Oh the many gastronomical treasures that can be found in the city of love. From specially fattened duck liver (foie gras) to perfectly flaky croissants, there is something for all foodies here.
The restaurant options can be somewhat overwhelming, though. I mean it’s Paris we are talking about. It’s hard not to have high expectations. So, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared ahead of time with a foodie agenda – yes, a foodie agenda. There’s no shame in the game. I was fortunate to visit last spring for the first time and had a list of “must eats” ready pre-departure thanks to Lonely Planet.
Whatever you do, don’t rush anything. The true Parisian experience is to live like a local. Walk around town with a fresh baguette in hand. Sit at a cafe, watch the people stroll by & lose track of the time. Drink wine & lots of it.
Alexa, play la vie en rose by Edith Piaf.*
Start your day at Ble Sucre with a croissant & a pain au chocolat, because why have to choose?
Take a morning stroll through the Bastille Market – an outdoor foodie paradise that will put your local farmer’s market to shame.
Be bold & try your next pastry with escargot at Du Pain et des Idees.
Grab a table at one of the oldest cafes in Paris, Cafe de Flore, & sip a cafe au lait.
Still having a sweet craving? Don’t miss the decadent hot chocolate at Angelina that is so rich, you’ll need to eat with a spoon.
Ready for lunch? Have a Breton-style savory galette to start & then a sweet crepe for dessert at Breizh Cafe.
Watch the sunset over the Eiffel Tower. Then, walk over to Le Petit Retro for dinner & feel like you’re stepping back in to the early 1900s in this art nouveau setting.
Got steak frites on the mind? Settle in at Le Relais de l’entrecote & prepare to loosen the belt a few notches.
Looking for a little romance? Dine at the dimly lit Chez Toinette in Montmartre. Arguably the best & most authentic Parisian meal of the trip.
Ble Sucre in the Bastille neighborhood
Pastry with escargot at Du Pain et des Idees near République
Cafe de Flore in St. Germain
Cappuccino at Cafe de Flore in St. Germain
Mille-feuille at Angelina near the Tuileries Garden. Hot chocolate not pictured*
Savory Galette at Breizh Cafe in Le Marais
Crepe with caramel sauce & vanilla glace at Breizh Cafe in Le Marais
All the cheese at Bastille Market (open on Thursdays & Sundays)
Le Petit Retro near Trocadero
Veal at Le Petit Retro near Trocadero
Fois Gras at Le Petit Retro near Trocadero
Duck at Chez Toinette in Montmartre
Veal at Chez Toinette in Montmartre
Let’s just imagine for a moment that we live here…Sigh*
