Ah Paris – the City of Lights, and one of the world’s favorite cities for gastronomic delights. After having visited Paris several times, I definitely have my ‘favorite’ Paris food spots, and it’s been a true labor of love to compile all of these spots into a handy, comprehensive list. From romantic traditional bistros, to cheap street eats, to trendy bars and restaurants – here is my ultimate Paris food guide. Bon Appetit!
Coffee Shops and Bakeries in Paris
Du Pain et des Idees
Du Pain et des Idees is an exceptional bakery that creates outstanding breads and viennoiseries…and you’ll almost certainly have to wait in line to get some (they are only open Monday-Friday, closed weekends). Located on the corner of Rue Yves Toudic and Rue de Marseille in the 10th Arrondissement, you can smell the butter from a mile-away!
What to get: Chocolate Pistachio Roll
Boulangerie Utopie
Definitely definitely definitely my favorite bakery in Paris (and probably the world). Kevin and I discovered this off-the-beaten-path bakery on one of our first trips to Paris, and we always make an effort to visit every time we’re back in the city. Located on an unassuming street corner, there is ALWAYS a line out-the-door at Boulangerie Utopie (that’s how we discovered it…we were walking by our AirBnB and saw several folks waiting outside the door to get in…and we assumed it HAD to be good).
What to get: Really anything, but definitely get the Raspberry Brioche and the Black Charcoal Baguette
Sadaharu Aioki
If you’re looking for more adventurous flavors, look no further than Sadaharu Aoki, which is a local patisserie famous for it’s fusion of traditional Japanese ingredients in French-style pastries. It’s not really a sit-down spot, so take a couple of treats to go and enjoy a nice breakfast picnic in the city!
What to get: Dark Chocolate Matcha Cake and Yuzu Macaron
Ob-la-Di
This cozy café has limited seating, but is a great place for a light breakfast or coffee break. I love the atmosphere of Ob-La-Di, with it’s speckled vintage mirror and turquoise-and-white tile floors, but the coffee is also special.
What to get: Flat White and a Tartine Avocat
Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Paris
Big Love Paris
A cute little café from the popular restaurant group ‘Big Mamma’, this is a great place for brunch (or lunch, or dinner!) in Le Marais. All of the restaurants from Big Mamma are Italian-inspired eateries, and while you could stop by for some pizza or pasta, I actually love the brunch at Big Love. They have a-la-carte options but you can also order the Big Brunch or the Truffle Lover Brunch with comes with a non-alcoholic beverage and rich assortment of brunch favorites.
What to get: Try the pancakes topped with burrata!
La Bellevilloise Jazz Brunch
This jazz club serves an unlimited 2-hour brunch buffet every Sunday, complete with a live jazz band performance! You can get an assortment of breads, meats, cheeses, egg dishes, pastries, and juices. A brunch spot so unique and off-the-beaten-path, it deserved it’s own dedicated blog post (see link here).
What to get: Everything! It is an unlimited brunch buffet after all
Related Post: Sunday Jazz at La Bellevilloise – Brunch Spot in Paris
Hardware Société
Hardware Société features a classic Aussie-inspired brunch spot featuring favorites like avocado toast, baked eggs, fried brioche, and an assortment of gourmet coffees, teas, and baked goods. It’s a trendy brunch spot, so go early!
What to get: The Fried Brioche or The Continental
Angelina
You’ve probably heard of Angelina as it’s quite the Paris institution. While you’ll have to rub shoulders with tourists, I always love going to this extravagant patisserie/tea house for their decadent hot chocolate and amazing assortment of pastries. The hot chocolate comes in a small jug…with a side of whipped cream to mix in. Delicious! A lot of people rave about Angelina’s Mont Blanc (a chestnut cream vermicelli with meringue) but I personally found it a bit too sweet for my liking.
What to get: Chocolate chaud a l’ancienne dit and a croissant
Cheap Eats in Paris
Chez Alain Miam Miam
This iconic sandwich shop has two locations in Le Marais, both within a short walking distance of one another – a small hole-in-the-wall café on 25 Rue Charlot, or at a food stall in the Marche Des Enfants Rouges. The sandwiches are always made fresh, packed full of ingredients (ask the chef to add all the toppings including the caramelized onion and avocado), and are available for a very reasonable price.
What to get: Jambon sandwich with comte cheese and all of the veggies!
L’as du Fallafel
On Rue des Rosiers in Les Marais, you’ll find a series of neighboring falafel shops including L’as du Fallafel and Mi-Va-Mi. Rumor has it, there’s a 20-year long intense rivalry between those two shops, both who claim to serve the best chickpea balls. I’ve only tried L’as du Fallfafel, but can tell you that their falafels are really pretty great! Super crunch on the outside and creamy, perfectly seasoned on the inside. Note, there are always two lines at the restaurant – one for indoor seating and other for takeaway through their open window. If you’re planning to sit inside, expect a 20-30 minute wait.
What to get: Falafel platter with mixed salads
Related Post: My Paris Photo Diary (Vol. 1)
Boulettes Chef Comptoir
Located on the buzzing street of Rue St. Denis is a tiny café specializing in all sorts of meatballs. Although Boulettes is not your ‘typical’ Paris stop, I love this place because it’s quick, affordable, has a homemade food vibe, and the food is delicious. Picky-eaters be warned: the menu is limited. You can pay for a selection of 5 meatballs (chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, or vegetable) and mix-and-match; you also get your choice of seasonal sides. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to get away from the tourist crowds, and mingle with the locals.
What to get: Mix-and-match meatballs and the sides du jour
Miznon Paris
If you read my food guide to Tel Aviv, you’ll know that I love Miznon! This chain restaurant by celebrity chef Eyal Shani has multiple branches (including one in Paris and another in Tel Aviv). The warm-and-fluffy stuffed pita sandwiches are sooooo good, and you can get unlimited tahini.
What to get: A stuffed pita sandwich (I like the minute steak one) and baked cauliflower
Related Post: The Best Places to Eat in Tel Aviv + Tips
Go-to-Dinner Spots in Paris
Bistrot Paul Bert
If I could only recommend ONE SPOT to eat in Paris, it would be Bistrot Paul Bert. It’s absolutely my favorite restaurant in the world. This traditional Parisian bistro deserved it’s own blog post, which you can check out here.
What to get: Steak-frites and the Grand Marnier soufflé
Related Post: Paris Restaurant Review – Bistrot Paul Bert
Pink Mamma Paris
A sister restaurant to Big Love (mentioned in the Brunch section above), the Pink Mamma trattoria features it’s crowd-favorite Italian foods such as pizza, pasta, and antipasto…but also specializes in it’s Firenze-style meat (corn-fed cows, with the meat matured at least 30 days and sliced thin). It also may be one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world – go for both the romantic ambiance and the scrumptious food!
What to get: Any seasonal variation of their beef tartar, and pizza
Le Relais de Venise (L’entrecote)
Now, I normally visit the London location of Le Relais de Venise…but the original is located in Paris. Bought by a winemaking French family, the owners converted it to a classic French bistro but didn’t bother stripping the restaurant signage (hence the confusing name). They only have one menu offering (this is how you know it’s good…they don’t need anything else on the menu!) – your classic French steak-frites. Served with a buttery lemon garlicky sauce, a side salad, and an endless offering of crispy fries…it really is the perfect meal. Oh! With a side of red wine. Can’t forget about the wine.
What to get: Steak-frites
Related Post: The Ultimate London Food Guide
Frenchie Wine Bar
Not to be confused with it’s sister restaurant Frenchie’s, Frenchie’s Wine Bar (Bar a Vins) is located right across the street from it’s fine dining twin but features a more relaxed atmosphere. The food is simple and changes on a regular basis depending on what is in season. It’s a great place to enjoy a glass of wine (or two), and share small small plates with friends or a date. If you can, go early to score a seat outside of the wine bar to enjoy some nice al fresco dining.
What to get: Anything! The menu changes all the time but the food is always good
Bouillon Pigalle
A bouillon is known to be a place serving classic French food in generous quantities, and in a communal setting. Bouillion Pigalle is definitely this, and much much more. Come here for your favorite French classics without a hefty price tag – such as a slab of pate en croute, oeufs mayo (eggs with mayo), duck confit, and a pot au feu (boiled beef with vegetables). This traditional bistro is extremely popular, and you’ll always see a line down the sidewalk. Don’t be intimidated by the queue though – the restaurant is huge (seats 300 people), so it moves pretty quickly. The restaurant is also located in a convenient spot if you’re looking to visit the Moulin Rouge or walk the picturesque streets of Montmartre.
What to get: Oeufs mayo, medallion de bloc de foie gras, boeuf borguignon
Auberge Pyrenees Cevennes
There’s nothing better than a steaming plate of hearty cassoulet (a rich, slow-cooked casserole containing meat and white beans) on a cold winter day. We discovered Auberge Pyrenees Cevenees on a winter trip to Paris and absolutely loved the cozy atmosphere and rustic, unpretentious food. Come here if you want to try homemade Southwest France food such as duck cassoulet or beef bourguinon. Go hungry because the portions are huge!
What to get: Duck cassoulet with a bottle of red wine
Printemps du Gout
Each time we’re in Paris, Kevin and I make an effort to visit the top-level of the Printemps du Gout. This gourmet food hall is located on the upper floors of the historic Printemps department store, and is a perfect place to whittle away an afternoon in Paris while enjoying panoramic views of the city (including the Eiffel Tower!), some appetizers to share, and a glass of wine. There are several restaurants to choose from, but they all share the same deck. Make sure to peruse the grocery area as well – you can treat yourself to lots of gourmet souvenirs (bon bons, biscuits, and my favorite…salted caramel spread!).
Sweet Spots in Paris
L’Aduree
Where to find the best macarons in Paris is hotly-debated topic among Parisians, but my favorite macarons are still from L’Aduree….even if this Paris institution is super touristy (they sell over 15k macarons every day) and considered by most to be ‘overrated’. I disagree – I’ve had a LOT of macarons (in the name of research of course) and I still always go back to L’Aduree’s chewy little gems. Check off your Parisian bucket list by visiting the flagship tea shop on the busy Champs-Elysses, and enjoy an elegant and delicious afternoon tea experience! This location is extra special for me because it’s where Kevin surprised me with a giant rose-lychee macaron birthday cake, on our first trip to Paris together.
What to get: Salted caramel, raspberry, and pistachio macarons are my favorite!
L’Eclair de Genie
This specialized pastry shop only sells eclairs, so you know they have to be good. The eclairs at L’Eclair de Genie are like works of art…almost too pretty to eat! Grab one as a fun afternoon pick-me-up.
What to get: Praline Noisette (hazelnut and praline) or Lemon Yuzu
Berthillon
Visiting Paris during the summer? The city can get extremely hot and humid during the summertime, so escape the heat with an ice cream cone from Berthillon, oftentimes known as the ‘grand dame of glaces’. This place is probably included in every Paris guidebook there is…even so, I had to include it in this ultimate Paris food guide because the ice creams are legendary! Berthillon doesn’t use chemicals, artificial dyes, or sweeteners in their ice cream – everything is made with natural ingredients. Berthillon is also conveniently located near Notre Dame as well, if you’re looking to do a bit of tourist sightseeing.
Drinks in Paris
Baranann
There are several ‘secret bars’ in Paris. Baranann is an Indian-themed cocktail bar which was recommended to me by a fellow blogger. It’s hidden behind a fluorescent-lit Indian café, down a narrow hallway, behind a door with a fierce tiger painted on it. As you walk through the door, the back lounge is quite a sight-to-behold. It’s designed to imitate a vintage train carriage with screens on the wall that make it look like you’re driving through the countryside of India. Menus are designed to look like Indian passports, and they feature Bollywood-themed drinks and a variety of Indian naan. Other popular ‘secret bars’ include Lavomatic (tucked inside a laundromat) and Candelaria (in the back room of a taco restaurant).
Related Post: My Paris Photo Diary (Vol. 1)
Candelaria
Walk through the unmarked door at the back of this tiny taqueria, and you’ll find a hidden gem of a bar. Candelaria is a great place to hang, especially if you’re looking to quench your thirst with a margarita (add some tacos or an enchilada if you’re feeling peckish!). The atmosphere is rustic but also hip – think dim lighting, candle-lit tables, and cushion-lined seating areas.
The Hoxton Paris
Visit the ultra-stylish open courtyard terrace of the Hoxton Paris hotel – it’s a relaxing place to enjoy a few drinks before and/or after dinner. The Hoxton brand is well-known for super chic and cool hotels, so expect to rub elbows with a few hipsters.
And there you have it, my ultimate Paris food guide. I’m already daydreaming of the next time I’ll be in this wonderful city.
Related Post: The Ultimate London Food Guide
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