10 Quintessential Food Experiences In Paris
There are some food experiences that are so quintessentially Parisian, that you would be remiss not to pursue them during your next trip to Paris. Here is a list of ten ideas to help you realize your Parisian culinary dreams.
In no particular order:
A cream puff at Odette
This staple Parisian pastry shop is best enjoyed with a seat upstairs where you can eat your cream puff while gazing upon Notre Dame.
2. A croissant at Stohrer, Paris’ oldest bakery from 1730
3. Dine at Café Procope, Paris’ oldest café from 1686
At some point in your dining experience, take a walk around the restaurant to see artifacts from the French Revolution, as this café was frequented by Napoleon Bonaparte, Benjamin Franklin, Robespierre, and Voltaire. Voltaire’s desk and Napoleon’s hat are on display. The story goes that Napoleon was not able to pay for his dinner, so he left his hat as a pledge that he’d come back to pay. He never did, and now diners can see his hat during their meal.
4. A stop at Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
The vibrant décor outside this restaurant has made it famous with tourists in recent years, but it still maintains a nice local vibe, and the owner is warm and welcoming. Even if you just stop for a glass of wine, it will be an experience to remember.
5. Sitting down at a sidewalk café
Have an espresso and a croissant during the morning hours or a beer during happy hour. It doesn’t matter what you order, as long as you experience the wonderful café culture for which Paris is known. Take a break from your sightseeing to watch the people and soak in the city surroundings.
KB Coffee Roasters in the 9th arrondissement
6. A macaron at Ladurée
Founded in 1862, La Maison Ladurée is synonymous with macarons. For a real treat, dine inside the tea room at the location on the Champs-Elysées.
Cappuccino inside the Ladurée tea room
7. Any product from a specialty store (i.e boulangerie, patisserie)
The breads and desserts as you walk past local stores look phenomenal and taste even better! Let your nose guide you to the nearest bakery and order whatever tickles your fancy. Do not be intimidated by these small stores - it is part of the Paris experience! Just remember to always say “bonjour” when you enter the shop!
8. Fresh food at an outdoor market
There are countless outdoors and covered markets year-round in Paris for you to enjoy. Most likely you will stumble upon one or two without even expecting it. While they are fun to just walk around and look, you will have a more memorable and authentic Paris experience if you order something. Whether it’s fresh produce, a slice of cheese, or the popular oysters, you can then enjoy a nice snack or little picnic after a lovely chat with the friendly merchants.
9. Ice cream at Amorino
Don’t let the Italian name fool you - Amorino is a Paris-based ice cream chain. The ice cream is shaped into a rose shape on top of the ice cream cone, and you can even order a macaron on top. Berthillon is another popular store, but we taste-tested the same flavors at both locations, and Amorino was the winner in our eyes! But hey, go be your own judge - two ice cream stops never hurt anybody!
10. And finally… hot chocolate at Angelina’s
If you love hot chocolate or just chocolate in general, you will love this place. Their signature hot chocolate is rich and thick, and oh-so-chocolatey.
