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Food & Dining in Paris

Good to Know

  • Eat with the seasons—follow local dining rhythms by checking daily chalkboard specials rather than printed menus, as these reflect fresh market arrivals.
  • Avoid tourist traps: skip Eiffel Tower restaurants and Moulin Rouge dining; opt instead for neighborhood bistros like Bouillon Chartier for historic ambiance at better value.
  • Say 'allergie' (not 'je n'aime pas') when discussing dietary restrictions; Parisians take genuine allergies seriously but may dismiss mere dislikes.
  • Breakfast in Paris is traditionally simple: a croissant and coffee at a boulangerie, not the large meal served to tourists.
  • Franprix stores deliver by barge on the Seine as a sustainability effort—an eco-friendly supply chain unique to the city.
  • Most supermarkets close around 8–9 pm and many close or have limited hours on Sundays; plan grocery shopping accordingly.
  • Cheese boards are offered as dessert in many Parisian restaurants—a distinctive local custom worth embracing.

Supermarkets

  • Franprix
    Neighborhood
    Marais (135 Rue Saint-Antoine, open 7:30am-10pm daily)
    Note
    Most visible chain in central Paris; multiple locations throughout all districts
  • Monoprix
    Neighborhood
    Multiple central locations (23 Avenue de l'Opéra, 52 Avenue des Champs-Élysées)
    Note
    Large supermarkets with bakeries, deli counters, and cheese sections; some locations open until midnight
  • Carrefour City/Express
    Neighborhood
    1st Arrondissement (Les Halles) and scattered throughout central Paris
    Note
    Smaller convenience-focused stores in central locations; higher prices, limited selection
  • Le Grand Epicerie
    Neighborhood
    6th Arrondissement (Left Bank, near Jardin du Luxembourg)
    Note
    Luxury gourmet supermarket owned by LVMH; covers 3,000 sq meters; expensive but exceptional quality
  • Le Gourmet (Galeries Lafayette)
    Neighborhood
    9th Arrondissement (near Palais Garnier)
    Note
    Four-story, 4,000 sq meter food hall with wine cellars, restaurants, gourmet vendors; upscale
  • Picard
    Neighborhood
    Multiple locations throughout central Paris
    Note
    Specialized frozen food store; excellent selection at reasonable prices; one per neighborhood

Budget

  • Chez Janou
    Price Range
    €15
    Neighborhood
    Marais
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Provençal/French comfort food, ratatouille speciality
  • Les Fines Gueules
    Price Range
    €18
    Neighborhood
    1st Arrondissement (Palais Royal area)
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Steak tartare, traditional French bistro
  • Crêperie Paul Bert
    Price Range
    €12
    Neighborhood
    11th Arrondissement (Oberkampf)
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Savory and sweet crêpes

High End

  • L'Escargot
    Price Range
    €60
    Neighborhood
    1st Arrondissement (Rue Montorgueil)
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Escargots de Bourgogne, classical French haute cuisine
  • Bouillon Chartier
    Price Range
    €35
    Neighborhood
    9th Arrondissement
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Historic Parisian brasserie, French classics

Mid Range

  • Bistrot Vivienne
    Price Range
    €28
    Neighborhood
    2nd Arrondissement (Palais Royal)
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Contemporary French, seasonal menu
  • Café De l'Homme
    Price Range
    €25
    Neighborhood
    16th Arrondissement (Trocadéro)
    Cuisine Or Dish
    French bistro fare with Eiffel Tower views
  • Le Comptoir De La Gastronomie
    Price Range
    €30
    Neighborhood
    1st Arrondissement
    Cuisine Or Dish
    Classic French ratatouille, charcuterie, traditional dishes

Delivery Services

  • Deliveroo
    Note
    Curated selection of restaurants; efficient delivery via bike couriers; market leader in Paris
  • Uber Eats
    Note
    Extensive variety of cuisines; vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal options available
  • Just Eat
    Note
    Over 15,000 dining options; previously 'Allo Resto'; wide cuisine variety
  • Glovo
    Note
    Beyond food delivery; also delivers groceries and pharmaceuticals across the city
  • Frichti
    Note
    French company (founded Paris 2015); focuses on fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced meal prep; ethical sourcing

Michelin Restaurants

  • Jules Verne
    Location
    Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement)
    Note
    Michelin-starred restaurant with Eiffel Tower views; premium pricing

International Cuisine

  • Falafel
    Neighborhood
    Marais
    Note
    L'As du Fallafel is renowned for the best falafel in Paris, serving Israeli-style cuisine
  • Asian (Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean)
    Neighborhood
    5th Arrondissement (Quartier Latin) and scattered across central Paris
    Note
    Diverse Asian cuisine widely available via delivery and in-person dining

Local Must Try Dishes

  • Croissant
    Description
    Buttery, flaky pastry; a true Parisian breakfast staple
  • Baguette with French Cheese
    Description
    Crusty baguette paired with artisanal varieties like Brie, Roquefort, or Comté
  • Coq Au Vin
    Description
    Chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms and herbs
  • Boeuf Bourguignon
    Description
    Beef braised in red Burgundy wine with carrots, potatoes, and onions
  • Duck Confit
    Description
    Slow-cooked duck leg in its own fat, served with roasted potatoes
  • French Onion Soup
    Description
    Caramelized onions in beef broth with toasted baguette and melted Gruyère
  • Escargots De Bourgogne
    Description
    Snails baked in garlic, parsley, and butter
  • Steak Frites
    Description
    Perfectly cooked steak served with crispy French fries, signature Parisian dish
  • Steak Tartare
    Description
    Diced raw beef mixed with mustard, onions, capers, and raw egg yolk
  • Quiche Lorraine
    Description
    Savory egg tart with bacon (lardons), cream, and cheese in buttery pastry
  • Crêpes
    Description
    Sweet or savory thin pancakes, served as meal or dessert
  • Tarte Tatin
    Description
    Caramelized upside-down apple tart, typically served warm with vanilla ice cream
  • Macarons
    Description
    Delicate almond meringue cookies with creamy fillings in various flavors
  • Sole Meunière
    Description
    Delicate Dover sole pan-fried in butter and lemon sauce

Vegan And Vegetarian Dining

Description
Vegetarian dining is increasingly accessible in Paris, though vegan options require more research and advance planning. Major restaurants now offer dedicated vegetarian sections on menus.

Venues

  • Candelaria
    Neighborhood
    3rd Arrondissement (Marais)
    Cuisine Or Speciality
    Vegetarian and vegan-friendly tapas; creative vegetable-forward dishes
  • Marché Bastille (Market with Organic Stalls)
    Neighborhood
    11th Arrondissement
    Cuisine Or Speciality
    Thursday and Sunday organic farmers markets with vegetarian produce and prepared foods

Gluten Free Dining

Description
Gluten-free accommodation is increasingly available at higher-end restaurants. Use the French word 'sans gluten' and distinguish celiac disease ('allergie') from preference, as restaurants take genuine allergies seriously.

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.