Paris Foodie Guide: Where to Eat in Paris + Top Food Experiences
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links; more info here.
Wondering where to eat in Paris? If you travel to eat, then my Paris foodie guide was made for you…
During my recent 2.5-week trip to Paris, I did almost nothing but browse traditional markets; eat croissants and éclairs; drink coffee at outdoor cafés; savor steak au poivre at classic bistros; sip at chic wine bars; picnic; and take cooking classes. (Oh, wait. That’s all I do any time I visit Paris.)
If that sounds like your ideal trip to Paris, then you’re in for a treat.
Though you’ll find all of my favorite Parisian bistros, cafés, bakeries, wine bars, and crêperies below, this guide goes way beyond your typical list of where to eat in Paris!
You’ll also discover the best foodie experiences and activities in Paris – like a cheese-making workshop, the best traditional farmers’ markets, my favorite French cooking class, beautiful parks for picnicking, and specialty cooking stores!
Parisian food culture encapsulates the heart of France, just like the best restaurants in Kanazawa and the best restaurants in Prague do for Japan and the Czech Republic.
This Paris foodie guide is based entirely on my personal experiences and recommendations from local friends (who also happen to be chefs and sommeliers!). So, I promise, you’re in good hands…
Ready for the most delicious trip to Paris? Bon appétit!
Best Food Experiences & Activities in Paris
Let's kick this guide off with the best food experiences in Paris. If you want to dive deep into Parisian food culture, this is the way. Allez!
Take a Cheese-Making & Cheese-Tasting Workshop
During this Paris Cheese-Making Workshop (with Wine and Cheese-Tasting with an Expert!), you’ll get a crash course on all the different types of French cheeses (i.e. fresh, bloomy-rind, washed, bleu, chèvre, etc.).
Then, you’ll learn, hands-on, how to make butter and a fresh cheese from scratch. You’ll also learn the chemistry behind the recipes!
And finally, the cheese workshop peaks with a tasting of the cheese and butter you just made, a selection of aged cheeses from the cave, fresh bread, and French wine.
After taking this workshop, I don’t think I can ever purchase store-bought butter again. What we made was infinitely more delicious.
This cheese-making workshop and cheese-tasting experience is such a unique experience! Plus, it’s only two hours long, so you can easily incorporate it into your Paris itinerary.
Browse Traditional Markets
Browsing a bustling local market is one of the simplest Parisian pleasures. There are dozens of markets in Paris selling antiques, bric-à-brac, fresh produce, cheese, and more… These are the food-focused ones you can’t miss:
Best Parisian Food Markets
- Marché Couvert Beauvau: This authentic covered market is housed in a beautiful 250-year-old building. From cheese shops to fishmongers to spice stalls, this market has everything. Grab a latte from Early Bird Artisanal Coffee Roasters to sip while you browse! Closed on Mondays.
- Marché d'Aligre: This charming open-air flea and fresh produce market (right next to Marché Beauvau) starts at Place d'Aligre and spills out onto Rue d'Aligre. A must-visit! Closed on Mondays.
- Marché Bastille: This bustling, open-air market hosts roughly 100 vendors, including street food stalls serving everything from crêpes to falafel. You’ll find shucked-for-you oysters and wine here too! Open on Thursdays (7 AM to 2:30 PM) and Sundays (7 AM to 3 PM).
- Marché Couvert des Enfants Rouges: Dating back to 1615, this trendy covered market features local produce stalls and casual restaurants slinging epic small dishes and natural wine. Closed on Mondays.
- Marché Président-Wilson: Paris’s largest open-air food market stretches for about a half-mile! Go for the food, stay for the picture-perfect Eiffel Tower views. Open Wednesdays (7 AM to 1:30 PM) and Saturdays (7 AM to 2:30 PM).
- Marché Monge: We visited this quaint, hyper-local market with about 40 stalls during our French cooking class. Super cute! Open on Wednesdays and Fridays (7 AM to 1:30 PM) and Sundays (7 AM to 2:30 PM).
MADDY'S TIP: In Paris, you don’t pick up or touch fresh produce at farmers’ markets – unless you want to be scolded! Instead, say bonjour and wait for assistance. Usually, you point to what you want, and the stallkeeper gets it for you.
Take a Lunch/Dinner Cruise on the Seine
I was very skeptical about booking this Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise… I thought it’d be super touristy and the food would be average…
But, as it turned out, the amazing reviews did not lie!
This lunch cruise felt luxurious. The food was delicious. The service was friendly and flawless. And, of course, the sights along the way were magical!
Embarking from beneath the Eiffel Tower, we cruised through Paris, past the Louvre, île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, National Library, Statue of Liberty, and countless other landmarks. Magnifique!
Curious about the food? For my three courses, I chose:
- A poached egg with celeriac purée, king oyster mushrooms, and roast potatoes in a red wine sauce
- “Melt-in-the-mouth” beef with glazed vegetables and Camargue rice in a blanquette sauce
- Lemon meringue tart
Which Cruise Package Should You Choose?
I booked the cheapest package because I wasn't sure the cruise would be worth doing at all. Luckily, it totally was! My only critique? The wine was plentiful, but not great.
If I could re-do it now, I would splurge on the premium package. Having VIP window seating in the front of the boat, the highest-quality wine, and a 4th course of food would've made a big difference. The basic package was still an unforgettable experience, but you won’t regret upgrading!
Click here to book your Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise!
MADDY'S TIP: Looking for a more romantic option? There are also dinner options! Why not cruise the City of Love at sunset, under the twinkly lights of the Eiffel Tower? Click here to book your Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise.
Source and Enjoy a Picnic
Picnicking is a quintessentially Parisian food experience! You can't beat relaxing in a beautiful garden, grazing on French cheese and sipping rosé in the sunshine.
Visit one of the markets above to source ingredients. Or, browse the shops near your hotel. Every Parisian neighborhood has a boulangerie, a charcuterie, a fromagerie, a greengrocer, and a wine shop!
Best Paris Picnic Locations
My favorite picnic-friendly parks, gardens, and hang-out areas in Paris include:
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: An off-beat park with epic city views, rocky grottoes, a lake, and even a waterfall.
- Champ de Mars: This is the grassy park beneath the Eiffel Tower.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: One of the most elegant gardens in Paris.
- Canal St. Martin: Picnicking along this waterway is equal parts tranquil and trendy.
- Place des Vosges: The oldest square in Paris, surrounded by charming townhomes.
- Jardin des Tuileries: The busiest and most iconic park for a Parisian picnic.
- Square du Vert-Galant: A tiny park on the tip of the île de la Cité.
- Almost anywhere along the banks of the Seine is great for a picnic.
MADDY'S TIP: Planning to visit the Palace of Versailles? You can picnic there too! I recently went on this Full-Day Versailles Tour (with Bike Tour of the Royal Gardens and Picnic!) and had one of my favorite French picnics yet. Before biking through the Royal Gardens and touring the Palace, we browsed the Marché Notre-Dame to source our picnic items. Then, we picnicked in the Royal Gardens with the Grand Canal and Grand Trianon in view! Want to do the same? Click here to book your Full-Day Versailles Tour (with Royal Gardens Bike Tour & Picnic).
Take a French Cooking Class
While in Paris, this Paris Cooking Class and Lunch (with Wine plus Market Visit) is a must. I booked it for my birthday, and we had THE BEST time!
Partly because we learned new, practical cooking tips, flavor combinations, and techniques; explored a cute local market; cooked (and ate!) three courses of delicious traditional French food; and drank fantastic wines.
But, also, because our chef instructor was sassy, quick-witted, hilarious, and a complete French cuisine know-it-all (in the best way possible!).
At the local market, we met the vendors, learned about typical French ingredients and products, tasted different cheeses, and picked up ingredients.
Then, back in the professional kitchen, we prepped (and then devoured!) three courses:
- The silkiest, creamiest roasted curried cauliflower velouté with a truffle oil drizzle
- Perfectly baked salmon with citrus-infused beurre blanc sauce, glazed carrots and cucumbers, and the most luscious scalloped potato gratin
- Poached pear with Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream, dark chocolate sauce, and toasted almonds
The class menu changes daily – but whatever you cook, it'll be fabulous. We took the lunch class (starting at 9 AM), but there's also a dinner class (starting at 4:30 PM).
If you like to cook, then I highly recommend booking this Paris Cooking Class.
Go on a Guided Food Tour
Going on a food tour with a local is my favorite way to get to know a new neighborhood. And to try the best bites! Here are the walking food tours I recommend:
Browse Specialty Foodie Shops
Let’s talk about foodie souvenirs, so you can bring the flavors of Paris back home with you!
From mustard shops, spice libraries, and chocolateries to cooking equipment shops, here are the best specialty shops in Paris for food-lovers:
- E. Dehillerin: Open since 1820, even Julia Child used to shop at E. Dehillerin. This maze-like store overflows with copper pots and pans and other high-end French cookware. I bought the most beautiful brass-handle stainless steel pan here.
- Épices Roellinger: This little spice shop's shelves are filled with some of the most interesting and rare spices I've ever seen and smelled.
- La Librairie Gourmande: This two-story cookbook shop offers a wondrous collection of cookbooks on every cookery topic, technique, or cuisine imaginable. Most are in French, though there’s also a small English section.
- G. Detou: This store is stocked floor-to-ceiling with the highest quality baking and cooking ingredients and tools.
- TOC – Trouble Obsessionnel Culinaire: This is the ultimate cooking appliance and utensil shop. Period.
- La Maison Maille: Love mustard? Come here to taste a variety of mustard styles and flavors. Then, fill up a ceramic jar with your favorite fresh mustard to take home!
- À la Mère de Famille: This is the oldest (and best) chocolaterie in Paris, dating back to 1761! I refuse to pass by without buying a selection of truffles.
MADDY'S TIP: If you spend more than €100, you might be eligible for a 12% VAT refund at the airport when you depart! Ask for a “tax refund” when you're completing your transaction, and make sure you have a photo of your passport handy.
Where to Eat in Paris, France
What about where to eat in Paris? Where to sit down for some hearty boeuf bourguignon and a glass of Burgundian wine? Or where to find the best galette?
MADDY'S TIP: I recommend using a platform called TheFork to find top-rated restaurants and make reservations. Some restaurants offer ridiculously amazing deals (i.e. up to 50% off all of your food on quieter weeknights) when you book for free through TheFork. Even Michelin-listed restaurants offer these discounts! Yes, seriously… Plus, you can use my referral link to save €20 on your first meal. You’re welcome!
Without further ado, here are all the best places to eat in Paris!
Best Traditional French Bistros in Paris
Ready to try perfect examples of classic French dishes, like steak frites and coq a vin? Foie gras, escargots, and terrine? Crème brûlée and chocolate mousse?
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Paris for classic French fare. Precisely none of them are on the typical tourist trail.
- L'Assiette: This cozy restaurant in the 14th arrondissement serves up rustic country classics, like cassoulets, terrines, and wild game dishes. Come here for the famous cassoulet maison (a sumptuous stew of creamy beans, sausage, lamb, and pork) and a bottle of wine. Order the crème caramel for dessert. Perfection!
- Bistro Paul Bert: This classic, no-fuss French bistro in the 11th arrondissement features an extensive wine list to impress any sommelier and the most generous, delicious meat dishes. I’m still dreaming of the steak with spicy Sarawak pepper sauce and herby potatoes we had here. Bistro Paul Bert is among the best restaurants in Paris!
- a.lea: This modern farm-to-table bistronomique* in Montmartre features seasonal French food that’s as beautiful as it is balanced and flavor-packed. Lunch service (Wednesday to Saturday) features a reasonably priced 2- or 3-course set menu that changes weekly. Dinner (Wednesday to Saturday) and Sunday lunch are more elaborate (and pricier), with an a la carte menu. We loved every bite here.
- LesPetitsCuls: Tucked away in the 12th arrondissement, this welcoming bistronomique offers natural and classic French wines and tapas with surprising flavor combinations.
Put these classic brasseries on your radar, too: Le Trumilou, Vaudeville, Bofinger, Le Café du Commerce, and Bouillon Chartier.
FYI: *A bistronomique features the casual, friendly vibes and approachable prices of a bistro and the high-quality ingredients and elevated cooking techniques of gastronomy.
Best Brunch Restaurants in Paris
Beyond the brasseries I listed above (which all open around 11:30 AM!), let’s talk about brunch-specific spots that serve specialty coffee. Pancakes and an oat flat white? Oui, s'il vous plait!
Holybelly is my favorite-forever-and-ever brunch spot in Paris. Go there. Wait in line for a table (because this is everyone else’s favorite, too). It’s worth it.
Other top weekend brunch spots include Cali Uptown, Zia, Kafkaf, B.O.U.L.O.M, and Back in Black.
Best Crêperies in Paris
Does a trip to France even count if you don’t eat a crêpe or a galette?
Let’s talk about where to eat these ultra-thin pancakes filled with sweet combinations (like chocolate and fresh bananas) or savory ingredients (like smoked salmon, creamy dill sauce, and lemon juice).
My favorite crêperies in Paris are:
- Little Breizh in the 6th arrondissement
- Maison Bretonne in the 4th arrondissement
- Crêperie Elo – multiple locations
- Breizh Café – multiple locations
Best Bakeries in Paris
Bread is life in France. So, obviously, there are dozens of great boulangeries (bread shops) and pâtisseries (pastry shops) across Paris.
Should I even attempt to tackle this insurmountable category? Honestly, no.
But, alas, some of my personal favorite bakeries in Paris include:
- Patisserie Stohrer: The oldest Parisian patisserie, founded in 1730 by King Louis XV's pastry chef
- La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac: Heaven!
- Brigat’: Perfect to take with you to Place des Vosges
- Les Copains du Faubourg: Get the double-chocolate pain au chocolat, featuring buttery cacao pastry!
GLUTEN-FREE? You don’t have to miss out! Both Chambelland and Copains craft 100% gluten-free and organic artisanal bread, pastries, and more.
Where to Drink in Paris, France
A good day in Paris starts with coffee and ends with French wine. Don't you think?
Best Speciality Coffee Shops in Paris
If you’re like me, you start every day with specialty coffee. Here are my favorite places to drink it in Paris:
- ARTESANO Specialty Coffee Roaster in Le Marais
- Early Bird Artisanal Coffee Roasters inside Marché Beauvau in the 12th arrondissement
- Clove in Montmartre
- Back in Black near Place de la Bastille
- Le Peloton in Le Marais
- Nomade in the 11th arrondissement – this is my go-to café to work on my laptop from, by the way!
- KB Coffee Roasters in Pigalle
Best Wine Bars in Paris
Natural, organic, and/or biodynamic wines are super popular in Paris these days. And absolutely love it.
If you love natural wine, too, then you can’t go wrong with any of these natural wine bars:
- L'Etiquette on Île de la Cité
- Frenchie Bar à Vins in the 2nd arrondissement
- Stéréo in the 9th arrondissement
- Pétard, Giclette, Folderol, and Les Oillets, all in the 11th arrondissement
- Le Baron Rouge in the 12th arrondissement
Paris Restaurant Map
Want a handy Google Map pinned with all the can’t-miss cafés and best restaurants in Paris? All of my recommendations for where to eat in Paris are saved here!
Final Thoughts on Where to Eat in Paris
And with that, you no longer have to wonder where to eat in Paris! From traditional French cuisine and cooking classes, to markets and picnic spots, you’re ready for the most delicious trip to Paris!
Plus, here’s a quick list of all my favorite bookable food experiences and activities in Paris:
- Paris Cheese-Making Workshop
- Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise
- Full-Day Versailles Tour (with Royal Gardens Bike Tour & Picnic)
- Paris Cooking Class with Lunch, Wine, and Market Visit
- Montmartre Hill Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
- Le Marais Walking Food Tour
- Latin Quarter Food Tour
Lastly, don’t forget to use TheFork (which is 100% free!) to find top-rated restaurants and make reservations. You can use my link to save €20 on your first meal.
MORE EUROPEAN TRAVEL INSPIRATION
