I’m slowly coming back to reality from our trip in Paris but couldn’t wait to share my Paris food and drink guide with you all! One thing we were not short of on this trip: eating and drinking! Keep scrolling down for all my recommendations!
A COMPLETE PARIS FOOD AND DRINK GUIDE:
We truly didn’t have one bad meal during our stay and from croissants to wine to dessert, I’m breaking down all the spots we went to and my must-have meals.
THE BEST PLACES FOR BREAKFAST, COFFEE AND PASTRIES
Du Pain Et Des Idees:
If you can only have one pastry in Paris (ha!) this has to be the place. The most flaky, buttery pastries I’ve ever had and all I want is one right now!
LouLou Friendly Diner:
If you’re looking for a coffee to go (a very rare thing in Paris!) this adorable spot has a to-go counter to grab while shopping in Saint Germain. The brunch looked amazing too!
Poilane:
This bakery in Saint Germain is Ina Garten’s favorite croissant spot and while we sadly were too late for croissants, we did try some other delicious pastries that were super buttery and delicious.
Pain Pain:
We were staying in the Montmartre area and this patisserie was so adorable. Another spot for coffee to go but they also had the most gorgeous desserts and pastries. We took home a bag of meringues and finished them that night!
Circus Bakery:
This was the first pastry I had after arriving to Paris and I’m still dreaming of it now! Make sure to head to this tiny bakery near Notre Dame for the most incredible cinnamon bun of your life.
Café Kitsune:
I found an oat milk latte in Paris! A favorite spot to grab to-go coffee while near the Tuileries Garden, they have a few locations now around the city.
Boris Lume Patisserie:
If you’re in the Montmartre area, this patisserie is a must to grab croissants from. I grabbed a few for the airport on our way out of town and so sad we didn’t discover till then because they were incredible!
THE BEST SPOTS FOR LUNCH/CAFES IN PARIS
Café Charlot:
An iconic Paris café, this was such a fun spot to people watch and enjoy a delicious lunch after walking around the Marais area. I had one of the best salads ever too (thank you Meghan for the rec!) and Alexa Chung sat next to us too so a double win!
Le Bonaparte:
We ended up stopping here for a cappuccino break and it was another ideal place to stop after shopping to people watch and caffeinate.
Ralph’s:
The most beautiful space to spend a leisurely lunch. The outdoor patio is filled with blue and white pillows, blooming hydrangeas and classic Ralph Lauren details. The food was incredible of course and an ideal spot to dine at after shopping! Call ahead to make a reservation.
Le Consulat:
A classic café in Montmartre, definitely choose this spot to people watch while enjoying French Onion Soup. We had made the mistake of trying the Instagram famous La Maison Rose first but the service is horrible there so head here to enjoy a classic French meal after sightseeing.
Buvette:
One of my favorite restaurants in NYC too, I ate at the bar here by myself on my first day and it was a charming and delicious way to start my trip.
Le Vrai:
We stumbled upon this adorable restaurant in Montmartre on a walk back to her apartment and while we didn’t get to dine here, it was such a fun spot to have a bottle of champagne and some snacks.
THE BEST RESTAURANTS FOR DINNER IN PARIS
Frenchie Wine Bar:
This tiny spot is the more cozy, casual sister restaurant to Frenchie and it was truly one of my favorite meals of the week. They don’t take reservations so get there right when they open to get a table. Definitely recommend for a small group thanks to the space of the restaurant but also less people to share the small plates with!
La Fontaine De Mars:
From the red and white check tablecloths, to the wallpaper, to the classic French dishes, this adorable restaurant is a Paris must have. We had an incredible meal, including some escargot, and then finished off with not one, but three epic desserts! Call ahead to make a reservation.
Daroco:
This Italian spot was bustling when we visited and was a great break from all the French food. The space is first off so gorgeous and we had a great meal of pasta and pizza. This was also the only reservation we could actually make online so a major perk there!
Chez Janou:
Recommended by so many followers and friends, Chez Janou didn’t disappoint! Located in the Marais district, this cozy spot feels right out of French movie thanks to the décor and incredible meal. The number one reason to come though is for the epic pot of chocolate mousse for dessert. A must order! Call ahead for a reservation.
Pink Mamma:
An Instagram favorite, Pink Mamma didn’t disappoint in food or décor. This huge restaurant doesn’t take reservations for dinner so make sure to head there right around opening to get in the crazy line. The line moves super quickly and we were seated within 15 minutes. Everything is incredible and we shared pizza, pasta and their famous Florentine steak along with some delicious cocktails.
Le Bistrot Paul Bert:
I wanted to make sure to cross off as many classic French dishes while in town and Le Bistrot Paul Bert came in as a favorite for steak and frites. This cozy spot has an amazing deal where you can get an appetizer, entrée and dessert for 41 Euro, or you can choose whatever you would like off the menu. The steak and frites did not disappoint but make sure you save room for the game changing Grand Marnier Soufflé which I think may be the best dessert I’ve ever had. Call ahead for a reservation.
Au Passage:
Our last meal in Paris was also highly recommended by so many of you! All small plates, the menu changes daily and we got to share a ton of unique dishes. From lobster to radishes dipped in butter, it was a rich but delicious way to end the trip. You can book a reservation online for this spot!
L’As du Fallafel:
If you’re looking for a casual meal to enjoy while sightseeing, get ready for the most delicious falafel ever! I was alone the first day of our trip and grabbed one while walking around the Marais district and it was so life changing! An easy and delicious spot to try while in Paris.
THE BEST DESSERTS IN PARIS
Angelina:
If you’re a chocolate lover, a cup of Angelina’s famous hot chocolate is a must. A few locations around the city, we stopped in the one near the Tuileries Garden and the whole space is whimsical and fun.
Brezih Café:
Crepes are one of my favorite desserts and there’s so many spots around the city to grab on the go. However, this famous spot has an extensive list of sweet and savory crepes you must try.
Pierre Herme:
For macarons, skip Laduree this time around and try these incredible macarons. More unique flavors, we finished a box of these pretty treats quickly between the four of us!
BEST SPOTS FOR DRINKS IN PARIS:
Ritz Hotel Bar/Hemingway Bar:
I love visiting hotel bars when traveling and the Ritz Hotel Bar is a must. Hemingway Bar was too crowded but across the hall is the Ritz Bar where you can get almost the same drinks and a fun experience still. We even saw a few celebs (!!!) and it was such a special, fancy Parisian night. The drinks are expensive here but definitely think its worth a visit.
Lulu White:
A true Parisian experience thanks to extra strong cocktails and the live jazz band, this was such a fun spot to go to for a “final final” after dinner at Pink Mamma.
Bisou:
Before dinner on our last night, we stopped at this very pink cocktail bar for fun final drinks. There’s no menu and the bartender creates a drink based on whatever you’re feeling so get creative and you’ll get a gorgeous cocktail in return!
Experimental Cocktail Club:
We had a drink here after dinner at Frenchie Wine Bar and it was a cozy space perfect for an evening cocktail and chat.
Thanks for being the ultimate food and drink guide! What a fantastic trip!
Gorgeous post! My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary a few years ago and one meal was at La Fontaine De Mars- we asked and bought the water carafe with the logo on it : ) Use it everyday : )