Looking for the best classic, typical French dishes and food in Paris? And the best places to enjoy a traditional meal? Paris is not only the cultural heart of France, but also the culinary hub where age-old traditions and modern flavors converge. French cuisine is known worldwide for its refinement and rich flavors, and Paris is, of course, the best place to experience them. From charming bistros to bustling markets, you’ll find dishes that epitomize French food culture everywhere in the city. The French take food very seriously.
In this article, we’ll take you through some well-known French dishes and appetizers that you simply can’t miss when visiting Paris. Think classics of French cuisine like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon, as well as street food like crêpes and croque-monsieurs. We’ll also share some typical desserts that are very popular in Paris. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or you’ve visited the City of Light several times, French dishes and desserts never cease to amaze. Bon appétit!
TIP: Looking for an affordable meal at a more expensive bistro or brasserie in Paris? Order an affordable lunch menu at midday. Want water with your meal? Order a carafe d’eau instead of an eau mineral. That way, you’ll get tap water free of charge.
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1. Egg mayonnaise: one of the most famous French appetizers in Paris
Oeuf mayonnaise is a French appetizer made with a soft-boiled egg and a generous spoonful of creamy, often homemade, mayonnaise. Simple, yet packed with flavor. It’s all about perfection: a perfectly cooked egg and a light mayo with just the right amount of spice. A timeless favorite in French bistro cuisine.
• Where to eat oeuf mayonnaise in Paris? Bouillon Pigalle (18th), Grande Brasserie (4th), or Chez Marcel (6th).
2. Onion soup: classic French onion soup with cheese and baguette
Onion soup is a classic French onion soup made with caramelized onions and broth, often served with a piece of bread and melted cheese on top. It’s a starter found mainly in traditional bistros in Paris and perfect for a chilly evening.
• Where to eat onion soup in Paris? Au Pied de Cochon (1st) or La Jacobine (6th)
3. Steak tartare: a typical favorite in French cuisine and among Parisians
Steak tartare is a classic French dish made with raw, finely minced beef, seasoned with ingredients such as onion, capers, gherkins, mustard, and a raw egg yolk. It’s often served with fries and mixed to taste at the table. A favorite among French cuisine lovers.
• Where to eat steak tartare in Paris? Le Bon Georges (9th) or Le Severo (14th)
4. Steak frites: popular in both traditional brasseries and modern bistros
Steak frites is a very popular French dish consisting of a succulent sirloin steak, served with crispy fries and often accompanied by a secret, creamy sauce. It’s a simple yet refined classic that epitomizes French bistro culture.
• Where to eat steak frites in Paris? Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (several locations) or La Bourse et La Vie (2nd).
5. Croque-monsieur: ideal for a quick and tasty lunch
The famous croque-monsieur is made with toasted bread, ham, and melted cheese, often topped with a creamy béchamel sauce for extra flavor. This iconic dish, born in Paris, is a staple in many cafés and bistros. It’s ideal for a quick, tasty lunch.
• Where to eat croque-monsieur in Paris? Fric-Frac (18th), Le Petit Clair (7th), or in many Parisian cafés and bistros.
6. Coq au vin: delicious chicken stew in red wine
Coq au vin, another true classic of French cuisine, features chicken slowly cooked in red wine, along with bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions, resulting in a rich and savory flavor. Originally from Burgundy, this dish is often served with potatoes or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Where to eat coq au vin in Paris? Le Petit Châtelet (5th) or Le Procope (6th).
7. Boeuf bourguignon: a true classic on the French menu
Boeuf bourguignon is also a stew dish where beef is slowly cooked in red wine, along with bacon, mushrooms, onions, and aromatic herbs. It’s a classic example of French country cuisine and is often served with mashed potatoes or pasta.
• Where to eat boeuf bourguignon in Paris? Au Bourguignon du Marais (4th) or Chez Fernand Christine (6th).
8. Escargots: for adventurous snail lovers
Escargots are snails prepared in a fragrant combination of garlic, parsley, and butter, often served in their shells. While some may consider them an adventurous choice in Paris, escargots are beloved there for their rich flavor and tender texture.
• Where to eat escargots in Paris? Escargot Montorgueil (2nd) or Chez Janou (3rd)
9. Hachis parmentier: oven dish with minced meat and mashed potatoes
Hachis Parmentier is an oven dish consisting of a layer of seasoned ground meat, covered with creamy mashed potatoes and finished with a golden brown crust. It’s the French version of shepherd’s pie and became popular thanks to Antoine Parmentier, who introduced potatoes to French cuisine.
• Where to eat hachis parmentier in Paris? Bistrot Paul Bert (11th) or Polidor (6th)
10. Confit de canard: a beloved specialty in many Parisian bistros
Confit de canard is a dish in which duck legs are slowly cooked in their own fat, resulting in buttery-tender meat with crispy skin. Originally from southwestern France, it’s now a popular specialty in Parisian bistros. Served with fried potatoes or a fresh salad, cassoulet de canard is also often found on menus.
• Where to eat confit de canard in Paris? Au Pied du Fouet (7th) or La Tour d’Argent (5th)
EXTRA: 5 famous desserts in Paris that you can’t miss
• Paris-Brest: Round, airy choux pastry filled with a creamy praline filling and often dusted with almond shavings and powdered sugar, originally created to commemorate a cycling race between Paris and Brest (delicious at Yann Couvreur)
• Mille-feuille: Elegant French pastry consisting of layers of crisp puff pastry and creamy pastry cream, often finished with icing or powdered sugar (delicious at Philippe Conticini)
• Opéra: French delicacy with thin layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee, alternating with coffee cream and ganache, and finished with a glossy chocolate coating (delicious at Dalloyau)
• Saint-Honoré: Classic French dessert with a puff pastry base, surrounded by caramel-coated choux pastry and filled with creamy pastry cream or fluffy whipped cream swirls (delicious at Cédric Grolet)
• Baba au rhum: Light, yeast-baked cake soaked in is made with rum and is often served with whipped cream or candied fruit (tasty with Stohrer)
These were the most famous French dishes and desserts in Paris. Whether you go for a classic oeuf mayo, a simple duck cassoulet, or a steaming soupe à l’oignon, the typical French cuisine in Paris never disappoints. Each traditional dish tells a piece of the city’s culinary history. Time to join us at your favorite brasserie or bistro?
Maybe also something for you: 7x Best coffee shops in Paris: top famous hotspots or 8x Best terraces in Paris for a cool summer drink.
FAQ about the best food and most famous dishes in Paris
1. What are the must-try French dishes in Paris?
Think escargots (snails in garlic butter), boeuf bourguignon (slow-cooked beef stew), duck confit, onion soup, and crêpes. And yes, croissants and baguettes count as life essentials.
2. Where can I find authentic French onion soup?
Many traditional brasseries serve it, especially in the Latin Quarter and Le Marais. Look for a bubbling cheese crust, that’s the sign of a good one.
3. Is escargot really worth trying?
If you like garlic, butter, and adventure, absolutely. The texture is tender, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to mop it up with bread.
4. What’s the difference between crêpes and galettes?
Crêpes are sweet (often with Nutella, sugar, or fruit), while galettes are savory, made with buckwheat flour, and often filled with ham, cheese, and egg.
5. What is boeuf bourguignon?
A rich beef stew simmered in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs, comforting, flavorful, and perfect on a cool Paris evening.
6. Is foie gras common in Paris restaurants?
Yes, especially in upscale restaurants and during festive seasons. It’s a luxury delicacy made from duck or goose liver.
7. What French dessert should I not miss?
Crème brûlée is a classic, creamy custard with a caramelized sugar top you get to crack with your spoon. Très satisfying.
8. Are there vegetarian-friendly French classics?
Yes! Try ratatouille (vegetable stew), cheese boards with baguette, and sweet crêpes. Many modern Parisian restaurants also have veggie twists on traditional dishes.
9. Is there a traditional Parisian breakfast?
Typically, it’s a croissant or pain au chocolat with coffee or hot chocolate. Simple, buttery, and delicious.
10. How can I eat like a local in Paris?
Order the plat du jour (daily special) at a neighborhood bistro, enjoy a long lunch, and always leave room for dessert, because in Paris, it’s practically a law.
