanal approach and commitment to quality ingredients. Their baguettes are handcrafted with care, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. The bakery has multiple locations across Paris, making it accessible to many. https://maisonlandemaine.com/

3. Cheese (Fromage)

France boasts over 1,000 varieties of cheese, and Paris is the perfect place to sample a wide array. From creamy Camembert to tangy Roquefort, the city’s fromageries (cheese shops) are a cheese lover’s paradise.

Where to Try:

6. Crêpes

Crêpes are versatile French pancakes that can be sweet or savory. Sweet crêpes are typically filled with ingredients like Nutella, fruit, and whipped cream, while savory galettes (made with buckwheat flour) are filled with cheese, ham, eggs, and more.

Where to Try:

  • Breizh Café: Breizh Café is often considered one of the best creperies in Paris. Known for its high-quality ingredients, including organic buckwheat flour from Brittany, the crepes here are both traditional and innovative. The menu includes a wide variety of savory galettes and sweet crepes, paired with an extensive selection of artisanal ciders.
  • La Crêperie de Josselinperie Josselin: Located in the lively Montparnasse district, La Crêperie de Josselin is a long-standing favorite for its authentic Breton-style crepes. The creperie is known for its generous portions, traditional recipes, and cozy, rustic ambiance. The crepes are thick, hearty, and filled with a variety of classic and creative ingredients.

Must-Visit Food Markets

1. Marché d’Aligre

One of the oldest markets in Paris, Marché d’Aligre is a bustling market offering fresh produce, cheese, meats, and more. It’s a great place to experience the local food culture.

2. Marché des Enfants Rouges

Located in the Marais district, this is the oldest covered market in Paris. It’s known for its diverse food stalls serving everything from Moroccan tagines to Japanese bento boxes.

3. Marché Bastille

A large open-air market, Marché Bastille is perfect for sampling fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s also a great spot for finding gourmet food products to take home.

Parisian Dining Experiences

1. Bistro & Brasseries

Both Bistros and Brasseries are casual yet elegant, offering classic French dishes in a cozy settings. The difference is size. While Bistros are small and intimate Brasseries tend to have larger dining rooms good for groups. Some popular places to try:

2. Fine Dining

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, Paris’s Michelin-starred restaurants are a must-visit. Some of the top fine dining establishments include:

3. Café Culture

Parisian cafés are perfect for people-watching while enjoying a coffee and a light meal. Some iconic cafés include:

  • Café de Flore: One of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Paris, Café de Flore is known for its rich history and association with intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. The ambiance is classic Parisian, and it’s a perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying a coffee or a hot chocolate. https://cafedeflore.fr/
  • La Fontaine: La Fontaine de Belleville is a classic Parisian café with a vintage charm. It serves specialty coffee from Belleville Brûlerie and traditional French dishes. It’s a favorite spot for Parisians to unwind, read a book, or catch up with friends. https://lafontaineparis.fr/
  • Café Joyeaux: A great place to people watch an the Champs-Élysées
  • La Petite Bleue Brunch & Coffee: A lovely atmosphere and great food and coffee to start your day.
  • Les Deux Magots: Another historic café, Les Deux Magots, is situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Famous for its literary and artistic clientele, it offers a quintessential Parisian experience with excellent coffee, pastries, and traditional French dishes. https://lesdeuxmagots.fr/

4. Boulangeries & Pâtisseries

The best bakeries and patry shops to indulge.

Food Tours and Cooking Classes

1. Food Tours

Exploring the culinary delights of Paris through food tours is an exceptional way to experience the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Here some of the popular food tours in Paris that come highly recommended:

  • Paris by Mouth: Offers small group tours focused on different neighborhoods and types of food.
  • Eating Europe: Provides immersive food tours that combine history with tastings.
  • Secret Food Tours Paris – Le Marais: This tour takes you through the vibrant Le Marais district, where you’ll taste a variety of local foods including croissants, cheeses, chocolates, and a secret dish. The tour also includes wine tastings and insights into the area’s rich Jewish heritage.
  • Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour with Breakfast: This tour offers a unique look into the workings of a traditional Parisian bakery. You’ll learn how to make baguettes and croissants from scratch and enjoy a freshly baked breakfast.

2. Cooking Classes

Paris offers an abundance of cooking classes that allow participants to delve into French cuisine and learn from some of the best chefs in the world. Here are the top five cooking classes in Paris, highly rated and popular among both locals and visitors:

  • Le Cordon Bleu: Offers a variety of cooking and patisserie courses for all skill levels.
  • La Cuisine Paris: Provides fun and informative cooking classes in English.
  • Cook’n With Class Paris: This cooking school offers a variety of classes focusing on French cuisine, including bread baking, pastries, and traditional French meals. Classes are taught in English by professional chefs and include market visits to source fresh ingredients.
  • Le Foodist: Offering immersive cooking classes that include a mix of culinary education and cultural insights. Participants can learn to cook classic French dishes while enjoying a full gastronomic experience that includes wine tastings and market tours.

Tips for Enjoying Parisian Cuisine

1. Embrace the Bread Basket

French meals often come with a basket of fresh bread. Don’t hesitate to enjoy it, but remember to leave some room for the main course.

2. Take Your Time

Parisians take their time with meals, savoring each course and enjoying the experience. Relax, and don’t rush through your dining experience.

3. Try Something New

Paris is a city for culinary exploration. Don’t be afraid to try unfamiliar dishes or visit a restaurant off the beaten path.

4. Enjoy the Pastries

Pastries are a highlight of Parisian cuisine. Make sure to visit a patisserie and indulge in éclairs, tarts, and other sweet treats.

5. Pair with Wine

French cuisine is perfectly complemented by French wine. Ask for recommendations to find the perfect pairing for your meal.

•

, , ,

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *