Where to Eat in Paris

When in Paris, France of course, go see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, but let's be real? As a country renowned for its world-famous cuisine, food is one of Paris’ main attractions. The following bites have been tried and tested options that you must eat to believe while in the City of Love.

When to Eat in Paris

The French enjoy eating small, but delicious snacks and dishes throughout the day. Thus, don’t feel guilty about stopping for a pastry and an hour later for some cheese or macaroon. I didn’t!

Dinner is a slow affair to be enjoyed and while you might like to eat early normally, try you’re best to make a reservation later in the evening to best enjoy the atmosphere and to dine with locals. 8 p.m. or later even.

So, enjoy a pre-dinner drink at Louise's by the Louve and Mon Coco

Sip the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Angelina (Est. 1903) So nice we went twice. This dark liquid is pure chocolate heaven. Unlike our watered down options in the U.S. this is rich melted chocolate. It’s how I imagined the water in Willy Wonka in the Chocolate Factory tasted like.

Warning: There will likely be a line out the door, but don’t let it deter you as it moves quickly and the tea room is adorable. However, on our second visit, we passed the line and went through the take-out area to order our Hot Chocolate to go in an adorable pink cup.

Go to a French Brasserie for Dinner

A brasserie is a type of French restaurant with a relaxed setting, which serves single dishes and other meals. It's that typical French restaurant seen in impressionists painting and postcards, usually with red awnings, bottles of wine in the windows and art deco subway tile on the floor.

The space is usually tight and you might have to pull out a table to squeeze in. Be prepared to rub elbows with locals and tourists alike, quite literally.

I'd recommend having your hotel concierge make the reservation for you as they know the staff at the most popular ones and you don't have to worry about speaking French badly either, lol.

We went to several, but my favorite:

Les Deux Magots  6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France +33 1 45 48 55 25

Champagne and escargot - oui! 

Shop for a Famed Macaroon Sampler 

Macaroons are on display in many store windows, which will have you gawking at the colorful pastries like you would the latest fashions.

You can't go wrong with any of them, but a popular spot is Ladurée on the famed avenue des Champs Elysées 75008 Paris +33 (0)1 40 75 08 75  This is the shop that created the fame of the macaron and their window displays and mint green facade are adorable and so insta-worthy.

Head to the Latin Quarter for Jazz and Night Life

The cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter are famous for bars and cabarets and is home to Paradis Latin, one of the oldest cabarets in Paris. Order your show tickets ahead of time Online or have your hotel arrange when you arrive. 

After dinner, find your way to the Caveau de la Huchette. A mythic jazz bar set in a 16th-century building in the Latin Quarter has been attracting music lovers since it first opened in 1949. Find a spot at one of the minuscule tables, buy a carafe of red wine, listen to the sultry jazz music and revel in the sheer Parisian-ness of it all. 

Check out Chez Georges, a tiny basement where dancing on tables can happen over the course of the evening or go to WOS (Wide Open Space) Bar, which is a dive bar with a European twist

Enjoy Fine Dining at the Oldest House in Paris

The Michelin rated Auberge Nicolas Flamel restaurant is located in the oldest house in Paris (1407) and has the absolute best food in town.

Love the house and its history and the atmosphere can't be beaten. Each dish is plated spectacularly too and the desserts are wonderful.

Best Pizza in Paris

A few minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower, just off the Trocadéro Square, Mokus l'Écureuil is the place to eat pizza in Paris. 

Food and Travel Guides for Paris