Paris Culinary Journey: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Eats and Essential Sights
Welcome to Paris, the undisputed capital of gastronomy! This comprehensive guide shares our most cherished culinary discoveries, from historic pastry shops to vibrant bistros, ensuring your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey. For a tailor-made, navigational Google map detailing all these remarkable locations and more, simply click here. Prepare to immerse yourself in the flavors of the City of Lights!
Last May, my partner Connor and I spent three absolutely glorious and food-filled days exploring the enchanting streets of Paris, France. It always takes me a little while to meticulously sift through countless photos and carefully compile these travel guides, but today, I am thrilled to finally share our most cherished bites, top recommendations, and invaluable insights from our Parisian adventure. We poured our hearts (and stomachs!) into discovering the best of the city’s culinary scene, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.
With Connor’s incredibly demanding work schedule, we make it a priority to plan at least one significant trip together each year. Travel isn’t just a hobby for us; it’s one of our deepest shared passions. So, instead of exchanging traditional anniversary, birthday, or holiday gifts, we invest in experiences – we go places, explore new cultures, and, most importantly, savor new flavors.
On a practical note, Connor has become an absolute wizard at accumulating free airline miles, which significantly helps make these ambitious trips a reality! If this is something you’d be interested in learning more about, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and we’ll be happy to share our insider tips and tricks.
Paris has been at the very top of my travel bucket list ever since I graduated from French culinary school five years ago. My initial trip to France was actually over two decades ago, and let’s just say, my palate and appreciation for fine cuisine have matured dramatically since those early days. This time, I was ready to experience Paris through a truly gastronomic lens.
For this memorable journey, we decided to begin our French adventure with five serene nights in the picturesque, sleepy village towns of Provence, France. This offered a beautiful contrast, allowing us to ease into the French lifestyle before diving headfirst into the bustling energy of Paris for the grand finale of our trip.
During our stay in the capital, we rented a cozy studio apartment through Airbnb, strategically located in the popular and incredibly vibrant Marais district. This proved to be an exceptional home base, offering convenient access to explore the city extensively on foot. The Marais itself is a treasure trove, brimming with charming boutiques, historical sites, and, most importantly for us, an abundance of outstanding restaurants and world-class pastry shops.
Our time in Paris was, to put it mildly, an epicurean feast. We quite literally ate our way through the city, savoring every delightful bite. Fortunately, we embraced the Parisian way and walked practically everywhere, which, we hoped, helped to balance out *some* of the incredible indulgence! I always dedicate a substantial amount of time to research before any trip, and for Paris, this preparation was particularly extensive. I’m almost a little embarrassed to confess just how many pastry shops, chocolate boutiques, and food establishments were meticulously flagged on our custom Google map – but I can confidently say, every bit of that planning paid off handsomely.
Gain instant access to our free, navigational ‘Best Bites Paris Edition’ Google map by clicking here. This invaluable resource features even more incredible spots than those highlighted in this post, including some we didn’t get a chance to visit. It serves as an excellent foundation for crafting your own Parisian food adventure.
For an even broader selection of resources on where to eat and what to do in Paris, please refer to the curated list at the bottom of this article.
While this list is by no means exhaustive – Paris’s culinary scene is simply too vast and dynamic for that – I wholeheartedly recommend making an effort to visit at least one, if not several, of these exceptional establishments if you’re planning a trip to Paris in the near future. Each offers a unique and memorable taste of the city’s unparalleled gastronomic heritage.
Must-Visit Pastry Shops and Bakeries in Paris
Travel Tip for Pastry Perfection: To ensure you snag the absolute freshest pastries, I highly recommend making your way to most of these beloved pastry shops by 10 AM at the very latest. The early bird truly gets the most delectable treats, and your efforts will be richly rewarded!
Stohrer – (51, rue Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement) – As one of Paris’s oldest bakeries, established way back in 1730, Stohrer is an experience in itself. It’s well worth a visit even if it’s just to poke your head through the door to marvel at its opulent, historical interior and the flawlessly presented pastries. While their Baba au Rhum holds legendary status, Connor and I indulged in a still-warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven Kouign-Amann. This was, without exaggeration, one of the *best* bites of our entire trip. Its layers were earth-shatteringly flaky, delivering a sublime buttery crispness that I still dream about. It was, quite simply, one of the finest pastries I have ever tasted. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from Stohrer; every item is a masterpiece.
Du Pain Et Des Idees – (34, rue Yves Toudic, 10th arrondissement) – Another incredibly beautiful and renowned Parisian bakery, established in 1889, this spot is celebrated for its artisanal homemade breads, particularly their famous Pain des Amis (friend’s bread) and unique cereal bread. Their classic croissants are exceptional, but it’s their distinct pistachio escargot pastries that truly capture attention. Again, I highly recommend an early morning visit to ensure the pastries are at their peak freshness. While we enjoyed even better pastries elsewhere during our trip, I’m genuinely glad we experienced this bakery. The interior, though tiny, is stunningly beautiful and exudes a classic Parisian charm. It also boasts the added convenience of being just a few blocks from Holybelly Cafe, one of our absolute favorite breakfast spots in the city.
Pain Pain – (88 rue des Martyrs, Montmartre) – This delightful bakery was an unexpected and truly serendipitous discovery as we leisurely walked back from the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica. This is precisely why exploring the city on foot pays off so wonderfully! Unlike many of the centuries-old establishments in this guide, Pain Pain has only been open since 2012. However, in that relatively short time, it has already twice won the prestigious Grand Prix de la Baguette award, a significant testament to their mastery of traditional French bread-making. If your itinerary takes you to the enchanting Montmartre district, I absolutely recommend popping in for a quick visit. While I regret not trying some of their exquisite pastries, we thoroughly savored a delicious slice of quiche Lorraine and a fantastic cornichon saucisson sandwich for a satisfying lunch.
Maison Aleph – (20 Rue de la Verrerie, Marais) – This truly unique pastry shop, specializing in exquisite bite-sized Middle Eastern-inspired pastries, proved to be one of the most memorable and distinctive culinary stops in Paris. Most of the delicate pastries here are crafted from crisp kataifi (finely shredded phyllo dough) and are filled with an extraordinary array of fillings. We tried everything from fresh mango (boasting the purest, most intense mango flavor imaginable!) to fragrant cardamom lemon curd, sweet strawberry orange blossom, tangy rhubarb almond, and countless other delightful combinations. Each pastry is then elegantly topped with various flavors of Normandy cream, adding another layer of richness and complexity. Incredibly delicious and unlike any other pastries we encountered in the city! I particularly loved the smaller size of these treats, as it allowed us the pleasure of sampling a wide variety of flavors without feeling overwhelmed. Highly, highly recommended for a truly unique taste experience.
Pierre Herme – (72 Rue Bonaparte, 6th arrondissement) – A Parisian classic that absolutely cannot be missed, Pierre Herme is unequivocally regarded as home to the best and most creatively flavored macarons in the entire city. As someone who has never been truly *obsessed* with macarons, I can unequivocally declare that these were absolutely incredible and well worth both the price tag and the special visit. I highly recommend picking up a box to savor a variety of flavors (they are typically sold in odd numbers, making for a fun tasting experience). You could even strategically time your visit to bring a beautifully packaged box of these exquisite treats home with you as a special souvenir.
We ventured to try an exciting range of flavors, from their signature rose, lychee, and raspberry (which was simply excellent) to the delicate jasmine wild strawberry, the rich passion fruit milk chocolate (so, so good), the intriguing hazelnut asparagus (we couldn’t quite detect the asparagus, but it was surprisingly delicious!), and the refreshing fresh mint (which unexpectedly became one of my favorites). In hindsight, I truly wish we had also tried some of their other stunning pastries, as they too are considered among the finest in Paris!
L’Eclair de Genie – (14 rue Pavee, Marais) – This modern and chic bakery is renowned for its stunningly beautiful and innovatively flavored eclairs. One afternoon, we serendipitously met up with our friends Lindsay and Taylor – who also happened to be traveling in France at the same time as us – here for a quick, delightful afternoon pastry snack. We ended up sharing three different eclairs amongst all of us, which was honestly the maximum I could handle at that point in our food-filled trip! While I personally preferred some of the pastries mentioned above more, this spot is undeniably worth a visit if you’re in the mood for impeccably crafted, visually spectacular, and creatively flavored eclairs. They are truly works of art.
Jacque Genin – (133 Rue de Turenne, Marais) – The exquisite caramels, chocolates, pâtes de fruits, and other delicate candies at this celebrated chocolatier are presented with the meticulous care and artistry of fine jewelry. Stepping into this shop is an experience in itself, offering a profound appreciation for how seriously the French approach their culinary arts, especially pastries and chocolate. While we ultimately didn’t purchase any of the chocolates from this store (be prepared for high, but justified, prices), I genuinely regret not bringing a few of their famous caramels home to savor later! Their caramels, in particular, hold legendary status and are a must-try for any sweet tooth.
Berthillon – (29-31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, Ile Saint Louis) – This iconic gelato shop is arguably one of the most famous in Paris, and deservedly so. While many restaurants and smaller shops throughout the city proudly sell Berthillon gelato, I wholeheartedly recommend making a special trip to their actual flagship shop on Ile Saint Louis. Not only is it quite centrally located, especially if you’re visiting renowned sights like Notre Dame or Sainte-Chapelle, but the island itself is a charming destination, perfect for a beautiful stroll and offering picturesque views of the Seine. The gelato we enjoyed here was simply some of the best we’ve ever had, with incredibly vibrant and natural flavors. Try to time your visit during an off-hour to avoid the notoriously long lines.
Casual Parisian Eats and Breakfast Delights
L’as Du Fallafel – (32-34 Rue des Rosiers, Marais) – This legendary falafel shop in the heart of the Marais district is almost always teeming with enthusiastic customers forming long lines. Our Airbnb apartment was conveniently located less than 100 feet away, so we naturally made time to grab one of their renowned falafel sandwiches, generously topped with a spicy sauce. While the price point was unbeatable and the falafel itself was very good (and incredibly generous in serving size!), we did feel it was slightly overrated given the immense hype. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re seeking a quick, satisfying lunch, manage to avoid the longest queues, or are already exploring the charming Marais neighborhood!
Frenchie To Go – (9 Rue du Nil, 2nd arrondissement) – This casual yet highly acclaimed breakfast and lunch spot, founded by one of Paris’s most popular chefs, is nestled away in a quiet, somewhat nondescript alley in the 2nd arrondissement. I received a glowing recommendation for this place from a friend, and it certainly lived up to expectations. We shared a fantastic breakfast featuring perfectly prepared eggs Benedict with spinach and a wonderfully delicious homemade granola yogurt bowl. While you’re in the area, be sure to dedicate a few minutes to explore the vibrant fish market, specialty food market, and other ‘Frenchie’ establishments that line this charming street.
Holybelly Cafe – (5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 10th arrondissement) – This was, without a doubt, our favorite breakfast (and one of our overall favorite meals) in all of Paris! This trendy, Instagram-worthy cafe is celebrated for its truly excellent American-style pancakes – honestly, some of the best I’ve ever had – and its perfectly executed egg dishes. Crucially, the coffee here was also some of the finest we tasted in the city (sadly, much of the coffee we encountered elsewhere in France was quite disappointing). I highly, highly recommend carving out time to visit this spot during your stay in Paris. The food is consistently outstanding, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere makes for a memorable dining experience.
Parisian Restaurants and Classic Bistros
Travel Tip for Parisian Dining: During this particular trip, we opted for more casual, authentic bistro-style restaurants for our dinners in Paris, preferring them over more expensive, multi-course Michelin-star establishments. However, I’ve included helpful resources at the bottom of this post with additional recommendations if you are indeed looking for fine dining options. As a general dining tip for Paris, remember that it’s often easier to secure reservations for slightly earlier dining times (between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM) than for later in the evening (8:30 PM onwards), as late dining is a common and cherished tradition in France.
Bistrot Paul Bert – (22 Rue Paul Bert, 11th arrondissement) – This was, without question, the absolute best meal we had in Paris. Bistrot Paul Bert is widely considered one of the finest bistros in the city, and in our humble opinion, it not only lived up to all of its lofty expectations but exceeded them by a mile. While their general menu thoughtfully changes daily to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients, they consistently offer their legendary Steak au Poivre (peppercorn steak). Every single dish we savored here was exceptional (their seafood, for instance, is incredibly fresh), but the steak was truly *incredible*. It more than lived up to the hype and was, quite literally, one of the best things I have ever tasted in my life. The atmosphere, the attentive service, and the overall ambiance are all equally delightful. Given its immense popularity, I highly recommend booking a reservation a week or two in advance of your visit (note: you typically cannot do this online, so be sure to call!).
Breizh Cafe – (109 Rue Vieille du Temple, Marais) – It’s interesting to note that this casual and charming restaurant chain (which boasts several locations throughout Paris!) actually originated in Tokyo, Japan. While the atmosphere isn’t overtly memorable or fancy, this eatery is highly celebrated for its exceptional savory and sweet buckwheat crepes (galettes). We enjoyed a wonderfully low-key and casual dinner here one evening and thoroughly relished the experience. The crepes were outstanding and offered with a wide, imaginative variety of fillings to choose from. A classic Parisian combination we tried featured smoked herring, potatoes, crème fraîche, and herring caviar – a unique and delicious blend. This spot is definitely worth a visit for either lunch or dinner if you’re seeking a relaxed yet incredibly flavorful casual dining option. Reservations are highly recommended and can be conveniently made in advance online.
Au Passage – (1bis Passage Saint-Sébastien, 3rd arrondissement) – This distinctive restaurant, interestingly enough started by a Texan chef, is renowned for its creative, seasonal small plates designed for sharing. The atmosphere is consistently lively, pleasantly casual, and incredibly friendly, creating a welcoming dining environment. The dishes themselves are artfully presented, showcasing culinary flair, and are remarkably reasonable in price for their quality. The menu is constantly evolving to highlight the freshest ingredients, which makes this a really exciting spot to visit if you’re looking to diversify your dinner experiences in Paris! It offered a refreshing change of pace from our more traditional bistro-style meals. Reservations are recommended and can be easily made online through their website.
Bistrot Les Papilles – (30 Rue Gay-Lussac, Latin Quarter) – A highly regarded classic bistro nestled in Paris’s charming Latin Quarter, Bistrot Les Papilles offers a remarkably reasonable (around 31 euros) pre-fixe 4-course menu. This menu changes daily, featuring generously portioned family-style French cuisine served in an intimate, wonderfully cozy setting. While this spot might not be ideal if you prefer having a wide choice of dishes, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal here and found the fixed menu to be a delightful surprise. Be prepared to purchase a bottle of wine from their extensive selection available for sale, or you can bring your own (expect a modest corkage fee). Reservations are highly recommended and can be conveniently made online through their website.
Specialty Food Shops and Unique Stores
E.Dehillerin – This world-renowned cookware shop is a paradise for chefs and home cooks alike, celebrated for its vast selection of high-quality copper cookware. The atmosphere inside is wonderfully classic and old-school, transporting you back in time (be prepared to look up prices of items by code in a substantial, charmingly archaic binder!). You’ll discover almost every pastry mold, kitchen tool, and specialty utensil you can possibly imagine here. Practical Tip: If you make a significant purchase, the shop provides a very straightforward and easy-to-use refund tax form that you can conveniently scan at the airport on your journey home, making your investment even sweeter.
Librairie Gourmande – If you’re on the hunt for beautiful French cookbooks, culinary magazines, or any food-related publications, this charming specialty bookstore is an absolute delight and a fun place to pop into! It’s a treasure trove for any food enthusiast.
Shakespeare and Company – This unique, quirky, and historically rich bookstore, located just across from Notre Dame, is home to a massive selection of English publications. If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend peeking into this iconic store for a few minutes; it’s steeped in literary history. Just remember that no photographs are allowed inside, allowing everyone to truly immerse themselves in the quiet magic of the place.
Other Unmissable Parisian Favorites (Beyond Food)
Sainte-Chapelle – If your time in Paris permits visiting only *one* church or basilica, I would emphatically choose Sainte-Chapelle over every other magnificent option! It is *stunningly* beautiful on the inside – words and pictures simply cannot do it justice. The vibrant, expansive stained glass windows create an otherworldly glow, making it well worth the admission price (which has the added benefit of naturally deterring some of the larger tourist crowds, allowing for a more serene experience). Be sure to choose a clear, sunny day for your visit to witness the stained glass in its most breathtaking, radiant glory!
Additional Resources for Your Paris Culinary Adventure:
- David Lebovitz’s Paris Restaurant Guides – An invaluable resource from a renowned American chef and food writer based in Paris.
- Paris By Mouth – Comprehensive reviews and curated lists for serious food lovers.
- Heartbeet Kitchen – A Paris Vacation Without Plans – A more spontaneous approach to exploring the city.
- Well Plated by Erin – What to Eat In Paris – Delicious recommendations for every meal.
- Love and Olive Oil – Paris Eats – Personal insights and top picks from fellow travelers.
- Grandbaby Cakes – Where to Eat (Savory) and The Best Paris Sweets – Focused guides for savory and sweet cravings.
Don’t forget to access our custom Google map, which contains all the wonderful places listed above, plus many more hidden gems, by clicking here. Happy eating and exploring in Paris!