7 Must-Try Foods In Paris: The Magic Of French Cuisine
Hey there, fellow travel lovers! If you’ve been following my journey, you know that I recently visited Paris. It’s a city that always makes me feel alive, where every corner feels like an adventure waiting to happen. And while the city’s beautiful landmarks and charming streets are the obvious draw, there’s something else about Paris that never fails to captivate. THE FOOD! So let’s go over these 7 must-try foods in Paris.
But first things first, let me just say that Paris is SO MUCH MORE than croissants, baguettes, and that one fancy dinner spot everyone posts on Instagram (you know the one). The food scene here is on a whole different level. Think flaky pastries that ruin all others for you, rich dishes that feel like a warm hug, and tiny cafés where even the simplest meal turns into an experience. It’s the kind of city where you come for the sights, but end up planning your entire day around what you’re going to eat next. And honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.
As a self-proclaimed food lover, there’s something magical about experiencing a city through its flavours. Paris is the ultimate destination for a culinary adventure. Each dish tells a story, and I promise, every bite is worth savouring. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or craving a hearty, comforting meal, Paris has it all.
7 Must-try foods in Paris
So, today I want to share with you my ultimate list of 7 must-try foods in Paris.
These are the dishes that I’ve tasted, savoured, and come to love during my travels, each one a piece of the city’s rich culture and culinary heritage. I’ve included my favorite spots to try them, too, so you can have the best experience when you’re there. Let’s dive in!
1. Macarons: A Colourful Taste of Elegance
Ah, macarons! If you’ve ever stepped foot in Paris, you know that these little sweet treats are almost a rite of passage. I can remember the first time I had a macaron. One bite and I was instantly hooked. The crispy outer shell, the smooth, creamy filling, and that delightful crunch; it’s the perfect combination.
Where to Try: Ladurée or Pierre Hermes
There’s no place better to try macarons than at Ladurée or Pierre Hermes. These iconic patisseries, located on the Champs-Élysées, are some of the first to create these colourful delights. Trust me when I say that stepping inside Ladurée is like entering a pastel-coloured dream.
The macarons here are a true work of art, made with such precision and care. If you want to treat yourself (and you absolutely should), the pistachio and Madagascan vanilla flavours are a must.
What makes these macarons so special to Paris? It’s the artistry behind them. Every macaron you try in Paris will transport you into a world of French perfection with light, delicate, and bursting with flavour. There’s something about enjoying a macaron in Paris that makes it feel extra magical.
Besides trying macarons in Paris you can also take a class to learn how to make them. I can tell you one thing, it is really fun!
2. Crêpes: A French Street Food Classic
One of my fondest memories in Paris is wandering along the Seine with a crêpe in hand. I’ve had crêpes in many places, but there’s something about enjoying one on a crisp Parisian afternoon that just feels right. Whether you’re snacking on a sweet crêpe filled with Nutella or a savoury one loaded with cheese and ham, crêpes are always a good idea in Paris.
Where to Try: Crêperie Josselin or Carette
If you’re craving a savory crêpe, head to Crêperie Josselin in Montparnasse. This crêperie has been around since 1930, and it’s one of the best in the city. I always go for the “Complète” (ham, egg, and cheese), but trust me when I say that anything on their menu will hit the spot. The crêpes here are hearty and delicious, so definitely not your average street food!
Or if you prefer sweet crêpes I will tell you to go to Carette. They have a great spot near the square in Montmartre, where you can take yours to go, or you can visit the location near Trocadero if you want to also enjoy the Parisian vibe of staying at a cafe and watching people go by.
While crêpes hail from Brittany, Paris has made them a beloved street food classic. I love how Parisians stop for crêpes on the go, and you’ll find them at every corner, tempting you with the delicious aroma.
3. Croissants: A Perfect Start to Your Day
One of the 7 must-try foods in Paris are croissants. Every morning in Paris, I made it a point to grab a croissant with my hot chocolate. There’s something about biting into that perfectly flaky, buttery pastry that just makes you feel like you’re living the dream. If there’s one thing you must do in Paris, it’s enjoying a freshly baked croissant in a charming café.
Where to Try: Du Pain et des Idées or Carette
Head to Du Pain et des Idées for a croissant experience that will blow your mind. This bakery, tucked away near the Canal Saint-Martin, is one of my favorites in Paris. The croissants here are golden, buttery, the kind of croissant that makes you stop and savor every bite. Another great spot is to go and enjoy a croissant at Carette on the terrace.
What makes Parisian croissants so special? It’s all about the technique and the quality of the ingredients. The butter here is rich, the dough is delicate, and the result is a croissant that feels like it was made just for you. Who wouldn’t like to try this?
4. Croque Monsieur: The Ultimate French Comfort Food
When the weather’s a little chilly, nothing beats a hot croque monsieur. This French take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich is so much more than that. It’s a comforting melty masterpiece. The combination of crispy, golden bread, savoury ham, and gooey cheese, topped with a rich béchamel sauce, is the ultimate comfort food.
Where to Try: Café de Flore
Café de Flore is one of Paris’s most famous cafés, and it’s the perfect place to indulge in a croque monsieur. I loved sitting at one of the sidewalk tables, watching the world go by while I enjoyed my sandwich. The croque monsieur here is indulgent and delicious. Seriously, one of the best in the city. Enjoy it with some French fries and it’s going to be the perfect duo.
Croque monsieur is the kind of dish that’s simple but always satisfying. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel cozy and content, perfect for a lunch break while you explore Paris.
5. Steak Frites: A Parisian Favourite
When I think of Parisian bistros, I immediately think of steak frites. This classic dish of steak served with crispy fries sounds simple, but in Paris, it’s elevated to something extraordinary. The steak is always perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender, and the fries are golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
Where to Try: Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
One of my favourite spots to try steak frites in Paris is Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. This little bistro serves up just one thing: steak frites. And let me tell you, they do it so well. The secret sauce is what really makes the dish stand out—rich, flavourful, and just the right amount of creamy. If you’re a fan of classic French comfort food, this is the place to be.
The beauty of steak frites in Paris is in the simplicity. The combination of tender steak and crispy fries is the kind of meal that satisfies on every level.
6. Baguette: The Heart of French Bread
It’s impossible to walk through Paris without seeing someone carrying a baguette. This iconic bread is a symbol of Paris itself. Simple, rustic, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re eating it with cheese, pâté, or just on its own, a good baguette is an essential part of any meal in Paris.
Where to Try: La Parisienne Saint Germain
La Parisienne is an incredible bakery that I discovered during my time in Paris, and it’s one of the best spots for a fresh, warm baguette. The outside is perfectly crisp, while the inside is soft and airy. There’s something so comforting about tearing off a piece of baguette, spreading some butter on it, and just savouring the moment.
Parisian baguettes are a work of art. The bread is made with love and tradition, and you can taste it in every bite. I love grabbing a baguette from La Parisienne and taking it with me on a picnic in the park. It’s pure Parisian bliss.
READ MORE ABOUT PARIS 2 Day Paris itinerary or First time visiting Paris
7. Crème Brûlée: The Sweet Parisian Ending
Another one of the 7 must-try foods recommendations in Paris is Crème Brûlée. I don’t know about you, but I believe every meal deserves a sweet ending. And when in Paris, that sweet ending must be crème brûlée. This rich, velvety dessert with its crispy caramelized sugar topping is the ultimate indulgence. It’s sweet, smooth, and oh-so-satisfying.
Where to Try: Le Procope
Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, is one of the best places to enjoy crème brûlée. The ambiance here is historic and charming, and their crème brûlée is nothing short of perfect. The custard is rich, with just the right amount of vanilla flavor, and the caramelized top cracks just perfectly when you tap it with your spoon. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re indulging in a bit of French history.
Crème brûlée is the perfect Parisian dessert. It’s luxurious yet simple, and every bite is a reminder of the care and passion that goes into French cuisine.
A Culinary Adventure You’ll Never Forget
So, what do you think? Ready to eat your way through Paris?
Trust me, these 7 must-try foods in Paris will give you a taste of the city’s heart and soul. From macarons to crème brûlée, every dish is a reminder of how much Paris truly loves its food. And the best part? You don’t have to be a food expert to enjoy it. You just need to dig in and savour the flavours that make this city so unforgettable.
Bon appétit, my friends! ✨
