2026 February 11th

What is a must try food in Paris?

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Paris is not just the city of love but it’s also the city of food. From flaky croissants at sunrise to cheese boards and Bordeaux at dusk, eating your way through Paris is practically a cultural requirement. But with so many options, where do you even begin?

Whether you are here for a week or a whirlwind 48 hours, here’s your guide to must-try French food in Paris, from classic sit-down meals to bites on the go.

Classic French Dishes You Have to Try

If you are craving the real-deal French experience, start with the classics. Paris is packed with bistros, brasseries, and bouillons (traditional French canteens) that serve hearty, comforting dishes that generations have grown up on.

The Ultimate French Comfort Food Lineup:

  • Boeuf Bourguignon: Slow-cooked beef in red wine with carrots, onions, and mushrooms. Rich and deeply flavorful. Try it at Bistrot Paul Bert or Bouillon République.
  • Coq au Vin: Chicken braised in wine (usually red) with lardons, mushrooms, and garlic.
  • Duck Confit: Crispy, melt-in-your-mouth duck leg, often served with potatoes sautéed in duck fat.
  • Gratin Dauphinois: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and garlic. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
  • French Onion Soup: Topped with golden, bubbling cheese. Cozy and iconic.

Bouillons are excellent places to try these traditional dishes, and they are budget-friendly. Originally created in the late 19th century to serve affordable meals to the working class, Parisian bouillons were designed to make classic French cuisine accessible to everyone. Today, they stay true to that mission, offering recipes in Belle Époque-style dining rooms.

food_in_paris_boeuf_bourguignon

Street Food, Snacks, and Sweet Treats

Of course, not every Parisian delicacy comes with a white tablecloth. Some of the city’s best bites can be enjoyed while strolling the Seine or lounging in a park.

Savory Highlights:

  • Croque Monsieur: The French answer to grilled cheese, but fancier (and better).
  • Jambon-beurre: A simple sandwich of ham and butter on a perfect Parisian baguette. Trust us, it’s a revelation.
  • Quiche Lorraine: Eggy, cheesy, flaky goodness, often found at bakeries or cafés.
  • Charcuterie & Cheese: A must. Grab a selection from Maison Verot or La Petit Ferme D’Ines, and have your own picnic with some wine.

Sweet Must-Tries:

  • Macarons: Try the rainbow of flavors at Pierre Hermé or Ladurée.
  • Choux à la crème: Cream-filled pastry puffs, sometimes with inventive twists (check Tranché in the Latin Quarter).
  • Tarte Tatin: Upside-down caramelized apple tart. Rustic and divine.
  • Crêpes: Sweet or savory, they are always a good idea. Look for crêperies in the Marais or near Montparnasse.

And don’t forget to visit a boulangerie for a warm pain au chocolat, or a crusty baguette tradition, French bread is the benchmark.

food in paris cheese

Not Here for Long? Try a Food Tour!

If you have only got a short time in Paris and want to experience a slice of everything, from buttery pastries to boutique cheeses, plus a few local secrets along the way, a Paris food tour might just be your best bet.

It’s like a highlight reel of French cuisine, packed into 3 delicious hours. In neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, food tours often include:

  • Hand-picked cheeses (like Comté, Brie de Meaux, or goat cheese ash-ripened to perfection),
  • Artisanal charcuterie,
  • Freshly baked bread from top bakeries,
  • A tasting of iconic French desserts (like macarons, éclairs, or choux),
  • Final wine and food tasting will introduce you to three distinct French wines or Champagne.You will have the opportunity to pair them with the delicious food you have collected throughout the tour.

Final Bite

The truth is, Paris is a never-ending buffet of flavor, and everyone’s “must-try” is a little different. Whether you are sipping espresso in a café, indulging in a long dinner with friends, or walking through cobbled streets with a warm pastry in hand, eating in Paris is as much about the vibe as the food.

But if you are short on time (or just want to skip the research), a well-curated food tour is one of the best ways to experience the highlights of French gastronomy and perfectly paired wines. We offer intimate food tours in two of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods: Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You will taste a curated selection of local specialties, meet passionate artisans, and learn a few delicious stories along the way. It’s like a crash course in French food culture, one bite (and sip) at a time.

Bon appétit!

Anastasia

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