WHAT TO EAT IN PARIS

When visiting Paris, you will quickly find that food is never far away. Whether you’re addicted to pastries in the morning, Croque Monsieur at lunch or snails for dinner, there is something for everyone. Although you must make sure you visit all of the amazing sites and landmarks, don’t forget to indulge in the city’s finest, most delicious cuisine.

Baguettes

Paris is full of bakeries (Boulangerie) with bread and baguettes baked freshly every day. There’s nothing better than crunching on a French baguette that’s fresh from the oven.

Butter

Sounds silly, but if you like butter on your bread, then you’ll love French butter. It’ll be hard to resist the renowned Le Beurre Bordier once you try it!

Cheese

If you like cheese, Paris is the place to visit. Cheese boards can be found on many Parisian menus and Fromageries are never far away!

Chocolate

Whether you fancy a bar, caramel, ganache or truffles, Paris is known for its amazing chocolate shops that will leave your mouth watering just at the smell!

Luxury Chocolatiers La Maison du Chocolat, Jacques Genin and Pierre Marcolini are all well worth visiting.

Crème Brûlée

The classic French dessert can be found in many Parisian restaurants. The rich and creamy vanilla custard dessert will definitely leave you wanting more!

Crêpes

Wandering the streets of Paris with a crêpe in hand is essential and crêperies are never too far away in Paris. Whether you fancy Nutella and banana or ham and cheese, Parisian crêpes are definitely worth trying.

Coq au Vin

Not sure what to have for dinner? Coq au vin is a chicken stew, served in its own pot, braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. This chicken casserole often gathers everyone around the table to enjoy the French classic.

Croque Monsieur

A sandwich stuffed with cheese and ham, fried with cheese on the outside. Often eaten at lunch, Croque Monsieur can be found in many restaurants and cafés. If you like cheese, Croque Monsieur is a must-try!

Duck

Lots of restaurants serve duck, so look out for canard on French menus. Duck confit is well worth a try. Le Petit Canard is a great place to sample the best duck in Paris.

Éclairs

If you’re on a diet…Parisian éclairs might not be suitable, but…when in Paris! Chocolate stuffed éclairs are guaranteed to leave your mouth watering! Or your eyes-gazing as you spot them in bakery windows!

Foie Gras

Foie gras is considered a luxury food product in Paris. Made of the liver of a duck or goose, served as a mousse, parfait or pâté, either plain or with bread as an appetiser.

Frogs legs

I haven’t actually tried them, but apparently they taste like chicken and have a similar texture to chicken wings. Look for cuisse de grenouilles on French menus.

Gelato

Paris can get very hot in the Summer months, and if you’re boiling after exploring the city all day, what better way to cool down than with two (or more) scoops of delicious gelato? The creamy ice cream comes in a wide variety of flavours and can be found all over Paris.

Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate, known in Paris as chocolat chaud is nothing like packet hot chocolate you find in British supermarkets. It’s made with rich, dark, creamy chocolate and definitely isn’t for the chocolate shy. But if you can’t get enough of hot chocolate, you’ll be left wanting more when you try this!

Macarons

Delicate and sweet French macarons made from sugar and almond flour are utterly delicious. They are the perfect snack whilst you roam the streets of Paris and come in all sorts of flavours to satisfy your taste buds. Visit Laduree for Paris’ best macaroons!

Onion Soup

French onion soup is an appetiser found on the majority of French menus. Even if soup isn’t your thing, the steaming cup of beef broth with onions, cheese and bread often proves a hit with many.

Oysters

French oysters are often seen as the best in the world, so if your mouth waters at the thought of slurping back the salty mollusks, then you’ll love Paris!

Pastries

Pastry (Patisserie) shops are never hard to find in Paris. Located on many streets, if you’re fond of the pain au chocolat, you will soon find that they are your go-to breakfast treat.

The only time it’s acceptable to have chocolate every day for breakfast!

Snails

Snails just scream Paris. There is no shortage of snails in Paris. Look out for escargot on the menu if you’re brave enough!

Steak and frites

A French classic that is very popular in Paris. Head down to Le Relais de l’Entrecote to sample the best steak and frites. Prepare yourself to leave absolutely stuffed.

If you want to eat traditional French cuisine, not at a ridiculous price, visit the restaurants slightly further away from the main tourist attractions. Hop on the Metro a few stops away from the Eiffel Tower and you will find streets of restaurants serving French onion soup and snails at reasonable prices.