Paris is hailed by many as a food lover’s dream destination, brimming with iconic dishes, world-class restaurants, and charming local dining options. Whether you’re looking to sample some classic French cuisine, indulge in some fine dining, or enjoy great food on a budget, there’s no shortage of options when choosing what to eat in Paris.
French cuisine is rich in bold flavors, red meats, hearty broths, and tasty sauces. The perfect combination for bread-dipping and late-night dining in a romantic atmosphere. Whatever your dream French getaway looks like, Parisian cuisine is truly some of the best in the world.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the classic dishes.
Classic French Dishes You Must Try in Paris
Paris is synonymous with French delicious cuisine, and there are many world-renowned classic dishes you should try. Here are five of the best that you simply can’t miss during a trip to Paris.
1. Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a hearty dish, made from chicken braised in red wine, and mixed with mushrooms, onions, and bacon to give it a rich deep flavor. This comforting stew is popular both in casual and upscale eateries and is the perfect representation of rustic French flavors. Sharing this dish with a loved one is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris!
Where to Eat: Try Coq au Vin at popular restaurants such as Chez Marcel, La Jacobine, and Papa Poule.
2. Boeuf Bourguignon
Much like the aforementioned Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon is a rich red wine-based stew with a deep flavor. Slow-cooked beef is marinated in red wine, alongside carrots, onions, and garlic, and is a must-try for lovers of red meat.
Where to Eat: Boeuf Bourguignon is a popular dish at restaurants such as La Bonne Franquette and La Cordonnerie.
3. Pot au Feu
Pot au Feu is the national dish of France and is a simple, yet tasty beef stew, simmered with vegetables such as carrots, leeks, and potatoes. With a light, timeless flavor, it’s the perfect cozy meal if you’re looking for some true Parisian comfort food.
Where to Eat: Le Roi du Pot au Feu is a great restaurant in the heart of Paris that specializes in serving up delicious Pot au Feu.
4. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a vibrant vegetable dish from Provence and features a medley of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes cooked in olive oil and herbs. It’s a tasty dish popular with vegetarians.
Where to Eat: Chez Janou is hailed by many as the best place in Paris to eat Ratatouille, but many diners often praise Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie and Bistro des Augustins for creating delicious renditions of this dish.
5. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is one for French dessert lovers! This caramelized upside-down apple tart is a delightful treat, typically served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect way to finish any meal. It also makes the most perfect way to celebrate after a romantic Eiffel Tower Proposal!
Where to Eat: Sample a delicious Tarte Tatin in Paris at local restaurants such as Bistro les Artizans, Au Pied de Cochon, and The Smiths Bakery.
6. Duck Confit
A true delicacy that takes over a full day to prepare, duck confit is a style of dish in which a whole duck is slow-roasted in its own fat to create a tender and soft meat dish. The skin of the duck is crisped, either in a pan or oven, resulting in a delicious combination of textures.
Where to Eat: Duck Confit is a popular staple of many different menus across Paris, but we recommend visiting La Jacobine or Le Poulbot if you’re looking for the best of the best.
7. Salade Niçoise
Originating in the French city of Nice, this simple salad is traditionally made from tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, and anchovies or tuna, then dressed with olive oil or a simple vinaigrette. A fine, summertime salad, it’s a great choice of dish to try if you’re visiting Paris during the summer months.
Where to Eat: Despite originating from a completely different city, there are plenty of great places in Paris to sample a deliciously authentic Salad Niçoise, including Le Bagnard and Café Blanc.
8. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a savory French tart with a filling of cream, eggs, and bacon or ham. A local delicacy in the French region of Lorraine until the mid-20th century, it has since become popular across the rest of France, and famous across the world as a delicious meal, hot or cold.
Where to Eat: Quiche Lorraine can be enjoyed at many Parisian restaurants, including Wine Therapy Bar à Vins, A Lacroix Patissier, and Boulangerie Julien.
Conclusion:
Paris is a truly outstanding place for dining, with a huge range of incredible culinary experiences, from classic French foods to fine dining, and budget-friendly eateries. Whether you’re looking to sample some famous French foods, such as the classic Pot au Feu, dine at a luxury, high-end restaurant such as Le Meurice, or enjoy affordable authentic dining at Le Petit Cler, there’s an abundance of great places to eat in Paris. No matter your budget or dining style, the Paris food scene has something for everything.