Paris is the city of light—but it’s also the city of bite. Ditch the guidebook for flaky pastries, wine tastings, cooking classes, and quirky cafés that feed your soul as much as your stomach. From decadent Mont Blanc desserts to lively food markets, here are 10 unforgettable food experiences to savor in Paris.
Bustronome Gourmet Dining
Climb aboard a glass-topped double-decker bus and enjoy a gourmet tasting menu while gliding past Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Bustronome serves up multiple courses of refined French cuisine, paired with curated wines and skyline views. It’s a unique, slow-paced way to dine and sightsee all at once.
Wine Tasting at O Château
O Château is a wine lover’s haven tucked away in a historic wine cellar near the Louvre. Join a tasting session that pairs French wines with cheese, charcuterie, and expert storytelling. Whether you’re a casual sipper or wine geek, it’s an entertaining and delicious education in French terroir.
Ina Garten’s Favorite Food Spots
Walk in the Barefoot Contessa’s footsteps and explore her go-to Paris spots like Secco for baguettes, Maison Verot for charcuterie, and Fromagerie Barthélemy for cheese. Top it off with the decadent Mont Blanc dessert at Angelina. It’s a tasty way to travel like a food-obsessed local.
Bouillon Dining for Local Flavor
Skip the pricey tourist menus and dig into classic French comfort food at one of Paris’s lively bouillons like Bouillon Pigalle. These bustling brasseries offer escargot, beef bourguignon, and crème caramel at shockingly reasonable prices. It’s Parisian dining at its most democratic and delicious.
Covered Passages & Hidden Food Gems
Wander through atmospheric arcades like Passage des Panoramas for a mix of vintage charm and off-the-beaten-path bites. From crêpe stands to Japanese bistros, these covered passages are a treasure trove of casual eats. They’re also a great way to escape the rain and explore.
Market Mornings & Parisian Picnics
Head to Rue Montorgueil or Marché Raspail to stock up on cheese, fruit, fresh bread, and pastries. Then, take your picnic to Canal Saint-Martin, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or the Luxembourg Gardens. Few things beat a casual Parisian lunch in the sun with market-fresh food and a bottle of wine.
Cooking Classes & Apéro Tours
Get hands-on with French cuisine through a cooking class, pastry lesson, or cheese-and-wine pairing session. Local workshops often include market visits and small group sizes for a personal touch. It’s a fun way to bring home skills—and recipes—you’ll actually use.
Iconic Cafés & Historic Tea Rooms
Pause for a rich hot chocolate at Angelina or sip espresso at Café des 2 Moulins in Montmartre, made famous by the movie Amélie. These atmospheric spots are as much about people-watching and ambiance as they are about the drinks. Slow down and enjoy it like a true Parisian.
Literary Lunch at Polidor
Step back in time at Polidor, a 19th-century bistro once frequented by Hemingway and Kerouac. The menu is all old-school French: think boeuf bourguignon and oeufs mayonnaise. With shared tables and vintage décor, it’s a cozy, communal dining experience that oozes charm.
Marais Café-Hopping
Spend an afternoon grazing your way through the Marais, where old-world streets are packed with modern culinary gems. Snack on falafel, duck confit, or pistachio-stuffed pastries, then sip natural wine at a corner bar. It’s the ultimate way to taste Paris, one neighborhood at a time.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.