Parisian Culinary Delights: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Restaurants, Bakeries & Must-Try Foods

As summer travel plans begin to unfold, it’s hard not to reminisce about past unforgettable journeys. For me and my husband, our honeymoon in Paris stands out as an extraordinary experience, a trip that transcended expectations not just for its romantic ambiance and vibrant culture, but especially for its unparalleled culinary scene. Paris truly offers a gastronomic journey like no other, setting a benchmark for food that I’ve found unmatched anywhere else in the world. Having been frequently asked about our favorite Parisian meals and dining recommendations, I’m thrilled to share this comprehensive guide to what to eat in Paris, detailing our most cherished dishes and the exceptional places where we savored them. Our extensive explorations across the city allowed us to genuinely discover some of the finest culinary gems, and I’m excited to share these with you so you too can experience the magic of Parisian food.

Breakfasts & French Pastries: A Sweet Start to Your Parisian Day

Beginning your day in Paris with a freshly baked pastry and a rich coffee is an essential part of the experience. The city’s boulangeries and patisseries are true works of art, offering an incredible array of sweet and savory treats that will delight your senses. From flaky croissants to decadent chocolates, these spots quickly became a highlight of our trip.

Vandermeersch

Among all the patisseries and breakfast spots we explored in Paris, Vandermeersch unequivocally reigned supreme. Tucked away on a quiet corner, this unassuming shop garners incredible rave reviews, and for good reason. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with a shower of complimentary samples, an immediate indicator of their generosity and pride in their craft. We left feeling elated, a delightful sugar rush accompanying our treasured pastries, much like children leaving a candy store. Vandermeersch is particularly renowned for its Kouglof – a small, bundt-like yeasted cake. This particular pastry, with its slightly crusty exterior, buttery soft interior, and delicate sugar coating, became one of the most unexpected culinary loves of our trip. Even now, I can vividly recall its exquisite taste! Beyond their famous Kouglof, their quiches were hands-down the best I tasted in Paris, and believe me, I sampled many. A slight detour to reach this bakery is absolutely worth every single bite.

Boulangerie Heurtier

The convenience and quality of Boulangerie Heurtier made it our go-to breakfast spot, located a mere thirty-second stroll from our hotel. We frequented this charming boulangerie for five mornings, captivated by its consistently delectable offerings. My daily ritual often involved a classic croissant, its flaky layers a perfect start to the day. On other mornings, I ventured into their other delights, indulging in a savory quiche, a rich chocolate croissant, or a comforting hot chocolate paired with a robust coffee. Every item we tried, from their freshly baked breads to their sweet pastries, was prepared with care and never failed to impress. It’s a testament to the everyday excellence of Parisian bakeries.

Laduree

A visit to Laduree is an absolute must when in Paris, a classic stop that perfectly encapsulates the city’s elegance and charm. Our visit to the Laduree at Versailles felt like stepping into a dream, a confectionary paradise of exquisite beauty. The macarons, in particular, were simply divine – a symphony of delicate textures and vibrant flavors that truly melt in your mouth. This iconic establishment flawlessly captures the quintessential French chic style that is so adored worldwide. As a sweet memento of this enchanting experience, I even picked up an adorable macaron keychain, a charming reminder of our visit to this beloved Parisian institution.

Pierre Hermes

Following our delightful experience at Laduree, we decided to further our macaron exploration with a visit to Pierre Hermes, another renowned name in the world of French pastries. While Laduree still holds a special place as my personal favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed the macarons from Pierre Hermes, particularly appreciating the wide and innovative range of flavors available. We certainly embraced the classic tourist route when it came to macarons, but after hearing so much about these two legendary establishments, resisting their allure was simply impossible.

La Maison du Chocolat

For any chocolate enthusiast, La Maison du Chocolat is an essential stop. This charming store offered the absolute best chocolate I tasted during my entire Parisian adventure. It’s an incredibly adorable shop, brimming with an astonishing array of chocolate choices, far more than one could possibly imagine. From delicate truffles to rich pralines, each piece is a tiny masterpiece. It’s also the perfect place to find exquisite gifts to bring back home to friends and loved ones, allowing them to experience a taste of Parisian luxury. I was thoroughly captivated by the multitude of choices and the exceptional quality found here.

Cafe Saint Severin Saint Michel

While perhaps not as extravagantly acclaimed as some of the other establishments on this list, Cafe Saint Severin Saint Michel offered truly delicious food in a remarkably vibrant setting. I enjoyed a delightful quiche, while my husband ventured into the rich flavors of foie gras. What truly set this cafe apart, however, was its unparalleled atmosphere for people-watching. We spent several blissful hours here, transitioning from sipping on warm hot chocolate to enjoying a glass of fine wine, engaging in lively conversation, and simply absorbing the bustling Parisian street life unfolding before us. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated Parisian immersion, creating an unforgettable memory that perfectly encapsulated the relaxed charm of the city.

Lunch & Dinner: A Journey Through Parisian Savory Delights

As the day progresses, Paris truly comes alive with an extraordinary array of options for lunch and dinner. From hidden bistros to Michelin-starred establishments, each offers a unique window into French culinary artistry. Our evenings were filled with delightful discoveries, from rustic regional dishes to innovative modern cuisine, all accompanied by impeccable service and unforgettable atmospheres.

Le Colimaçon – A Culinary Revelation (MUST eat!)

I must emphasize this point from the outset: Le Colimaçon was, without a shadow of a doubt, my absolute favorite meal of our entire Parisian honeymoon. Discovered almost by accident on TheFork on our very last night, this restaurant, located just around the corner from us, left such an indelible impression that I found myself desperately wishing we could change our flight to experience it once more. We made a late-night reservation and, in our eagerness, walked past its subtle entrance twice before finally finding this hidden gem. Part of me almost hesitates to share this secret, wanting to preserve its charm as a wonderfully kept local favorite! Every single dish we had was divine. What truly set Le Colimaçon apart was their incredible willingness to custom-make every dish to be vegetarian for me. I could genuinely weep recalling those meals; I’ve tried to recreate them countless times since, only to realize that authentic French flavors are simply inimitable without their unique ingredients. For my appetizer, I savored a sublime goat cheese salad, complemented by an abundance of crusty bread throughout the meal. My main dish was a magnificent medley of goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes, the most flavorful carrots I’ve ever tasted, perfectly roasted potatoes, and a fresh salad. While it might sound simple, the complexity and depth of flavor were astounding. I felt compelled to call the waitress over three times to express my gratitude and to understand the magic behind what I was eating. We were even more impressed when we learned that the talented chef was a very young adult! For dessert, we shared their signature molten lava cake, followed by their recommended sweet apple liquor shot. We left Le Colimaçon feeling absolutely euphoric, as if floating on cloud nine.

Les Philosophes

Such was our affection for Les Philosophes that we dined there a remarkable four times during our stay. Despite having the opportunity to explore a new establishment daily, we found ourselves repeatedly drawn back to this fantastic restaurant, and with excellent reason. It was, in fact, the site of our very first meal in Paris, a recommendation from our hotel owner who cited it as one of his personal favorites. I vividly remember my inaugural dish: a rich mushroom and arugula risotto, bathed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. One bite was all it took. I looked directly at my husband and exclaimed, “Is all the food going to taste like this?! We are never leaving Paris!” Beyond that initial revelation, I savored an exquisite tomato mozzarella salad, a perfectly crafted quiche, and several indulgent desserts, including a molten lava cupcake. Our dining experiences were always enhanced by the wine selections; we made it a point to ask our server for their recommendations, which invariably led to an amazing and perfectly paired choice. Les Philosophes truly became a beloved fixture of our Parisian culinary adventure.

Le Jaja

Le Jaja was another exceptional recommendation from our hotel owner, and it offered a truly distinctive dining experience. While the food itself was undeniably amazing, the ambiance was the primary reason I would eagerly return. Stepping into Le Jaja felt like entering a scene from a movie, with its unique indoor/outdoor glass-enclosed tree deck setting, further enhanced by the presence of live music. It epitomized French chic, creating an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and incredibly inviting. I relished a delicate burrata dish with fresh figs and mint, followed by a delicious grilled eggplant served over couscous. It was at Le Jaja that my deep appreciation for eggplant truly blossomed; I now find myself enjoying half a dozen every two weeks! Every dish was meticulously seasoned, yet retained an incredible freshness of flavor, a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients.

Le Jules Verne

For our official honeymoon dinner, we chose the iconic Le Jules Verne, located within the Eiffel Tower itself, and the experience was nothing short of magical. The ambiance here is simply unbeatable, offering a dining experience with all the flare, jazz, and romance one could dream of. This Michelin-starred restaurant provided not only exquisite dishes but also an incredible panoramic view of the sparkling city below. Dining at Le Jules Verne felt like stepping into a Disney movie, complete with breathtaking vistas and endless possibilities for a truly unforgettable evening. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion, promising a meal that transcends mere food to become a cherished memory.

O Chateau Wine Tasting

To visit Paris and forgo a wine tasting would be to miss out on a quintessential French experience. Our excursion to O Chateau was one of our absolute favorites. Beyond the sheer enjoyment, we gained invaluable knowledge about French wines that we continue to apply every time we uncork a bottle. The tasting was expertly guided, allowing us to sample an array of incredible French cheeses perfectly paired with exquisite wines. This experience is not only fun and usually quite efficient, but it also equips you with insights that you’ll be able to draw upon for the rest of your life, making it a truly enriching part of any Parisian itinerary.

To wrap up your Parisian culinary journey, ensure you savor these quintessential French delights:

• A flaky, buttery Croissant
• A sweet and tender Kouglof
• A delicate, flavorful Macaron
• An assortment of exquisite French cheeses
• And of course, plenty of exquisite Wine, wine, and more wine!

5 Essential Tips for Discovering Amazing Food in Paris:

Navigating the vast culinary landscape of Paris can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you’ll unlock extraordinary dining experiences that go beyond the typical tourist traps.

1. Be Adventurous and Embrace the Unknown: Paris is a playground for your palate. Don’t shy away from trying dishes you might not typically consider. You’ll often be pleasantly surprised by the new flavors and textures you discover. Step out of your comfort zone, and you might just find your next favorite meal.

2. Seek Local Recommendations: Your hotel receptionist or owner is an invaluable source of local wisdom. Ask them for their personal favorite spots – whether it’s a hidden bistro, a charming cafe, or a baker’s secret. This is precisely how we uncovered several of our most beloved dining establishments, experiencing Paris through the eyes of those who call it home.

3. Venture Beyond the Main Tourist Hubs: While famous landmarks offer convenience, some of the most authentic and incredible food can be found in less obvious locations. Many corner shops and neighborhood restaurants, often overlooked by tourists, serve up astonishingly delicious meals just waiting for you to discover. Explore side streets and residential areas for genuine culinary treasures.

4. Dedicate Time to Roaming and Sampling: Allocate at least a half-day or a few hours in your itinerary to simply wander. Let your senses guide you. Pop into different bakeries for a pastry, try appetizers from various cafes, or grab a small plate from a local market stall. We embraced this approach early in our trip, and it led us to amazing finds that we eagerly returned to for full lunches or dinners. It’s not just a food exploration; it’s a wonderfully immersive sightseeing experience in itself.

5. When You Find a Keeper, Cherish It: This might seem contradictory to the advice of roaming, but sometimes, sticking with a restaurant you absolutely adore is perfectly acceptable. If you find a place that truly captivates you, don’t hesitate to return. Ask your server for their favorite menu items, explore different dishes from their beautiful menu, and savor the consistent quality and inviting atmosphere. There’s comfort and joy in revisiting a place that has already brought you immense pleasure.

For more of my travel adventures, follow my hashtag #jitktravels on Instagram. Additionally, discover exclusive recipes by following me on Instagram and on Snapchat: jessinkitchen.