Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Paris, Île-de-France, France
1. Croissant au Beurre
Buttery and flaky pastry perfected in French bakeries since the 14th century, best enjoyed at a traditional café like Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore.
- Buttery Flavor: Made with high-quality butter for an unforgettable taste.
- Bakery Tradition: Over six centuries of French pastry making tradition.
- Café Atmosphere: Experience the historic charm of Les Deux Magots or Café de Flore.
2. Quiche Lorraine
Savory tart filled with a creamy egg mixture and bacon or lardons, try this classic dish at Pierre Hermé or Fauchon.
- Egg Custard: Creamy texture made from eggs.
- Bacon or Lardons: Salty and smoky flavors complement the custard.
- High-end Pastry Shops: Find Quiche Lorraine at renowned patisseries Pierre Hermé or Fauchon.
3. Coq au Vin
Chicken cooked in wine with mushrooms, bacon, and onions, taste this hearty dish at Le Comptoir du Relais or Brasserie Lipp.
- Wine-soaked Chicken: Slow-cooked chicken infused with red wine.
- Hearty Meal: Coq au Vin is a classic comfort food for cold Parisian nights.
- Iconic Restaurants: Discover Coq au Vin at Le Comptoir du Relais or Brasserie Lipp, popular restaurants in the city.
4. Ratatouille
Colorful stew of vegetables from Provence served at restaurants like Chez Janou or Auguste.
- Fresh Vegetables: A healthy, vegetarian dish featuring zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
- Regional Flavors: Authentic Provencal recipe showcasing the flavors of Southern France.
- Traditional Restaurants: Enjoy Ratatouille at Chez Janou or Auguste, known for their Provençal cuisine.
5. Éclair Chocolat
Long, thin pastry filled with chocolate cream, best tasted at Eric Kayser or Sadaharu Aoki.
- Chocolate Cream Filling: Rich and velvety chocolate custard inside.
- Crispy Choux Pastry: Light, airy, and crispy on the outside.
- Famous Pastry Chefs: Eclairs from Eric Kayser or Sadaharu Aoki are made by world-renowned pastry chefs.
6. Crêpe Suzette
Delicate thin pancake served with an orange sauce, found at Le Sélect or Carette.
- Thin and Delicate: Foldable crêpe made from simple ingredients.
- Orange Sauce: Tangy orange flavor balanced with butter and sugar.
- Historic Restaurants: Le Sélect or Carette offer a taste of the classic Parisian dining experience.
7. Foie Gras Torchon
Luxurious liver pâté made from duck or goose, best savored at Le Grand Vefour or L'Ambroisie.
- Luxurious Ingredient: Premium quality foie gras prepared with care.
- Gourmet Dining Experience: Indulge in this delicacy at Le Grand Vefour or L'Ambroisie, renowned French restaurants.
- Traditional Preparation: Foie Gras Torchon is prepared using the classic torchon method.
8. Bouillabaisse
Seafood stew made with fish, shellfish, and herbs, served at seafood restaurants like Le Sud or La Sabot.
- Fresh Seafood: An assortment of fresh fish and shellfish gathered daily.
- Authentic Provençal Recipe: Traditional bouillabaisse recipe hailing from Marseille.
- Seafood Restaurants: Savor bouillabaisse at Le Sud or La Sabot, both known for their seafood specialties.
9. Escargots de Bourgogne
Traditional snail dish served in garlic and parsley butter at Le Verre Volé or Les Ombres.
- Gourmet Snack: A luxury food that has been enjoyed for centuries.
- Buttery Flavor: Savory snails cooked in rich garlic and parsley butter.
- Historic Restaurants: Find escargots de Bourgogne at Le Verre Volé or Les Ombres, both established eateries.
10. Tarte Tatin
Upside-down caramelized apple tart, best enjoyed at Les Antiquaires or Fulgurie.
- Caramelized Apples: Sweet and sticky apples create a unique flavor.
- Upside-down Presentation: Apples are cooked in caramel before being flipped onto pastry.
- Famous Pastry Shops: Find Tarte Tatin at Les Antiquaires or Fulgurie, both recognized for their desserts.
11. Steak-Frites
Classic French dish of steak with fries served at Brasserie L'Ambroisie or Le Relais de l'Entrecôte.
- Tender Steak: Perfectly cooked steak, typically served with a sauce.
- Crispy Fries: Golden, crispy fried potatoes.
- Iconic Restaurants: Enjoy Steak-Frites at Brasserie L'Ambroisie or Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, beloved Parisian eateries.
12. Mille-feuille
Layered pastry filled with custard or whipped cream at Pâtisserie Stohrer or Ladurée.
- Flaky Layers: Crispy puff pastry layers create a delicate texture.
- Filling Options: Mille-feuille can be filled with custard, whipped cream, or fruit preserve.
- Renowned Pastry Shops: Discover Mille-feuille at Pâtisserie Stohrer or Ladurée, Parisian institutions.
13. Crêpes de la Mère Richard
Thin pancakes filled with sweet or savory fillings at Crêperie Josselin or Breizh Café.
- Versatile Filling Options: Crêpes can be filled with both sweet and savory ingredients.
- Traditional Recipe: Following the recipe from Mère Richard, the mother of crêpes in Brittany.
- Authentic Crêperies: Crêperie Josselin or Breizh Café offer a taste of authentic French crêpes.
14. Croque-Monsieur
Grilled ham and cheese sandwich with bechamel sauce, best sampled at Café de l'Industrie or Le Baron Rouge.
- Cheesy Flavor: Melted cheese creates a gooey and tasty sandwich.
- Bechamel Sauce: A creamy white sauce adds richness to the Croque-Monsieur.
- Traditional Parisian Cafes: Find Croque-Monsieur at Café de l'Industrie or Le Baron Rouge, both staples of Parisian café culture.
15. Macaron
Colorful almond-meringue cookies filled with ganache or buttercream at Pierre Hermé or Ladurée.
- Ganache or Buttercream Filling: A variety of flavors like raspberry, pistachio, and salted caramel.
- Colorful Designs: Macarons come in a rainbow of colors, each one unique and beautiful.
- World-Renowned Pastry Chef: Pierre Hermé or Ladurée offer macarons made by the best pastry chefs in the world.