Paris is a city where culinary dreams come true. Known for its incredible cuisine, the City of Light offers an array of mouth-watering dishes, decadent pastries, and unique specialties that every visitor should try. Here’s your ultimate guide to the must-eat dishes and where to find them in Paris, from breakfast delights to sweet treats.

Croissants and Pain au Chocolat
Start your Parisian morning with a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat (chocolate-filled pastry). These buttery, flaky pastries are best enjoyed with a café au lait at a sidewalk café.
Where to Try:
Du Pain et des Idées (34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th arrondissement) – Known for their exceptional croissants and unique flavors.
La Maison Pichard (88 Rue Cambronne, 15th arrondissement) – Famous for award-winning croissants that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Baguette Tradition
A staple of French life, the baguette is a must-try in Paris. Look for a “baguette tradition,” which is made with simple, high-quality ingredients and no additives. Freshly baked and golden brown, it’s perfect on its own or with cheese.
Where to Try:
Le Grenier à Pain (38 Rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement) – Consistently awarded for its baguettes, especially in the Montmartre area.
Maison Landemaine (26 Rue de la Gaité, 14th arrondissement) – Known for its “tradition” baguettes and artisanal baking process.

Escargot (Snails)
For the adventurous eater, escargot is a must-try French delicacy. Typically prepared with garlic, parsley, and butter, escargot has a unique texture and flavor that’s worth experiencing.
Where to Try:
L’Escargot Montorgueil (38 Rue Montorgueil, 1st arrondissement) – A famous spot for classic French escargot with a variety of sauces.
Le Petit Châtelet (39 Rue de la Bûcherie, 5th arrondissement) – Offers a cozy ambiance and delicious garlic-butter escargot.

Coq au Vin
This traditional French dish consists of chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. Rich, flavorful, and hearty, coq au vin is the perfect comfort food on a cool evening in Paris.
Where to Try:
Le Procope (13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 6th arrondissement) – One of Paris’s oldest bistros with an authentic coq au vin.
Chez René (14 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 5th arrondissement) – A classic brasserie with a great coq au vin in an old-fashioned setting.

Steak Frites
Steak frites is a simple but classic Parisian dish featuring a juicy steak served with golden fries. The French take pride in perfectly cooked steak and hand-cut fries, making this a can’t-miss dish.
Where to Try:
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (multiple locations) – Known for its secret sauce and endless servings of steak and fries.
Bistrot Paul Bert (18 Rue Paul Bert, 11th arrondissement) – A cozy, classic bistro offering high-quality steak frites with a Parisian flair.

Ratatouille
This Provençal vegetable dish, made with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and fresh herbs, is a delightful option for vegetarians. Ratatouille is warm, hearty, and full of the flavors of southern France.
Where to Try:
Le Potager du Père Thierry (16 Rue des Trois Frères, 18th arrondissement) – Known for its delicious ratatouille and rustic ambiance in Montmartre.
Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement) – A famous café that serves excellent ratatouille in an iconic location.

Cheese
No trip to Paris is complete without sampling French cheese. From creamy brie to tangy goat cheese and aged comté, France is known for its high-quality, artisanal cheeses. Try a cheese board with a variety of options and flavors.
Where to Try:
Fromagerie Laurent Dubois (47 Ter Boulevard Saint-Germain, 5th arrondissement) – One of the best cheese shops in Paris, offering a wide selection of artisanal cheeses.
Androuet (37 Rue de Verneuil, 7th arrondissement) – A renowned cheese shop with knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the perfect cheese.

Macarons
These colorful almond-based confections come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to exotic passionfruit. Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, macarons are a quintessential French dessert.
Where to Try:
Ladurée (multiple locations) – One of the most famous places for macarons, offering flavors that are both classic and inventive.
Pierre Hermé (72 Rue Bonaparte, 6th arrondissement) – Known for creative and unique macaron flavors, like rose-lychee and passionfruit-chocolate.

Crêpes
Crêpes are thin, pancake-like creations that come in both sweet and savory forms. Sweet crêpes are often filled with Nutella, fruits, or chocolate, while savory ones (called galettes) are usually made with buckwheat flour and filled with cheese, ham, and eggs.
Where to Try:
Breizh Café (109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arrondissement) – A popular spot for Breton-style crêpes with both classic and unique fillings.
Au P’tit Grec (68 Rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement) – Known for its generous portions and affordable, delicious crêpes in the Latin Quarter.

Crème Brûlée
End your Parisian meal with crème brûlée, a rich custard topped with caramelized sugar. With its creamy texture and satisfying crunch, crème brûlée is a French dessert classic.
Where to Try:
Le Temps des Cerises (31 Rue de la Cerisaie, 4th arrondissement) – A charming, cozy spot known for its excellent crème brûlée.
Les Philosophes (28 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th arrondissement) – A popular Marais bistro with a deliciously creamy and crisp crème brûlée.