Bonjour! It seems everyone who visits Paris has their own little “must-try” food list, right? I mean, who can resist the allure of the City of Lights’ culinary scene? While some spots might be a bit overrated, there are certain places I find myself returning to again and again, even if they’re packed with tourists. Like L’As du Fallafel – that falafel is simply irresistible!
Any other foodie hotspots you can’t get enough of?
01
L’As du Fallafel
LOCATION
Jewish Quarter of Le Marais
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
RESERVATIONS
No
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Fast Casual
Food
LOCATION
Jewish Quarter of Le Marais
RESERVATIONS
No
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Fast Casual
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
food
Overview
L’As du Fallafel is hands down the king of falafel pitas! Their pitas are stuffed to the brim with crispy, golden falafel balls, creamy hummus, and a generous helping of eggplant (though I’m a skip-the-eggplant kind of person). Don’t be afraid to add a dash of their fiery hot sauce for an extra kick! Also their meat options are also top-notch too. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, delicious meal – plus, the line moves surprisingly fast!
02
Angelina
LOCATION
Opp Jardin de Tuileries amongst others
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Teahouse
Vibes
food
Hot Chocolate
LOCATION
Opp Jardin de Tuileries amongst others
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Teahouse
Vibes
food
Hot Chocolate
Overview
“Angelina’s hot chocolate is legendary,” they said. So, with high expectations, I braved the crowds a few years ago. Don’t get me wrong, it’s rich and decadent, but it’s so rich and decadent that I felt like I’d eaten a whole chocolate cake after just a few sips. Nowadays, when I see that insane line outside, I can’t help but wonder what all the fuss is about.
03
Café de Flore
LOCATION
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Café
Vibes
food
Coffee
LOCATION
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Café
Vibes
food
Coffee
Overview
If you’re a Gossip Girl fan, you probably already know about Café de Flore – it’s the quintessential Parisian café. With its stunning art deco decor and classic French menu, it’s a total dream! Imagine yourself sipping a perfect café au lait while soaking up the Parisian sunshine on their outdoor terrace. It’s the ultimate breakfast or brunch spot!
04
Pink Mamma
LOCATION
Pigalle
CUISINE
Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Pigalle
CUISINE
Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
Pink Mamma is definitely a Parisian icon with undeniable charm. It’s the perfect spot to capture those Instagram-worthy moments. However, if you’ve experienced the food scene at London’s Big Mamma restaurants, you might find the cuisine here a bit lacking. Don’t get me wrong, the ambiance is top-notch, but the food is more about enjoying the experience than the taste.
05
Miss Kō
LOCATION
Champs Elysées
CUISINE
Asian Fusion
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Limited
Category
Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Champs Elysées
CUISINE
Asian Fusion
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Limited
Category
Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
I used to rave about this Asian fusion spot – it was my go-to. Sadly, my recent visit was a major disappointment. Every dish was off, and it wasn’t even salvageable by the restaurant’s lovely ambiance. I’m hoping it was just a one-off, but I’m hesitant to return.
06
Gigi
LOCATION
Av. Montaigne
CUISINE
Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
FIne- Dining
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Av. Montaigne
CUISINE
Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
FIne- Dining
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
Imagine this: a sunny Parisian day, you in your chicest outfit, sipping on an Aperol Spritz, and the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. Sigh. That’s the magic of Gigi. This glamorous spot in the heart of Paris is where you go to see and be seen. While the food might not be the most authentic Italian in town, the overall experience – the ambiance, the people-watching – is absolutely worth it. It’s all about soaking up the Parisian high life!
07
L’Avenue
LOCATION
Av. Montaigne
CUISINE
French
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Contemporary French Bistro
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Av. Montaigne
CUISINE
French
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Contemporary French Bistro
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
It’s become a Parisian tradition for me: every trip starts with a meal at L’Avenue. This trendy hotspot is always buzzing with celebs (I once had lunch next to Mark Wahlberg, no joke!) and is perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner. Trust me, you have to try the Beef Filet Mignon – it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And don’t forget the Spicy Tomato Rigatoni – it’s a flavor explosion!
08
LouLou
LOCATION
Palais du Louvre
CUISINE
French, Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Contemporary Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Palais du Louvre
CUISINE
French, Italian
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Contemporary Casual
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
LouLou is all about the experience. Forget the food for a moment (though it’s decent enough) and focus on the unbeatable ambiance. Picture this: you’re lounging on the terrace, sipping something bubbly, with the Tuileries Gardens, Louvre Pyramid, and Eiffel Tower as your backdrop. It’s the epitome of Parisian chic.
09
Costes
LOCATION
Hotel Costes
CUISINE
French
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Casual (Lunch)
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Hotel Costes
CUISINE
French
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes
Category
Casual (Lunch)
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
I’ve only experienced the Hotel Costes restaurant’s daytime charm, dining in their beautiful Tuscan-style courtyard. The menu, similar to L’Avenue’s, is chic and sophisticated. But I’ve heard whispers about the restaurant’s nighttime transformation- soft lighting, luxurious decor, and a crowd of the city’s most stylish. It’s on my list for whenever I go to Paris next!
10
Kong
LOCATION
Rue de Rivoli
CUISINE
French, Japanese Fusion
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Limited
Category
Fine- Dining
Vibes
food
Cocktails
LOCATION
Rue De Rivoli
CUISINE
French, Japanese Fusion
RESERVATIONS
Yes
Vegetarian
Limited
Category
Fine- Dining
Vibes
food
Cocktails
Overview
The food and service weren’t exactly what I’d hoped for, but let’s talk cocktails! They were divine! The bar itself has a great vibe, perfect for a night out with friends and dancing to the DJ’s tunes. And then there’s the rooftop. Oh, the rooftop! With its glass ceiling and stunning panoramic view of Paris, you might just feel like Carrie Bradshaw herself.
11
Ladurée
LOCATION
Champs Elysées amongst others
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
French Patisserie
Vibes
macaroons
Coffee
LOCATION
Champs Elysées amongst others
CATEGORY
French Patisserie
RESERVATIONS
No
Vibes
macaroons
coffee
Overview
Once a Parisian jewel, this renowned French bakery has captured hearts (and taste buds) worldwide with its iconic macarons. What began as a Parisian exclusive has blossomed into a global sensation, with delectable branches now gracing cities like London and Dubai.
12
Carette
LOCATION
Trocadéro amongst others
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Café
Vibes
food
Hot Chocolate
LOCATION
Trocadéro amongst others
RESERVATIONS
No
Category
Parisian Café
Vibes
food
Hot Chocolate
Overview
A Parisian escape wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the ultimate luxury: croissants paired with a rich hot chocolate. This elegant café, nestled in the heart of the city, is the perfect spot to savor such delights. Breakfast or brunch is the ideal time to immerse yourself in this sweet and indulgent experience.
