Fall is the best time of the year for foodie enthusiasts to visit Paris with hundreds of food markets filled with the vibrant colours of fresh vegetables and fruits. However, the world capital of eating welcomes you to culinary journeys all year round.
Gastronomy is inherent in the capital of France, as the modern restaurant has its origins in French culture. Indeed, Paris hosts some of the most world-renowned gastronomic establishments that transform the art of gastronomy in a uniquely delectable experience.
Innovative techniques, talented chefs, extraordinary flavour combinations, fine culinary delights, top quality service and luxury dining settings are only some of the elements that constitute the Parisian excellence that is longing to seduce you when visiting a restaurant in Paris.
Food and Wine in Paris
French food isn't all about fine dining. Your day in Paris starts with the smell of fresh croissants with many boulangeries, French-style bakeries, sprawling across the city. However, these days fewer and fewer Parisian bakeries make their croissants from scratch.
As for lunch, a typical one usually consists of a starter, mixed salad, soup, some terrine or paté, a main dish, known as “plat principal” normally based on fish or meat accompanied with rice, pasta or vegetables. When finishing your main course, and before enjoying a light dessert, as is usual in Paris, you should not forget to try the popular “Fromage” dish. Fromage is a delicious selection of cheeses like camembert, brie, Roquefort, Boursin, Vieux and Boulogne. For the greater palate pleasure, quench your thirst with a fine glass of red wine.
Tasting the classic “soupe a L’ Oignon” (onion soup) made with butter and cheese, delicious omelettes stuffed with mushrooms, ham and cheese, simmered duck with orange, and the French dish “Coq au vin”, prepared with chicken and vegetables seasoned with spices and wine, are totally a must.
Among the list of the Parisian must-try dishes are also “escargots”, tasteful snails with butter, garlic and parsley, “Quenelle”, which is pasta mixed with different ingredients served with meat or poultry with béchamel or tomato sauce, and the famous “Ratatouille”, a mix of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchini and eggplant fried and seasoned with herbs.
Moreover, Paris is very famous for its high-quality wines that are preferable in every part of the world. Some of the most known are the fine sparkling wine, Champagne, Bordeaux, (both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and Burgundy (Pinot and Chardonnay).
Are you searching for a hotel in Paris? Check out our wonderful Hotel Collections here!
The best fine dining hotels in Paris
Dining in one of the
best hotels with restaurants in Paris is a must when visiting the city.
In the morning you will savour delicious breakfasts with croissants and various French pastries, buttered baguettes and nice fruit salads within sophisticated settings.
While at night you will indulge in refined cuisine with delectable modern and creative dinners prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients in the hotel restaurant's terrace offering extraordinary views of Paris city.
See our collection of the
best hotels with restaurants in Paris, perfect for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners!
Where to eat like a local in Paris
Food in Paris isn’t all about haute cuisine and fine dining restaurants. All over the city, you will encounter a high density of brasseries and cafés, Parisian bistros, street stands selling crêpes, pastry shops, and even cheese shops!
The
pastry shop Des Gâteaux et du Pain is especially known as one of the best places in Paris to taste butter
croissants of divine flavour.
As for
cheeses, do not miss to visit the high-quality
fromagerie,
Chez Virginie. It is a popular cheese shop since 1900 having an excellent collection of only raw milk cheeses.
The classic
Parisian Bistro La Bourse et La Vie is a small yet cosy and friendly place popular for its notable dishes including
foie gras with artichoke heart,
fried quail with citrus butter,
pot au feu and
steak frites as well as for the appetising desserts;
crème au caramel and
chocolate mousse.
Many more places can be found below!