Paris food guide
Paris Food Guide: 12 Dishes + Where to Eat Them (2026)
Paris created the modern restaurant. The dishes below — bistro classics, boulangerie staples, market crawls — are the foundation of French food. Each comes with a specific recommended spot.
Croissant
Best at Du Pain et des Idées (10th), Cyril Lignac (Mathurin Régnier in 15th), or Poilâne (6th).
Price: 1.50-3 EUR each
Steak frites
Bistro classic. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (multiple locations) — single-set menu, always packed; Robert et Louise (Marais) for the rustic version.
Price: 25-45 EUR per person
French onion soup
Au Pied de Cochon (Les Halles, open 24/7) is the institution.
Price: 15-25 EUR
Duck confit
Slow-cooked duck leg. Bistrot Paul Bert (11th) and Le Comptoir du Relais (6th) for refined versions.
Price: 22-35 EUR
Escargots
Snails in garlic butter. L’Escargot Montorgueil (1st) is the iconic spot; most bistros serve them.
Price: 12-22 EUR per dozen
Coq au vin
Chicken slow-cooked in red wine. Chez Janou (3rd) is the casual Provençal version; Lipp (6th) the institution.
Price: 22-32 EUR
Cheese plate
Boulangerie + fromagerie + wine bar is the trifecta. Marie-Anne Cantin (7th) or Laurent Dubois (5th) for cheese.
Price: 15-30 EUR per plate
Pain au chocolat
Same boulangeries as croissants. Du Pain et des Idées’ chausson aux pommes is the alternate-day favorite.
Price: 1.80-3.50 EUR
Macarons
Pierre Hermé (multiple locations) — the world’s best; Ladurée (multiple) for the iconic colorful ones.
Price: 2-4 EUR each
Crêpes
Sweet (Nutella + banana) or savory (galette with egg + ham + cheese). Breizh Café (Marais) is the standout for both styles.
Price: 6-15 EUR per crêpe
Market lunch
Marché d’Aligre, Marché Bastille, Marché des Enfants Rouges. Buy a baguette + cheese + charcuterie + fruit and picnic in a park.
Price: 10-15 EUR per person
Bistro dinner with wine
Septime (11th) or Frenchie (2nd) for modern Paris; Le Bistrot Paul Bert (11th) for classic. Pair with house Beaujolais or Burgundy.
Price: 60-150 EUR per person