What to Eat in Paris France: Dishes Every Visitor Should Try

Updated 2026-10-26. Written with AI assistance and checked against our editorial rules; entry rules and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.

To enjoy the best of Parisian cuisine, try classic dishes like croissants, baguettes, and cheese, which are available at bakeries, cafes, and markets throughout the city. Visit the historic Le Marais neighborhood for a taste of traditional French cuisine. You'll find a variety of eateries serving classic dishes.

Quick answer: dishes to try in Paris France

French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and exquisite presentation. Visitors to Paris can sample a variety of classic dishes, from comforting street food to decadent desserts. You'll find that French cuisine caters to a range of tastes and dietary requirements.

Classic street food

• Try a freshly baked croissant or a flaky pain au chocolat from a street vendor or a market stall.
• Sample a hearty baguette sandwich, often filled with ham, cheese, or charcuterie.
• Enjoy a bowl of French onion soup, typically served in a bread bowl.

Popular desserts

• Indulge in a rich and creamy crème brûlée, topped with caramelized sugar.
• Try a delicate macaron, available in a variety of flavors and textures.
• Savor a classic French mille-feuille, made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream.

French specialties

• Sample a plate of escargots, typically served as an appetizer, cooked in garlic butter.
• Enjoy a dish of Coq au Vin, a classic chicken recipe cooked in red wine.
• Try a slice of tarte tatin, a caramelized apple tart that's a French dessert staple.

Must-try dishes

French cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and intricate preparations. When visiting Paris, you'll want to try some of the country's iconic dishes. These classic French dishes are typically enjoyed at local bistros, cafes, and markets.

Classic French Dishes

• Duck Confit: Slow-cooked duck leg dish often served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables, commonly found in Parisian bistros.
• Bouillabaisse: Fish stew originating from Marseille, but also popular in Paris, typically served with croutons and a dollop of rouille.
• Cassoulet: Hearty casserole made with white beans, meat (usually pork sausage and duck), and sometimes lamb, often enjoyed in Parisian restaurants.
• Quiche Lorraine: Savory tart from the Lorraine region, typically filled with eggs, cream, and lardons (small pieces of bacon), commonly found in Parisian bakeries and cafes.
• Tarte Tatin: Upside-down caramelized apple tart that's a classic French dessert, often served in Parisian patisseries.

You can also try these dishes at local markets, such as the famous Marché aux Enfants Rouges, which offers a variety of French specialties. For more information on the best places to visit in October, check our guide to Best Places to Travel in October: Where to Go and Why.

Croissants

Flaky, buttery pastries often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, croissants are a quintessential French treat. You'll find them in bakeries, cafes, and patisseries throughout the city. Locals often enjoy them plain, but you can also find a variety of flavors like chocolate-filled or ham and cheese.

Making the Most of Your Croissant Experience

Try a warm, freshly baked croissant straight from the oven for the best experience. You can also pair it with a café au lait or a hot chocolate for a classic French breakfast.

• Look for bakeries that display their croissants in the window, indicating they're freshly baked.
• Order a plain croissant and pair it with a strong coffee or tea for a simple, satisfying snack.
• Try a chocolate-filled croissant for a sweet treat, but be aware that the chocolate may be quite rich.
• Consider visiting a bakery early in the morning when they're typically at their freshest.
• Don't be afraid to ask the baker for a recommendation on the best type of croissant to try.

Baguettes

Baguettes are a staple in French cuisine, often served with cheese, meats, or as a side. You can find them in bakeries, cafes, and street vendors throughout Paris. Freshly baked baguettes are a must-try when visiting the city.

Buying a Baguette

When purchasing a baguette, look for a crust that is golden brown and crispy. The interior should be soft and chewy. You can find baguettes in most bakeries and some cafes, often displayed in baskets or on a counter.

Eating a Baguette

To eat a baguette like a local, try pairing it with a selection of cheeses, such as Camembert or Brie. You can also top it with cured meats like ham or saucisson. Alternatively, enjoy it on its own as a side to your meal.

• Try a freshly baked baguette from a Parisian bakery, like the ones you can find near the city's famous markets.
• Pair your baguette with a selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats from a local fromagerie or charcuterie.
• For a more authentic experience, try eating your baguette on the go, like the locals do, at a street vendor or café.
• Check current prices for a baguette at your local bakery or market, and consider visiting early in the morning for the best selection.
• For more information on enjoying your trip to Paris, including the best time to book flights in advance, see Best Time to Book Flights in Advance: A Simple Guide.

Escargots

Escargots are a classic French appetizer, typically made with snails cooked in garlic butter. This dish is a staple of French cuisine and can be found in many restaurants and bistros throughout the city. It's often served as a starter, usually accompanied by a crusty baguette for dipping in the flavorful sauce.

Preparation

Snails are typically cooked in a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and white wine. The sauce is rich and savory, with a hint of acidity from the wine. The snails are usually served in their shells, making for a visually appealing presentation.

Where to try escargots

• Try escargots at a traditional bistro or restaurant, where they're often served as part of a set menu.
• Visit a street food market, like the ones found in the Latin Quarter or along the Seine, for a more casual and affordable option.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try making escargots yourself by cooking snails at home with garlic butter and herbs.
• Be sure to order escargots cooked in their shells, as this is the traditional way to serve them.
• Don't be afraid to ask your server for a side of bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.

Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that originated in the Burgundy region. This braised chicken dish is cooked in red wine with mushrooms and bacon, resulting in tender meat and a rich, flavorful sauce. It's often served on special occasions, such as holidays and family gatherings.

The dish typically consists of chicken cooked in a mixture of red wine, onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, with bacon adding a smoky flavor. The slow-cooked sauce is thickened with butter and flour, creating a rich and velvety texture.

To try Coq au Vin like a local, head to a traditional French bistro or a market stall that serves home-style cooking. Some popular places to try this dish include:

• Markets: Visit a bustling market like the one at Rue Cler or the Marché d'Aligre, where you can find vendors selling traditional French dishes, including Coq au Vin.
• Street food: Look for food stalls or carts that serve French comfort food, often made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Home-style restaurants: Try a small, family-run restaurant that serves classic French dishes, often made with love and care.

Check current prices and availability when booking your trip to Paris, as certain restaurants and markets may have limited seating or seasonal hours. For more information on planning your trip, see Best Time to Book Flights: A Practical Planning Guide.

Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée is a rich dessert consisting of a creamy custard base topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. This classic French dessert is a must-try when visiting Paris. You can find Crème Brûlée in many restaurants and cafes throughout the city.

What is Crème Brûlée?

Crème Brûlée is made with eggs, sugar, and cream, baked in small ramekins until set. The mixture is then topped with a layer of sugar that is caramelized with a blowtorch, creating a crunchy texture and a sweet, caramelized flavor.

Where to find Crème Brûlée

You can find Crème Brûlée in many Parisian cafes and restaurants, as well as at street food markets. Some popular places to try Crème Brûlée include:

• Street food markets, such as the Marché aux Enfants Rouges or the Marché d'Aligre
• Cafes in the Latin Quarter, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with your dessert
• Upscale restaurants, where Crème Brûlée is often served as a decadent treat
• Patisseries, which specialize in French pastries and desserts

Tips for trying Crème Brûlée

• Be sure to ask for a spoon to crack the caramelized sugar on top of the Crème Brûlée
• Try to visit a patisserie or cafe during the morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds
• Be adventurous and try different flavors, such as vanilla or Grand Marnier, for a unique twist on the classic dessert

Frequently asked questions

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