Short Summary
This Paris food bucket list goes beyond generic dishes and points you to specific, iconic bites worth planning your day around. From legendary bakeries to historic brasseries, these are the flavors that define eating in Paris. If you want to eat like a local, start here.
What you’ll learn today
- What to eat in Paris beyond the basics
- Where to find the most famous versions of classic French dishes
- How to structure a food-focused Paris itinerary
- Which neighborhoods are best for walking off indulgent meals
The Ultimate Paris Food Bucket List: 20 Things You Must Eat
This Paris food bucket list focuses on precise dishes and trusted addresses, not vague categories. These are meals and pastries Parisians recommend and visitors remember.
Classic Parisian Dishes You Can’t Skip
- Pistachio Escargot at Du Pain et des Idées
This laminated pastry is filled with pistachio cream and chocolate chips, shaped like a snail. It’s one of the most famous pastries in Paris for a reason. Go early, they sell out. - Onion Soup at Au Pied de Cochon
Rich beef broth, deeply caramelized onions, and a thick layer of melted cheese. This historic brasserie near Les Halles serves it day and night. - Steak Frites at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte
One cut of steak, one secret sauce, endless fries. There’s no menu choice, which is part of the appeal. - Jambon-Beurre from Caractère de Cochon
Paris’s simplest sandwich, done perfectly. High-quality butter, crusty baguette, and excellent French ham. - Duck Confit at Chez Dumonet
Slow-cooked duck leg with crisp skin and tender meat. A classic Left Bank comfort dish.
Pastries and Sweets Worth the Calories
- Croissant at Maison d’Isabelle
This bakery won the Grand Prix for the best croissant in Paris. Expect deep flavor and a crackling crust. - Paris-Brest at Philippe Conticini
Choux pastry filled with praline cream, created to celebrate a bicycle race. Nutty, rich, and perfectly balanced. - Chocolate Éclair at L’Éclair de Génie
Modern flavors with precise execution. The chocolate glaze is intense without being overly sweet. - Crêpe Suzette from a Street Stand near Saint-Germain
Thin crêpes with orange, butter, and sugar, often flambéed. A quick dessert while exploring the Left Bank. - Macarons from Pierre Hermé
Known for creative flavor combinations and consistent quality. The Ispahan rose-raspberry is a standout.
Market Finds and Casual Eats
- Falafel at L’As du Fallafel
Crispy falafel, tender eggplant, and spicy sauce inside warm pita. A Marais institution with long lines that move fast. - Oysters at Marché des Enfants Rouges
Fresh oysters served with lemon and white wine in Paris’s oldest covered market. - Cheese Plate from Fromagerie Laurent Dubois
A Meilleur Ouvrier de France cheesemonger with impeccable selection. Ask for a mix of soft, hard, and blue cheeses. - Rotisserie Chicken at Le Coq Saint-Honoré
Juicy, golden chicken seasoned simply. Perfect picnic food near the Louvre or Tuileries.
Iconic Desserts and Treats
- Hot Chocolate at Angelina
Thick, rich, and intensely chocolatey. This is dessert-level hot chocolate, not a drink. - Ice Cream from Berthillon
Classic flavors made with high-quality ingredients. Enjoy it while walking Île Saint-Louis. - Tarte Tatin at Café Constant
Caramelized apples with flaky pastry, served warm. A reliable version of this French classic.
French Comfort Food Staples
- Croque Monsieur at Café de Flore
Ham, cheese, béchamel, and toasted bread. Simple, filling, and very Parisian. - Boeuf Bourguignon at Le Bistrot Paul Bert
Slow-braised beef in red wine with vegetables. Deep flavor and generous portions. - Raclette or Fondue in Winter at Le Refuge des Fondus
Melted cheese, potatoes, charcuterie, and wine. A fun, communal way to end a cold day.
Where to Eat It All in Paris
Many of these dishes are clustered by neighborhood, which makes food-focused walking easy. The Marais is ideal for falafel, markets, and bakeries, while Saint-Germain is packed with classic cafés and bistros. If it’s your first visit, pairing food stops with sightseeing works well. The Paris Starts Here tour is a good orientation walk before diving deeper into food neighborhoods.
Our Paris walking tours connect great neighborhoods, local food stops, and must-see sights—check them out.
Burn Off the Calories in Montmartre
You’ll need a walk after this Paris food bucket list. Montmartre’s steep streets and staircases are perfect for that. Burn off those calories with a walk up the hill and join our Montmartre walking tour to explore food, history, and views at the same time.
FAQ: Paris Food Bucket List
What food is Paris most famous for?
Paris is best known for pastries, bread, cheese, and classic bistro dishes like steak frites and onion soup. Many iconic foods are tied to specific cafés and bakeries.
How many days do you need to eat well in Paris?
You can eat very well in Paris in three to four days if you plan by neighborhood. Spreading food stops across different areas helps avoid rushing.
Is Paris expensive for food?
Paris offers a wide range of prices. Bakeries, markets, and casual cafés can be affordable, while sit-down restaurants cost more depending on location and menu.
