Paris Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes & Where to Get Them

Paris Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes & Where to Get Them

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Paris is not just the city of lights – it's also the city of culinary delights.

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alt="A vibrant café in Paris with colorful blooming flowers adorning the outdoor seating area, creating a picturesque setting for enjoying delicious French dishes as part of a foodie’s bucket list."

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From flaky croissants to indulgent French pastries, the food scene in Paris is world-renowned. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this Paris foodie bucket list will ensure you taste the best of what the French capital has to offer.

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alt="A delicious plate of steak tartare, a classic French dish made with finely chopped raw beef, seasoned with herbs, spices, and served with a side of crispy toast."

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Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and where to get them, so you can savor the essence of Paris through its delicious cuisine:

1. Croissant

You simply can’t visit Paris without indulging in a freshly baked croissant. Available on nearly every street corner in boulangeries, cafés, and patisseries, these golden, flaky pastries are a staple of French breakfasts. 

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alt="Classic Parisian breakfast: a buttery croissant, fresh baguette with butter and jam, a cup of espresso, and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, served at a charming Parisian café."

Where to Get It:

While you’ll find delicious croissants all over the city, some bakeries have earned a reputation for making them exceptionally well.

  • If you want to try one of the best, visit Du Pain et des Idées, a historic bakery known for its perfectly laminated croissants and pain au chocolat.
  • Pierre Hermé, where you can indulge in creative, gourmet variations. But don’t stop there—part of the fun is popping into a random local bakery near your stay and tasting their take on this classic treat.
  • Maison Pichard – Located in the 15th arrondissement, this patisserie is a local favorite for its melt-in-your-mouth croissants.

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2. Escargots (Snails)

Escargots may sound adventurous to some, but this French delicacy is a must-try. Often cooked in garlic, butter, and herbs, escargots are a flavorful treat for the daring foodie.

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alt="A plate of escargots, French snails cooked in garlic, butter, and herbs, served as a delicacy in traditional French cuisine."

Where to Get It:

While you’ll find them on the menu at many traditional bistros and brasseries across the city, some places are particularly well-known for their exceptional escargots. If you want to experience this dish at its finest,

  • L'Escargot Montorgueil – A historic restaurant serving escargots since 1832, located in the heart of Paris.
  • Le Comptoir de l’Escargot – Known for its innovative take on escargots, this spot is perfect for anyone looking to try snails with a twist.

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3. Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)

This slow-cooked duck dish is a French classic. The duck is slowly cooked in its own fat until it’s tender and golden, served with crispy skin that’s perfect for pairing with a glass of red wine.

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alt="A plate of Duck Confit (Confit de Canard), featuring slow-cooked duck with crispy skin, golden and tender, paired with a glass of red wine."

Where to Get It:

This classic French dish is featured on menus at many bistros and brasseries across the city, each offering its own take on the traditional recipe. If you’re looking for an outstanding version, 

  • Le Relais de l'Entrecôte – Famous for its confit de canard, this restaurant offers a traditional French dining experience with excellent service.
  • Chez L'Ami Jean – This rustic bistro serves up one of the best confit de canard in the city, paired with a delicious side of sautéed potatoes.

 

But no matter where you go, you’ll find delicious duck confit in many neighborhood bistros—just follow the inviting aroma and the sight of Parisians enjoying this beloved dish.

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4. Boeuf Bourguignon

This iconic French dish is a slow-braised beef stew made with red wine, vegetables, and a rich stock. It’s the epitome of French comfort food and a staple of Parisian bistros.

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alt="A hearty plate of Boeuf Bourguignon, a slow-braised beef stew made with red wine, vegetables, and a rich stock, served as the perfect Parisian comfort food."

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Where to Get It:

This dish is a staple in many traditional Parisian bistros, each with its own special touch. If you’re looking for an unforgettable version:

  • Le Procope – Paris’s oldest café, known for its elegant atmosphere and classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon.
  • Bistro Paul Bert – A charming bistro in the 11th arrondissement that specializes in classic French cuisine, including a hearty boeuf bourguignon.

boeuf bourguignon is a menu favorite at countless cozy bistros throughout the city, so don’t hesitate to try it at a spot that catches your eye—chances are, you’ll be in for a delicious and warming meal.

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5. Crêpes

Crêpes are thin, delicate pancakes that can be sweet or savory. Whether you choose a traditional crêpe Suzette or a galette filled with savory ingredients, you’re in for a treat.

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alt="A stack of delicious French crêpes, thin and golden, served with a variety of toppings such as Nutella, sugar, and fresh fruits, capturing the essence of a classic Parisian treat."

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Where to Get It:

You’ll find them everywhere—from street-side crêperies to sit-down cafés and traditional Breton restaurants. For an authentic experience, stop by:

  • La Crêperie Josselin – A Brittany-style crêperie in the Montparnasse district, where you can savor both sweet and savory crêpes.
  • Crêperie Breizh Café – A stylish crêperie in the Marais district known for its delicious crêpes and authentic French cider.

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6. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French vegetable stew made with fresh produce like tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, all cooked together in olive oil and herbs. It’s a light, healthy dish with bold flavors.

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alt="A vibrant plate of Ratatouille, a traditional French vegetable stew made with zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, beautifully arranged in a colorful and appetizing presentation."

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Where to Get It:

This dish appears on menus all over the city—perfect for those seeking a taste of France’s rustic, homey flavors.  If you want to try a standout version:

  • Le Jardin d'Acclimatation – This Parisian garden and amusement park has a lovely bistro that serves up a tasty and traditional ratatouille.
  • Chez L'Ami Jean – This bistro’s ratatouille is a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the best of French produce.

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7. French Cheese & Baguette

No visit to Paris is complete without indulging in the perfect combination of French cheese and a fresh baguette. France is home to hundreds of types of cheese, each with its own distinct flavor and texture.

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alt="A classic French pairing of a selection of cheeses and a freshly baked baguette, showcasing the rich variety and texture of French cheese alongside the crispy, golden crust of the baguette."

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Where to Get It:

With hundreds of cheese varieties and boulangeries on nearly every corner, the possibilities are endless. To sample some of the finest selections, visit:

  • Fromagerie Laurent Dubois – A famous cheese shop in the Latin Quarter offering a selection of the best French cheeses.
  • Le Grenier à Pain – A popular bakery known for its freshly baked baguettes that pair perfectly with any cheese.

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8. Macarons

These delicate, colorful confections are made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam. Macarons are the quintessential Parisian treat and are loved by locals and tourists alike.

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alt="A colorful assortment of delicate macarons, with a variety of flavors and pastel hues, sitting elegantly on a plate—perfectly light, airy, and a quintessential Parisian treat."

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Where to Get It:

You’ll find these airy almond meringue cookies in patisseries across the city, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to creative seasonal varieties. For some of the best:

  • Ladurée – Famous for its macarons, this elegant patisserie is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
  • Pierre Hermé – Another iconic patisserie offering a modern take on macarons with unique flavors like rose, pistachio, and chocolate.

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9. Tarte Tatin

This upside-down caramelized apple tart is a true French classic. It’s sweet, buttery, and perfectly decadent. The Tarte Tatin was accidentally created at the Hôtel Tatin, but it’s now a beloved dish in Parisian bakeries. 

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alt="A delicious slice of Tarte Tatin, a classic French upside-down caramelized apple tart with a golden, flaky pastry crust, drizzled with rich caramel syrup."

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Where to Get It:

  • Café des Deux Moulins – Known for its association with the film Amélie, this café serves an excellent Tarte Tatin.
  • Le Comptoir du Relais – A cozy bistro offering delicious French pastries, including a delightful Tarte Tatin.

That said, don’t hesitate to try it wherever you see it on the menu—each version has its own charm, making it the perfect sweet ending to a Parisian meal.

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10. French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon)

This rich and flavorful soup is made from caramelized onions, beef broth, and topped with melted cheese and toasted bread. It’s the perfect comfort food for cooler days.

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alt="A warm bowl of French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon) topped with melted cheese and a golden, crispy baguette slice, served in a rustic crock."

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Where to Get It:

  • Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie – A traditional Parisian bistro offering classic French onion soup with a rich, flavorful broth.
  • Au Pied de Cochon – A historic brasserie that has been serving delicious French onion soup since 1947.

Still, you’ll find delicious French onion soup in many cozy bistros across the city—perfect for warming up on a chilly Parisian evening.

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From buttery croissants to decadent French onion soup, Paris is a food lover’s paradise.

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alt="A hearty plate of slow-cooked pork leg served with crispy golden fries, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor."

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Whether you’re indulging in the classic dishes or exploring the lesser-known culinary gems, Paris offers a world of flavors to discover. Don’t forget to pair your meals with a glass of French wine, and enjoy the unforgettable dining experiences that make Paris one of the best food cities in the world.

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