What to Eat in Paris: 10 Classic Dishes You Must Try

What it is: The ultimate French grilled cheese sandwich. Slices of ham and Gruyère cheese are layered between bread, buttered, and then grilled or fried until golden and melted. The “Croque Madame” adds a fried egg on top, resembling a lady’s hat.
Why try it: It’s simple perfection, a comforting classic, and the perfect quick, satisfying lunch.
Where to try it:
- Any traditional Parisian café or brasserie: Look for signs saying “Brasserie,” “Café,” or “Bistro.”
- Le Carette (Place des Vosges or Trocadéro): Known for its slightly more refined, yet still classic, version.
- Local Tip: Best enjoyed with a side salad and a strong coffee for breakfast or lunch.

What it is: A seemingly simple yet iconic dish: perfectly cooked steak (usually a cut like entrecôte or onglet) served with a generous pile of crispy, golden French fries. The secret is often in a specific sauce or butter.
Why try it: It’s a quintessential Parisian experience, a testament to quality ingredients cooked just right.
Where to try it:
- Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (multiple locations): Famous for its single-item menu: steak, secret sauce, and unlimited fries. Expect a queue.
- Any classic Parisian brasserie: Look for busy places with good-looking steak on other diners’ plates.
- Local Tip: Order saignant (rare) or à point (medium-rare) for the authentic French experience.

What it is: A rich, savory beef or onion broth, caramelized onions, topped with a large crouton or bread slice, and smothered in a thick layer of melted Gruyère or Emmental cheese. It’s then grilled until bubbly and golden.
Why try it: The ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly day or late at night. It’s surprisingly complex and deeply satisfying.
Where to try it:
- Au Pied de Cochon (Les Halles): A historic, bustling brasserie famous for its traditional onion soup, open 24/7.
- Bistrot des Augustins (Latin Quarter): A charming spot known for its classic French dishes, including a hearty onion soup.
- Local Tip: Be careful, it’s served piping hot!

What it is: A classic, slow-cooked beef stew from the Burgundy region. Tender chunks of beef are braised in red wine (usually Burgundy), often with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and bacon.
Why try it: It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly tender – a true taste of French rustic cooking.
Where to try it:
- Le Bouillon Chartier (Grands Boulevards): A historic, bustling, and very affordable bouillon that serves a classic version.
- Le Bistrot Paul Bert (11th Arrondissement): A beloved bistro known for its excellent traditional French cuisine.
- Local Tip: Often served with boiled potatoes or a simple mash to soak up the rich sauce.

What it is: Snails, traditionally served in their shells, baked in a rich garlic-parsley butter. You use a special tong and fork to extract the snail from its shell.
Why try it: Don’t let the idea scare you! They are tender, garlicky, and utterly delicious. It’s a quintessential French appetizer.
Where to try it:
- L’Escargot Montorgueil (Les Halles): Specializes in snails, offering various preparations (traditional garlic butter, Roquefort, truffle).
- Any traditional brasserie: Most brasseries will have them on the appetizer menu.
- Local Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help using the tools! Use the bread to sop up the leftover garlic butter.

What it is: Duck leg that has been cured in salt, then slow-cooked and preserved in its own fat. The result is incredibly tender, moist meat with a crispy skin. Often served with roasted potatoes or salad.
Why try it: A rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that showcases a classic French preservation technique.
Where to try it:
- Chez Janou (Le Marais): Famous for its Provençal cuisine and bustling atmosphere, including excellent duck confit.
- Le Consulat (Montmartre): A charming, historic bistro in Montmartre known for classic French dishes.
- Local Tip: It’s a rich dish, so pair it with a light red wine or a refreshing salad.

What it is: A rich, creamy custard dessert topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar, which is traditionally torched just before serving to create a satisfying crack when broken with a spoon.
Why try it: It’s a classic French dessert, elegant yet comforting, offering a delightful textural contrast.
Where to try it:
- Any good traditional brasserie or bistro: It’s a ubiquitous dessert.
- Les Deux Magots (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): A famous literary café where you can enjoy a classic crème brûlée in a historic setting.
- Local Tip: Ensure the sugar layer is genuinely crisp – that’s the best part!

What it is: Delicate, colorful meringue-based confectionary made with almond flour, typically filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. They come in a vast array of flavors.
Why try it: A quintessential Parisian sweet treat, beautiful to look at, and a delight to taste.
Where to try it:
- Laduree (multiple locations on Champs-Élysées, Rue Royale, etc.): The most famous and iconic macaron house.
- Pierre Hermé (multiple locations): Often considered the more innovative and gourmet macaron maker, with unique and intense flavor combinations.
- Local Tip: Don’t just buy one! Get a selection of different flavors to try.

What it is: The simplest yet most perfect French sandwich. A fresh, crusty baguette, slathered with good quality butter, and filled with thinly sliced ham (Jambon de Paris).
Why try it: It’s the ultimate Parisian street food, embodying French simplicity and quality ingredients. A staple lunch for locals.
Where to try it:
- Any local boulangerie (bakery): Look for one with a queue of locals.
- Street stands near tourist sites: Though a bit more expensive, still a solid choice.
- Local Tip: Eat it while walking along the Seine or in a park.

What it is: France is famous for its hundreds of varieties of cheese (fromage). A cheese platter typically features a selection of different textures and milks (cow, goat, sheep).
Why try it: It’s an integral part of French meals and culture. A true gastronomic delight.
Where to try it:
- Any traditional French restaurant: Often offered as a course after the main meal, before dessert.
- Fromageries (Cheese Shops): Visit a specialist cheese shop like Laurent Dubois (multiple locations) or Androuet (multiple locations) to buy a selection and create your own picnic.
- Local Tip: Let the cheesemonger (fromager) guide you. Tell them your preferences (e.g., strong, mild, creamy) and they will recommend amazing options.

Enjoy your culinary journey through the heart of Paris!

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