Unmissable Parisian food stops 🇫🇷✨
Unmissable Parisian food stops 🇫🇷✨
Caity Zagar
Available for hire
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Paris on 9 separate occasions so far and these are by far the most memorable places I’ve been to eat!
I know that deciding on where to eat also depends on where you'll be that day, so make sure to refer back to the map to get an idea of where each of these different food places are located!
I try to add to this guide every time I have another memorable meal in Paris - so be sure to give it a save for the updates! ✨
Updated ago
22
Share
✨ I never like to 'over-crowd' my guides with recommendations since that never makes it easier for travelers to decide where to actually go - so rest assured, these are my FAVE restaurants in Paris and recommend to all family and friends who visit! ✨
Close to Montmartre:
Pink Mamma
@czphoneshome
Just around the corner from the Moulin Rouge, you will find the stunning Pink Mamma, an Italian restaurant! It’s an insanely popular and busy place so I HIGHLY recommend booking a table in advance!
Tip for booking: there are multiple restaurants that this group owns, so when booking online make sure you're booking for the right location🚨
My experience: we didn’t have a reservation but we showed up 30 minutes before they opened to see if we could grab a walk-in table and there was already a significant line starting to form! 😮
If you see a line, it doesn't mean that you won't get a table! They plan on leaving tables open dedicated to walk-ins! The restaurant has multiple levels so there's plenty of space so don't be discouraged if you see a line - you just might have to wait a bit. (We were surprised on how fast we got in considering the line)
In the end, we got a table at the bar where we got to watch the chefs in action and it was so much fun! No matter where you’re sitting in this place, you’ll have a great time and leave feeling full! 🍕
Tip for your experience: even if your table isn't located on the top floor - be sure to walk up and check it out. It has a gorgeous view through its glass ceiling and the decor is super cool!
Add to
Details
Le vrai Paris
@czphoneshome
This restaurant is the perfect spot to get traditional French foods. It is quite popular, mainly because of its Instagrammable decorations but trust me, the food and the service were just as great as the setting!
I would recommend making a reservation to be sure you have a table! We came here for dinner but they had a very extensive menu and seemed to be a popular brunch spot as well!
Add to
Details
La Bohème
@czphoneshome
This restaurant is located right in the centre of Montmartre and the best part of dining here is sitting on a terrace and taking in the bustling Place du Tertre. It’s a wonderful square filled with artists and restaurants and is the perfect place to watch the world go by! 👩🏼🎨
Note: this square can get really packed and busy in the tourist season - like insanely packed. But because there are so many restaurants in this square we had no issues finding a table and I HIGHLY recommend sitting outside. So if one restaurant is full, just pop over to its neighbour, there's plenty to choose from!
Add to
Details
Le Moulin de la Galette
@czphoneshome
During one of my visits to Montmartre, this was the spot we chose to sit down and enjoy a drink!
And what a place to choose! It’s one of the only remaining windmills left in Montmartre and was the backdrop to a pretty well-known painting by Renoir (check out the link below) 👇
Add to
Details
Le Marais & around the Notre Dame:
Carette
@czphoneshome
There are 3 Carette Cafes around Paris but this particular one was located in the cutest square in the really trendy neighbourhood called le Marais!
Carette Cafe is known for its french breakfasts and pastries. Every table is photo-worthy when your food is delivered!
It was a bit pricier than I was expecting but it was still delicious and I HIGHLY recommend the hot chocolate (another one of their specialities) 🍫
Add to
Details
Berthillon Glacier
@czphoneshome
I have been told by several french people AND local Parisians that this is the BEST ICE CREAM in Paris (and it 100% is)!
From what I understand, Berthillion is a brand of ice cream, so keep your eyes peeled while eating around Paris because several other restaurants will serve their ice cream on their dessert menu 🍨
Add to
Details
Odette
@czphoneshome
Odette is the sweetest cafe within walking distance from the Notre Dam! It's nestled in a little historic corner of Paris - right around the corner from the Shakespeare and Co. Bookshop!
They’re famous for their choux pastries, they are FABULOUS! 🤤
Add to
Details
These spots are all featured in my walking itinerary below! Check it out if you're interested in visiting some of the 'less visited' corners of Paris! 👇🏻
Around the Eiffel Tower:
Le Volant Basque
@czphoneshome
A really small, hidden gem around 15 min walk from the Eiffel Tower with amazing food from the Pays Basque region of France! I particularly loved the Magret de canard! 👌🏼
Add to
Details
Il Sorrentino
@czphoneshome
The food here was absolutely incredible! It is a very small restaurant with an excellent view of the Eiffel Tower and the quality was amazing!
They're known for preparing your pasta in a giant round of parmesan cheese! I would say this was a mid-range place in terms of pricing, most meals were around 30 euros up - something to keep in mind!
Definitely make a reservation - its super small so I can imagine it fills up fast!
Add to
Details
Around the Train Stations:
Brasserie Dubillot
@czphoneshome
A brasserie is a typical French restaurant where you can get all of the classics. And this one was really quite good and had really reasonable prices!
I would recommend trying the saucisse purée!
Add to
Details
Mamiche
@czphoneshome
This is an iconic bakery that I have been wanting to go to for ages! Walking in, I wanted to try one of everything!!!
Everything I tried was really good but do expect to wait in line - they are quite popular! When we went, it was around 9:30 am on a Saturday morning and we didn't have to wait but we read online that the line can get long!
Add to
Details
Tranché Rochechouart - Boulangerie engagée
@czphoneshome
Really nice bakery around Gare du Nord if you’re ever in need for a quick snack on the way to train station (like I was the other day 😋)
I particularly liked their chocolate babka!
Add to
Details
Carton Paris
@czphoneshome
This bakery is just beside the Gare du Nord train station is it actually won the title of the best Croissant in 2022! The line was a bit long when I popped in at lunch time but they have a lot of things to choose from beyond just croissants!
Add to
Details
Near the Latin Quarter:
Chez Papa Jazz Club
@czphoneshome
If you’re interested in a place with a lot of ambiance and character, go to Chez Papa! It’s a jazz bar/restaurant that serves delicious food and plays amazing live music every evening! 🎶
We didn't have any reservations and luckily grabbed the last table on the balcony. We stayed for hours, enjoying our meal and just listening to music. It is a really cool place and the service was amazing as well!
Add to
Details
Boulangerie BO&MIE - Saint Michel
@czphoneshome
Really cute bakery and cafe that was the perfect lunch stop! I would recommend trying the New York Roll, I have never seen them before and they had several different variations and flavours here!
Add to
Details
Le Procope
@czphoneshome
This is actually the oldest restaurant in Paris! That fact alone makes in super interesting to dine here!
They have tonnes of memorabilia they have collected over the years of hosting famous guests like Voltaire, Napoleon, Victor Hugo, Benjamin Franklin, Rousseau etc. They even have Napoleon's hat on display!
In terms of the food, it was good, not the best but good! But the service was quite bad I won't lie! But I am including it on this list because it is a really interesting spot in terms of its history!
Add to
Details
The Crêperie
@czphoneshome
Since my first visit to Paris back in 2015, I have come back to this crêperie every time I’m in the area! They have a wide selection of sweet and savoury crêpes so you’ll be able to find something for all tastes!
Fun fact: galettes (buckwheat savoury crêpes) are traditionally served with cider which you enjoy out of a bowl! Don’t forget to order a bowl of cider with your meal! 🍎
Add to
Details
Near the Opera House:
Café de la Paix
@czphoneshome
Café de la Paix is located right beside the Palais Garnier and is one of the most elegant restaurants I’ve ever eaten at and has been around since 1862!
It is an institution of the theatre district and has welcomed many world-renowned artistic figures such as Oscar Wilde, Victor Hugo, Arthur Conan Doyle and Ernest Hemingway! 📚
Add to
Details
A bit on the outskirts:
Poggi Cup
@czphoneshome
This is a really small, funky place I stumbled across on my last visit to Paris and I found it to be very unique!
They serve their meals in cups, where you will find layers and layers of different flavours, textures and toppings that come together to make something delightful! They're made for take away but you can also enjoy your meal in their really colourful restaurant!
I had the autumn seasonal cup which had butternut squash purée, nuts, cheese and roasted butternut squash! 🥣
Add to
Details
My foodie bucket list:
Places I have personally not visited yet but are planning to visit in the future!!!
Le Train Bleu
@czphoneshome
This is a restaurant I have NOT been to, but has been on my list for a while now!
It is located in the Gare du Lyon train station (hence its name) and honestly the interior looks stunning! Its been around since 1901
Its another pricier restaurant and is a bit out of the main touristy area but I understand it to be a really cool and beautiful experience!
Add to
Details
Chez Janou
@czphoneshome
I really wanted to eat here for one reason and one reason alone - their mousse! They are known for having AMAZING chocolate mousse!
Add to
Details
Angelina
@czphoneshome
There are quite a few cafes that are known for their hot chocolate in Paris but apparently Angelina's is THE place to get hot chocolate in Paris!
Add to
Details
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole
@czphoneshome
This spot I have heard to be super cute, especially in the spring and summer when the wisteria is in bloom!
Add to
Details
Want more ideas for your trip to Paris - I have put together ALL of my Paris guides for you below! 👇🏼
Want help planning your trip to Paris?
I consider France to be my area of expertise. I've lived here for 2 years and have traveled around many times to many regions! I would love to help you with your trip planning - let's make the most out of your trip!
How can we make your trip EVEN BETTER?
Curated recs are great if:
you know where you want to go, but don’t have the time or energy to research where to eat, what to do, or where to stay!
Custom itinerary is great if:
you know where you want to go but cannot commit the time to planning and researching the logistical details. You can choose whether you want an in-depth itinerary or a trip outline!
Consultation calls are great if:
you want to chat face-to-face with someone who has lived in Europe for 4 years and can give you advice, tips, or even feedback on your itinerary. We can talk about everything and anything you need help with!
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caity Zagar
Available for hire
I’m a seasoned traveler with experience in over 30 countries around the world, who’s been lucky enough to have lived in both France & the UK. Now I love helping travelers make the most of their trips and explore more underrated corners of France & the UK!
My goal is to not overwhelm you with options— in my guides & itineraries, I provide suggestions that are truly worth it, based on personal experience or in-depth research.
Whether you’re planning a dream trip to France, the UK, or beyond, I hope I can help you plan your next adventure! ✨
My expertise?
🇫🇷 On top of living in Lille, France for 2 years, my French fiancee has helped me develop a passion for this country beyond a typical tourist. Over the past 8 years, I’ve explored France from north to south: I’ve visited Paris 9 times, road-tripped through Normandy twice, & fell in love with Alsace. I’ve spent time castle-hopping in the Loire Valley, beach-hopping in Corsica, & explored Provence & the French Riviera multiple times. Bordeaux has become a second home, with over 10 visits to the region.
🇬🇧 I lived in London, UK for 2 years, mostly during the pandemic, when I really got to know the city in depth - since we couldn't go anywhere else! Beyond London, I’ve road-tripped through Scotland twice, explored gems like York and Liverpool, road-tripped through Cornwall & enjoyed countless day trips, from charming villages to coastal towns.
Why trust me?
🌍 Lived & traveled: I’ve called both France and the UK home, giving me insider knowledge and plenty of travel experience!
✈️ 20+ European countries: My travel experience spans the continent, so I know how to navigate Europe and want to help others do the same.
🧳 Organized, detailed & thoughtful: My itineraries focus on making the most of your time & budget, blending structure with room for spontaneity.
🥐 Foodie at heart: Food is also a huge part of my travels, & I make it a point to seek out the best local dishes & restaurants wherever I go.
Send A Tip
Support Caity Zagar’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Caity Zagar 2024 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places