Quick verdict: Paris invented modern fine dining and still owns it. 100+ Michelin-starred restaurants + bistro tradition + croissant + cheese + wine culture. This guide ranks 15 experiences for foodies in Paris 2026.
The 15 best foods + restaurants in Paris
Croissant
Maybe the best croissants in Paris. Christophe Vasseur’s slowly-laminated buttery layers. Closed weekends. Mornings only – sells out by 11am.
Baguette
City of Paris awards “Best Baguette” winner gets supplies the Elysee Palace. Award winners are widely accessible. Get warm out of oven.
Steak Frites
Lyon-style steak frites. 2-course set: salad + steak + bottomless frites. No menu – just rare/medium/well-done. Long queues; arrive 6pm or 9:30pm.
Escargot
1686-founded oldest cafe in Paris. Burgundy snails in garlic butter. Touristy but historic. Or alternative: L’Escargot Montorgueil (1832) for more authentic feel.
Bouillabaisse
Provence fish stew (technically Marseille’s but Paris does it well). Multi-fish + saffron + rouille. Reserve 1 day ahead.
Coq au Vin
Classic French coq au vin (wine-braised chicken). Bistro Paul Bert has 5 Michelin Bib Gourmand stars. Book 1 week ahead.
Onion Soup
Classic French onion soup. 24/7 (since 1947). Most affordable touristy classic. Cheese gratin on top, baguette sticking out.
Macaron
Globally most famous macaron maker. Try Ispahan (rose + lychee + raspberry). Multiple Paris locations. Compare with Laduree next door.
Crepe
Brittany-style buckwheat galettes (savory) + crepes (sweet). Hardest Marais reservation. Book 4-6 weeks ahead. Worth the planning.
Boeuf Bourguignon
Burgundy beef stew slow-cooked in red wine. Chez Janou is mid-priced + reliable. For special: La Coupole (1927-founded Art Deco brasserie).
Tartare de Boeuf
Hand-cut raw beef tartare. Get it hand-chopped at table. Pair with frites + glass of Burgundy.
Pain au Chocolat
Croissant’s chocolate cousin. Du Pain is best. Mamiche is rising star (3 Paris locations). Best with espresso at sidewalk table.
Falafel (Best in Europe Reputedly)
Marais Jewish quarter falafel. Israeli-style with hummus + pickled cabbage. Hand it through the window – skip the sit-down line. Lenny Kravitz’s favorite.
Soufflé
Sweet (chocolate, Grand Marnier) or savory (cheese) soufflé. 1939-founded. Special-occasion-feel. Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
Charcuterie + Cheese Plate
Charcuterie + cheese-focused bistronomy. Le Servan is hip but accessible. Get the cheese trolley. Wine pairings excellent.
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Updated 2026. Some links on Packzup are affiliate links.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.