Whenever I go to Paris, I know that I can expect excellent food. From a divine and artistically crafted dessert, to a humble baguette, there is just so much choice in this city. I want to make sure that you have the perfect foodie experience each time you visit. So, here is (in my opinion) the ultimate guide for what to eat in Paris.
What to Eat in Paris | French Food you Must Try
French Baguette
My favourite thing about staying in France is the amount of bread I can consume. The baguette in particular is a source of national pride for the French. It just tastes so good and is the first thing you should eat in Paris.
Authentic Cheeses
The ultimate pairing with the French baguette? Why, cheese of course! Brie and Camembert are the two most Parisian cheeses that you will find. However, I personally love a Roquefort and think it pairs brilliantly with baguette and chutney. If you want to know what to eat in Paris, it is this. And lots of it.
Macarons
Macarons are usually called overrated by some of my friends and family. If we are talking about the store-bought ones, I would agree. But the Parisians have a knack at making colourful, tasty bite size snacks. There are lots of speciality shops around the city and you can buy a small box to enjoy as you stroll about.
Steak Frites
When my husband (then boyfriend) went to Paris for the first time, I made him try steak frites. He never used to like red meat, which was strange as he always liked burgers… But anyway, the steak frites that he had at a Parisian bistro changed his outlook. Whenever we are in the city, I know that this will be ordered in the first few days. Medium rare, bearnaise sauce. Delicious.
French Onion Soup
This is a bit of a dark horse. It is a rather unassuming dish that a lot of tourists turn their nose up at. However, the tasty soup with fresh baguette and a mountain of gruyere is one of my favourite things about Paris. If it is a colder day, there really is no better starter.
Croque Monsieur
My guide on what to eat in Paris wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the authentic French toastie. The simple combination of ham and (lots of) cheese goes a long way and it is perfect for lunch. Once more the French do it differently to what you would experience at home. You need to give this a try.
The Opéra
When you go into a Patisserie, the Opéra cake will always feature. Imagine layers of thin almond sponge, soaked in coffee syrup, alongside ganache and French coffee buttercream. It is highly decadent but a must-try when you are in Paris. I absolutely love it and think it is the perfect treat for mid-afternoon alongside coffee.
Croissant
The humble croissant is next and there really is not much to say about it. It just sells itself. A croissant with butter and jam on a Spring morning in Paris is an ultimate combination. Just make sure you get them freshly baked and warm!
Parisian Honey
Bees apparently love Paris. In fact, many of the rooftops have hives on them to encourage the bees which produce honey. You can find their products in a range of different places, including restaurants and delis. Either way, it has a lovely, sweet taste which pairs wonderfully with a baguette.
Jambon-Beurre
The name Jambon-Beurre literally means “ham-butter”. This authentically-French sandwich is half a baguette, served with lots of ham and butter… As the name suggests! Don’t think that this is just a plain-old ham sandwich though. The ingredients are all fresh and tasty in the bakeries and I think it is perfect for exploring.
Escargots
Escargots are… Snails! Instantly, this has probably put half of you off. However, I want to sell their case here. Imagine a fluffy mushroom (that can be slightly chewy, I grant you) that has been cooked in garlic butter. It actually is quite nice and the Parisians do it best. Don’t worry – you’re in safe hands!
Confit De Canard
On to my favourite now and I cannot get through a weekend in Paris without ordering this. I just love this dish and, for me, it is what I most associate with the city. The dish always tastes magnificent and pairs brilliantly with a glass of white wine and a cheese board.
Soufflé
The soufflé is the most versatile dish in France. Savoury or sweet, hot or cold – there are loads of combinations that you can enjoy. My favourite has to be a cheese soufflé, served with herbs. I just love the cheesy taste and a fluffy light texture. Delicious!
Pain au Chocolat
Just imagine the croissant, but with two big blocks of chocolate in it. If you were wondering what to eat in Paris, surely it has to be this? As you would expect, the French do these best. I do enjoy my Sunday treat from the Co-Op in England, but it isn’t quite on the same level! If you are going to get some, make sure they are from an authentic boulangerie.
Oysters
I should say that I’m not the biggest fan of Oysters. However, my family all seem to enjoy them and always rave about how good they are in Paris. This seems to be a common theme and lots of the best restaurants have these on the menu. I just can’t seem to get over the texture…
Crepes
Onwards to something I really enjoy now; a sweet crepe. I just adore a crepe that has been smothered in chocolate, served alongside fresh fruit. Paris is the home of this delightful dessert and it makes for a perfect afternoon snack.
Créme Brûlée
This dessert reminds me of my childhood. My mum really likes making this kind of dessert and I had it a lot growing up. Naturally, they weren’t as decadent as the ones you get in Paris. A creamy inner texture, with a solid sugary topping is exactly what you get in the restaurants. It is a must-have in France and Paris does it best.
Coq Au Vin
Coq au Vin is arguably one of the most famous French dishes. This authentic casserole has been served in French bistros for the past century and is rather tasty. Legend has it that the recipe goes back to pre-Roman France! Personally, I think that this is more of a winter dish and it is perfect on a cooler Parisian night.
Eclairs
The best eclairs are served in Paris. I just love the soft choux pastry with thick chocolate on the outside and a fluffy cream or custard on the inside. I think that these are a great treat after exploring. Can you just imagine tucking into one? Sitting by the Eiffel Tower in spring…
Steak Tartare
The last entry and again something that I’m not too fussed about. However, once more my family seem to enjoy it a lot! There is something about the raw beef and egg combination that really isn’t for me, but it is meant to be surprisingly tasty. Give it a go and let me know what you think!
Final Thoughts – What to Eat in Paris
I hope that you have found my guide on What to Eat in Paris helpful. I think I have covered most things, but obviously the list is not long enough to include everything. However, if you feel strongly about something I have missed out, please let me know and I will add it to the list!
Other posts that may help you:
- Day Trips from Paris: Exploring Paris’ Outskirts
- Staying in Bercy | Paris 2024
- My Massive Paris Bucketlist
- Ten Things You Must See in Paris
Thank you for reading and I hope that my post has been useful and have helped to inspire your next foodie visit to France!
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
