February 4, 2025

First Timers Guide To The Best Food In Paris

France

Paris isn’t just the city of lights—it’s the city of bites! From buttery croissants that practically melt in your mouth to elegant Michelin-starred dinners, the food in Paris is nothing short of legendary. Foodie travelers, like myself, will delight in all of the incredible restaurants, bakeries and bistros that Paris has to offer. But I understand it can be daunting to find the right places.

For first-timers, navigating Paris’s dazzling culinary scene can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But don’t worry, I’ve taken the guesswork out of your culinary adventures. 

With this guide, you’ll savor the very best that Paris has to offer, one unforgettable dish at a time. Whether you’re hunting for falafels in the Marais, cozying up with a creamy hot chocolate, or dining under glittering chandeliers, Paris delivers gastronomic magic at every turn. Each restaurant and bakery on this list is a must-visit, showcasing the city’s unmatched passion for food. So loosen your belt and prepare to say "oui" to Paris's finest flavors—it’s time to fall head over heels for the culinary capital of the world. Bon appétit!

First Timers Guide To The Best Food In Paris

Coffee

Ob La Di Coffee

This tiny yet stylish café in the Marais is a gem for lovers of third-wave coffee and Instagram-worthy interiors. Most of the baked goods are made in-house, and many of them manage to be vegan and gluten-free, while still actually tasting good. Try their avocado toast—rumored to be one of the best in Paris—alongside a perfectly pulled espresso. With its vibrant tilework and hipster charm, Ob-La-Di feels like a slice of Berlin transplanted to Paris. 

Fringe Coffee

Fringe Coffee is a Scandinavian-inspired coffee & photography café known for its minimalist vibe and expertly brewed coffee. Pair their velvety flat white with a slice of their signature cardamom cake for a truly blissful start to your day. The owner, an accomplished photographer, has infused the space with artistic charm, making it the perfect spot to recharge and get inspired.

KB Coffee Shop

KB Coffee Shop brings Aussie-style coffee culture to Montmartre with its strong espresso program. Their shaded terrace is a prime spot for soaking up the Parisian atmosphere while enjoying their famous banana bread. The warm, laid-back vibe makes this a go-to spot.

Brunch & Bakeries

Mokonuts

Mokonuts is a hidden gem blending French, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences into unforgettable dishes and baked treats. Part bakery, part restaurant, part wine shop, Mokonuts has a whole vibe. Run by a dynamic husband-and-wife duo, this tiny café has earned a cult following for its innovative, soulful cooking. I recommend coming for brunch, when you can sample some of their breads alongside creative dishes. Their signature cookies, packed with miso and sesame, are the perfect thing to take away at the end of the meal.

  • Arrondissement: 11th
  • Address: 5 Rue Saint-Bernard, 75011 Paris
  • Website: www.mokonuts.com

Cafe Mericourt

Café Méricourt is a brunch lover’s paradise, famous for its shakshuka and creamy ricotta pancakes. The sunny interiors and warm hospitality make it feel like home away from home. With its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, every dish here is packed with vibrant, bold flavors.

Sain Bakery

If there is only one bakery I could go back to in Paris, I think it would be Sain. Revolutionizing Parisian baking with a focus on organic ingredients and natural fermentation, I went back to Sain three days in a row. I really enjoyed their selection of both sweet & savory baked goods. The fig and walnut bread is a standout, along with their hearty yet delicate viennoiseries. 

Read My Complete Paris Bakery Guide

Du Pain et des Idées

Every loaf and pastry is a work of art at Du Pain et des Idées. Their signatures are escargot pastries. If you aren’t familiar, an escargot pastry is not snails. It is a curled brioche pastry that is ornamented with nuts and a sugary glaze. I was totally blown away by the pistachio and chocolate escargot pastry here, because it isn’t overly sweet yet feels totally indulgent. This is one of the best bakeries in Paris, so buy a baguette too, because they’re so good. Head around the corner to one of my favorite cheese shops in Paris to pick up something to go with your baguette. 

Crepes

Crêperie Chez Germain

In an airy two-story space near Sainte-Chapelle, Chez Germain delivers authentic Breton crêpes. If you aren’t familiar,  a Breton crepe, also called a galette, is a buckwheat crepe originating from Lower Brittany, a region of western France. It can be served plain or with sweet or savoury fillings. The classic savory is a ham, egg, and cheese combo, of which Chez Germain makes an excellent one. Add a glass of cider, and you’ve got the ultimate Parisian comfort meal.

Breizh Café

With more creative crêpes and galettes, Breizh Cafe is a terrific choice in the Marais. Helmed by Chef Larcher, the kitchen brings in first-rate Breton produce to create the base of their Breton crêpes. You’re welcome to try the traditional flavors here, but I would recommend going for something a bit more unusual. Like a smoked herring- and potato-filled galette, or a ratatouille vegetarian galette. Save room for one of the sweet options, like a matcha and white chocolate mousse-filled crepe garnished with strawberries.

Lunch & Street Food

L’As du Fallafel

You’ll see the line for L’As du Fallafel before you see the storefront. Don’t worry though – they run a swift business both inside the restaurant and with their window service. You won’t be waiting in line long. Serving up the best falafel sandwich in Paris, maybe even all of Europe, I am obsessed with L’As du Fallafel. The pitas are overflowing with crisp chickpea balls, tangy tahini, and fresh veggies. The lively atmosphere and generous portions have earned it a cult following.

Find My Paris Long Weekend Itinerary

Huitrerie Regis

For the freshest oysters in Paris, head to Huitrerie Régis. This minuscule, white-painted, no-reservations raw bar in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a pearl. I love the chic yet unpretentious vibe at this seafood spot. Every customer is required to order at least a dozen oysters, which come with really good bread and excellent salted butter. They serve the best oysters in all of Paris. Truly. Their selection of oysters, served with crisp white wine, is a true taste of the French coastline. 

La Crèmerie

This award-winning cheesemonger is a cheese lover’s dream, offering a meticulously curated selection of artisanal French cheeses. Plus, the staff is very friendly (and speaks English) so they’ll let you sample a variety of cheeses before you make your selection. Don't miss an aged Comté. It's a taste of heaven. I would recommend grabbing a selection of cheeses to make yourself a small picnic. Then pick up a baguette or two at Du Pain et des Idées, one of my favorite Paris bakeries, around the corner. 

Miznon

I dare say this might be the best sandwich shop in Paris. Or at least, it’s the one that I love the most and keep coming back to over and over again. Miznon brings Middle Eastern street food to Paris with a creative twist. You’ll find a range of sandwiches, from ratatouille & beef bourguignon to steak & kebab, all bursting with bold, vibrant flavors. All sandwiches are served in a freshly baked pita. There a few locations around Paris, each with a casual, energetic vibe.

Italian Food

Daroco Bourse

Daroco serves modern Italian cuisine in a glamorous, industrial-chic setting. Their truffle pasta and wood-fired pizzas are fan favorites. I also liked that their tap water comes in a beautiful fish shaped carafe. With its buzzy vibe and stunning décor, it’s the perfect place for a stylish night out.

Everything to See & Do in Paris As a First-Timer

Libertino

Libertino is part of the famed Big Mamma Group, known for its playful take on Italian food. All of their restaurants are immaculately decorated with quirky details and beautiful lighting. Libertino is no exception! Dishes like their creamy carbonara and decadent tiramisu are served in a quirky, maximalist setting. It’s perfect for group dinners and indulgent feasts.

Pink Mama

Pink Mamma is an Instagram darling that you’ve probably seen on pinterest without even realizing it was this restaurant. With its lush greenery, art covered walls, and rooftop views, Pink Mama is iconic at this point. It is one of the most beautifully designed restaurants in Paris. There is even a line to take a picture in their glass atrium stairwell because so many people want a photo there. As a result, you will need a reservation for dinner at Pink Mama. The menu focuses on hearty Italian dishes like perfectly charred steaks, truffle pasta and creamy burrata. 

Dinner

Les Enfants Sauvages

Part cocktail bar, part French tapas, I love Les Enfants Sauvages. An open kitchen and bar sits just off the entrance, so you can really see all the action in the kitchen. If the weather is nice, snag a bistro table outside for a view of the canal. Designed to be a small-plate concept, I would recommend going with a few people so everything can be shared. I legit ordered the entire menu and LOVED nearly every dish. A few standouts from my meal were the braised leeks with cheese fondue and the ham & comte sandwiches.

Plan the Ultimate Paris Trip with My Detailed Guide

Lasserre

In the city that invented fine dining, it would be a shame not to indulge in at least one fancy meal while visiting Paris. For my mom’s birthday celebration, we opted for a tasting menu experience at Lasserre, a one Michelin star restaurant across from the Grand Palais. The dining room is pretty impressive, with a retractable roof that allows you to dine under the stars on clear nights. Featuring haute French cuisine in an opulent space, signature dishes like duck à l’orange have dazzled diners for decades. I loved the food during our visit, but the service wasn’t as high-quality as I would have hoped for a Michelin restaurant.

Terra

This farm-to-table paradise was one of my favorite dinner experiences in Paris. First of all, the restaurant is beautiful with lots of natural light, glass shelves of decor & wine, and comfortable seating. Secondly, the food is gorgeous. Showcasing local and sustainable ingredients in bold, creative ways, the kitchen at Terra is crushing it. Dishes like their roasted lamb and charred vegetables highlight the beauty of simplicity. With its rustic charm and focus on quality, Terra is a hidden gem for food lovers.

Have thoughts or questions about this Paris restaurant guide? Tell me in the comments!

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  2. That was a very nice guide, i see the delicious food and coffee there. The most i like to looking for, of course the best pastry in paris. Hope that Next year i will go to paris and back here again to see my food guide in paris. Thanks for the information!

    Reply
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