A Food Lover’s Guide to Paris: Cafes, Bistros and Bars

Take a Parisian pastry class

Learn how to bake classic French treats like croissants or macarons in a hands-on cooking class. Many workshops are taught in English and often include a recipe booklet to take home. Insider tip: La Cuisine is one of the best cooking classes in Paris! I did a macaron class last year and it's one of my favorite experiences to date!

Explore a wine tasting at O Chateau

Discover French wines with an expert-led tasting at O Chateau, which offers everything from introductory sessions to deep dives into specific regions. Insider tip: Do the wine and cheese lunch option for a great afternoon experience.

Go on a food tour in Le Marais

Le Marais is a foodie’s dream, with artisanal cheese shops, pâtisseries and falafel stands. A guided food tour will let you sample a curated selection of the best bites. There's so many different food tour options — you could pick just chocolates, pastries or full French cuisine experiences (escargot and all!)

Stroll through Rue Cler Market

This quintessential Parisian market street is packed with gourmet delights — cheese, charcuterie, fresh produce and more. Pack a picnic from the market and enjoy it on nearby Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower.

Savor afternoon tea at Hôtel Ritz Paris

High Tea isn't just for London! Paris has wonderful Afternoon Tea programs throughout the city, including a la Ritz. It’s a chance to enjoy exquisite pastries, fine teas and the opulence of a Parisian landmark. Oooo la la!

Attend a cooking demonstration at E. Dehillerin

This historic kitchenware shop sometimes hosts demonstrations and workshops. Even if you don’t catch a demo, browsing the aisles is a treat for foodies.

Dine in the dark at Dans le Noir?

Experience a meal like no other at Dans le Noir?, where you'll dine in complete darkness, heightening your senses of taste and smell. This unique setting challenges your perception of food, but be sure to keep an open mind and embrace the surprise menu for a truly memorable adventure.

Picnic along the seine

Curate your own Parisian picnic with fresh baguettes, cheeses and wine from local shops, and enjoy it by the river. Insider tip: You could also decide to do dinner on a river cruise along the Seine!

Discover Parisian hot chocolate at Angelina

Known for its rich, velvety hot chocolate, Angelina is a must-visit for dessert lovers. Pair it with their signature Mont Blanc pastry for a decadent treat.

Sip cocktails at Little Red Door

Little Red Door is a world-renowned cocktail bar with a menu inspired by local French ingredients. Each drink tells a story, with innovative pairings and stunning presentation. Often on World's 50 Best Bars list — it's one of the only bars I've been to that's "Farm to Glass."

Day trips

Champagne Region (Reims & Épernay): Travel just an hour by train to the heart of the Champagne region. Here you can tour prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot or some lesser-known houses like Le 25bis by Leclerc Briant. Many tours include tastings of their finest bubbles and visits to historic chalk cellars. Insider tip: Book a visit to a smaller, family-run champagne producer for a more intimate and unique experience.

Ose

This intimate and trendy spot offers a creative take on modern French cuisine. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, each dish is plated like a work of art. I had a soup there that I still think about to this day!

Le Danico

Tucked away near the Palais Royal, this chic cocktail bar offers some of the most inventive drinks in Paris. The vibrant atmosphere and expert mixologists make it a must-visit. Insider tip: Try their twist on classic cocktails, like the signature Danico Martini.

Libertino

Part of the Big Mamma Group, Libertino is a playful Italian-inspired eatery in the 10th arrondissement. While not Parisian in cuisine or culture, the Mamma restaurants always offer oversized portions, whimsical décor and a lively atmosphere that make it a fun dining experience.

Benoit

A classic Parisian bistro by Alain Ducasse, Benoit offers traditional French dishes in an elegant setting. Insider tip: The escargots and cassoulet are house specialties that transport you back to the golden age of Parisian dining.

Du Pain et des Idées

Known for its escargot pastries and some of the best croissants in Paris, this bakery in the Canal Saint-Martin area is worth the hype. Insider tip: Go early in the morning to snag their famous pistachio-chocolate swirl.

Café de Flore

An iconic Parisian café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, perfect for people-watching and indulging in classics like a café crème or a croque monsieur. Insider tip: Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the breakfast and lunch rush.

Le Comptoir du Relais

A small but mighty bistro offering hearty, traditional French dishes in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Insider tip: Aim for lunch, as dinner is nearly impossible to reserve without months of planning.

Septime

This Michelin-starred restaurant in the 11th arrondissement is a true gem for contemporary French dining. Insider tip: Reservations are essential and can be made up to three weeks in advance — set a reminder to secure your spot.

Substance Coffee

A haven for coffee enthusiasts, Substance Coffee in the 10th arrondissement offers meticulously crafted brews using beans from renowned roasters. Insider tip: Ask the baristas about their single-origin options and pair your coffee with one of their freshly baked pastries.

Divine

Funky disco ball in the corner and old 2000s music playing (at least the night I was there), you feel like you are in the neighborhood bar. It's casual yet stylish. The bartenders were so friendly and the drinks were fantastic.