All Posts, Europe, France, Paris · 10 Places You Must Eat In Paris Forget the Eiffel Tower and the Lovre, we all know the real reason to visit Paris is for its food! From the smell of the freshly baked, buttery croissants around every corner, to the warm and savory taste of French onion soup at a local cafe, these 10 Places You Must Eat When Visiting Paris will make sure you don’t miss out of the best spots in the city. 1. Du Pain et des Idées Du Pain et des Idées (meaning “Bread and Ideas”) is my all-time favorite bakery in Paris. While every pastry that they sell is decadent, they are most famous for their Pistachio Chocolate Escargot. This buttery masterpiece is a swirled pastry of chocolate and pistachio nestled into a flaky, perfectly cooked pastry. The popularity of this bakery is known to locals and tourists alike. It will always pass the “people test” and will most likely have a line out the door when you arrive. But don’t worry, this gives you plenty of time to make the hardest decision of all – which pastry to try first (hint: try them all!). It’s also important to note that this bakery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. While you’re in the area, be sure to take a stroll around Canal St Martin. You’ll be feeling like a local Parisian in no time! Fun fact: Anthony Bourdain featured Du Pain et des Idees in “The Layover” series (season 2, episode 2). That should speak to how deservingly popular this place is. Hours: Monday-Friday 6:45 AM – 7:30 PM. Closed Saturday and SundayLocation: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France 2. Stohrer Looking for a lavish and elegant pastry shop that even King Louis XV would approve of? This is your place. Located on the pedestrian-only street of Rue Montorgueil (which just so happens to be one of my favorite streets in all of Paris), Stohrer has been around since 1730 and was founded by King Louis XV’s very own pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer. There’s a reason this place has been around for almost 300 years. Their pastries are out of this world. You really can’t go wrong choosing which pastry you want to try first (this seems to be a trend while in Paris). My personal favorite is the Mille-feuille, which is a puff pastry layered with vanilla cream, caramel, and Chantilly cream. They are also well known for their Rum Babas, which were invented by Nicolas Stroher himself! This quintessentially French dessert is typically formed of a small yeast pastry soaked in liquor and covered in cream – YUM. While inside, be sure to look all around the shop – even up! This lavish décor was designed by Paul Baudry, the same 19th-century artist that painted the frescos in the Opera Garnier. From its opulent décor to its delicious pastries, it’s easy to see how Stroher made this top 10 list. TIP: Grab an extra croissant for the road and head over to Rue du Croissant for this fun photo op! Hours: Every day, 7:30 AM – 8:30 PMLocation: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France 3. François Pralus François Pralus is another one of my favorites in Paris. While often overshadowed by Paris’s more famous dessert and pastry shops, this humble bakery should not be missed. The specialty here is a one of a kind dessert called La Praluline – a sweet brioche bread speckled with rose sugar candied praline nuts, creating a unique flavor and texture that’s the perfect balance. In 1955, Auguste Pralus placed a brioche with pink, sugar-coated pralines in the window of his bakery. Since then, his praline bread has become a staple of his pastry shop. On certain days the shop will sell more than 800 Pralulines! This praline bread comes in 2 sizes- normal and petite. The petite will be plenty for 2 people, but I have a feeling you’ll be back the next day for more! François Pralus also has a wide range of macaroons as well as different chocolates from around the world – a great idea for a souvenir. This is an underrated spot that most guide books don’t mention, yet offers the best dessert in all of Paris (in my sweet-tooth-addict opinion). Hours: Varies by location, but most are open from 10AM-7PM. *Note most stores close during lunch hours around 1-2PM*Location: Various locations around the city, but my favorite is on Rue Cler: 44 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris, France 4. Popelini Popelini sells one thing and one thing only – choux cream – a light cream-filled pastry that’s the perfect guilt-free snack. Though this dessert is small, it is one of my favorites in Paris. From classic vanilla to refreshing rose, Popelini patisserie specializes in a whole range of different flavors to tempt you. My favorites are salted caramel and strawberry, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the flavors. Grab one (or five) at one of their many locations around Paris. Hours: Varies by location, but most are open from 11AM-7:30PM and closed on Mondays.Location: Various locations around the city, but my favorite is 35 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France 5. Angelina For the best hot chocolate of your life, head over to Angelina and try their chocolat chaud à l’ancienne dit “l’Africain” (the old-fashioned hot chocolate). This isn’t your average hot chocolate from a packet where you just add hot water and stir. Rather, it tastes like it’s real chocolate that has been melted and served hot – thick, rich, and somehow not overbearing. Angelina offers more than just hot chocolate. This elegant tea room has been a Paris landmark for over 100 years, wowing celebrities and tourists alike. You can either sip your hot chocolate in Angelina’s lavish tea room (though there is usually a line to be seated) or opt for take-away and enjoy your sweet treat while strolling through the Tuileries Garden next door. Either way, Angelina’s is an experience you need to have when in Paris. TIP: Order a croissant with your hot chocolate for the perfect pair. Hours: Varies by location, but Rue de Rivoli location is open 7:30AM-7PM on weekdays and 8:30AM-7:30PM on weekends.Location: Various locations around the city, but my favorite is 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France TIP: If planning to visit before noon, you can reserve your table at the Rue de Rivoli location here. I recommend doing this if possible, as lines can be out the door! 6. La Jacobine This hidden gem restaurant is nestled in a back cobblestone alley away from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your old friend’s kitchen. From the friendly staff to the home-cooked meal, this French restaurant is one of my favorites in the city. What to order: La Jacobine is well-known for their French Onion Soup, and I can vouch that it’s the best in Paris. It features a rich broth with just the right amount of onion, bread, and melted cheese. For the main dish, I highly recommend the perfectly cooked duck in a creamy mushroom sauce. Be sure to finish dinner off with their decadent raspberry macaroon – YUM. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 12PM-11PM. Monday: 6:30PM – 11PMLocation: 59-61 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris, France TIP: The staff speak English, so be sure to call in advance and get a reservation. This place fills up quickly. +33 1 46 34 15 95 7. L’As du Falafel L’as du Falafel is a Middle Eastern restaurant located in the Jewish Quarter of Marais. You may not expect to go to Paris to eat falafel, but it is something you must try for yourself when in the city. L’as du Falafel – said to be a favorite of rock musician Lenny Kravitz – is known for their falafel sandwich. This pita wrapped sandwich features their famous fried falafel with vegetables such as eggplants, purple cabbage, onions, cucumbers – all blended together to create a flavorful taste. Be sure to add the hot sauce if you like spicy flavors! You can choose to sit down or order your sandwich to-go, with a different line for whichever you choose. While the lines are always long, L’as du Falafel is extremely efficient and the lines move very fast. TIP: Grab your sandwich to-go and head over to the Rosiers – Joseph Migneret Garden for a picnic away from the crowds. Located just around the corner, this small park has several benches and a grassy seating area. Hours: Daily 11AM-Midnight. Friday 11AM-4PM. Closed SaturdaysLocation: 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France 8. I Lazarri If you ‘re looking for a break from classic French food, head over to I Lazarri. Located just around the corner from the Pantheon, I Lazarri is the first authentic Neapolitan trattoria/pizzeria in Paris. This place will have you thinking you’re in Italy! Everything at I Lazarri is homemade according to Neopolitan tradition. They use the freshest ingredients and have the best tomato sauce I’ve ever tasted. I always order the classic Pizza Margherita. Cooked in a wood fire oven and featuring soft dough, puffy edges, and amazing ingredients, I’m forever dreaming about this yummy pizza. Hours: Daily Noon-3PM; 7PM-11:30PMLocation: 44 Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France 9. Il était un square For the best burger in the city, head over to Il Etait un Square. These are no ordinary burgers, though – these are French burgers. Featuring the best beef, creamiest cheese, and homemade buns, this is one of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. Made from Aubrac beef in the South of France, Il Etait un Square prides itself on sourcing the best beef for their burgers and tartars. They even have photos of their cattle framed on the wall, which can be quite the conversation piece! Their buns are made by an artisanal bakery in Paris, and I have no idea how they get their cheese so creamy, but I want that recipe. I always order the cheddar cheeseburger (and sometimes add bacon if I’m feeling crazy), with homemade cream of cheddar cheese. This restaurant is ranked #5 on TripAdvisor for all restaurants in Paris, so it is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. I believe this proves how amazing this burger truly is! Hours: Daily Noon-3PM; 7:30PM-9:30PM. Closed SundaysLocation: 54 Rue Corvisart, 75013 Paris, France TIP: Reserve your table in advance here. 10. Le Casse Noix Looking for an authentic, hidden-gem French restaurant near the Eiffel Tower? Le Casse Noix has excellent classic French dishes in a cozy, no-nonsense setting. They offer a set 3-course menu, which changes with the seasons. I’ve been here about 10 times and have never had the same thing twice. Great value with friendly staff, Le Casse Noix is perfect for those who appreciate quality and authenticity. TIP: stroll over to the Champ de Mars after dinner to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night – every hour on the hour for 5 minutes. Hours: Daily Noon-2:30PM; 7PM-10:30PM. Closed Saturday and SundayLocation: 56 Rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France So, there are my 10 Places You Must Eat in Paris. Do you have a favorite place to eat in Paris? Let me know in the comments! Want more info about Paris? Check out my other Paris blog posts: 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Paris12 Best Views of the Eiffel TowerComplete Walking Guide to MontmartreComplete Walking Guide to the Latin Quarter DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
