Food to Try in Paris: 24 Must-Taste French Delicacies

There’s truly nothing like a warm, buttery, flaky croissant from France.

This iconic pastry is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and a must-eat while Paris.

We all know that scene in Pretty Woman, where Julia Roberts flings a snail across a fancy dining room.

It doesn’t exactly make escargot any less intimidating, but I promise it’s worth trying.

If you don’t know, escargot is snails cooked in a delicious garlic and herb butter sauce.

Escargot is a classic French delicacy that many traditional restaurants offer on their menus.

Visiting Paris during the chilly winter months?

Boeuf Bourguignon is a hearty beef stew cooked with red wine with onions, carrots, and mushrooms.

It’s perfect to warm you up after a day of sightseeing, especially if paired with an enormous glass of red wine.

Ever seen the classic cartoon Ratatouille?

If you have, then you know all about this next dish.

This famous vegetable dish from Provence features eggplant, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers cooked in a tomato sauce.

Ratatouille showcases the simplicity and natural flavors of French ingredients.

Anyone who knows me well knows I can’t stop in Paris without indulging in tons of macarons from Pierre Hermé.

These delicate, colorful cookies filled with buttercream or ganache are a must-try when visiting Paris.

Since it’s France, you’ve got lots of shops to sample them from, so do a bit of taste tasting between a few popular spots.

This mouthwatering dish of melted cheese scraped onto a plate, paired with potatoes, vegetables, and charcuterie, is a winter classic.

It originated in the Alpine regions of France, and is absolutely delicious!

These are some of the most popular raclette spots in Paris:

• Pain Vin Fromages
• Le Chalet Savoyard
• Le Brasier

Tarte Tatin is one of my favorite desserts to have in the fall.

This tart features a flaky pastry and caramel coating that is to die for.

No trip to France would be complete without indulging in the classic French meal of steak frites—juicy steak and crispy French fries.

You can find this simple yet delicious dish at most Parisian bistros, and it’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Another sweet treat you can’t miss while in France is their classic eclairs.

Cream-filled pastries topped with icing are a delight in the afternoon.

Choose from flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and coffee, to satisfy your sweet tooth.

One of my favorite things about France is its wide variety of cheeses.

From Camembert to Roquefort, the flavors and textures are something you won’t want to miss.

I recommend hitting up a fromagerie for a few cheeses to enjoy during a picnic.

You should also indulge in a cheese plate for dessert after at least one of your meals.

There’s nothing like ripping off the end of a warm and crusty baguette on the walk home from the store.

Most boulangeries will offer baguette, though the more popular places sell out, so arrive early!

These are some of the most popular spots to snag a baguette in Paris:

• Boulangerie Tembely
• Boulangerie l’Abeille
• Boulangerie Magali Charonne
• Boulangerie des Frères Blavette

Cuisses de grenouilles are frog legs, often fried and seasoned with garlic and parsley that are a must-try for adventurous eaters.

I’ve had them a few times and still can’t believe I like them as much as I do.

These are some popular places to try frogs legs in Paris:

• Au Pied de Cochon
• Le Grand Colbert
• Les Parisiens

This is one traditional dessert I still need to try.

Baba au Rhum is a sponge cake soaked in…you guessed it, rum syrup and topped with whipped cream.

So basically, it’s a delicious and boozy French treat.

Served on the half-shell, and offering a taste of the French coast, oysters in Paris just hit differently.

In fact, they when I was there in February, it was what I had for lunch on my first day back in town.

Now, as I’m writing this, I’m daydreaming of having them again in France this summer when I return to Antibes.

Trust me, you can’t go wrong with oysters in France.

The very first thing I order upon landing in France is always pain au chocolat and an espresso.

If you’ve never had pain au chocolat I suggest you follow my lead and order one asap when you arrive in Paris.

After all, who doesn’t love starting their day off with a fresh chocolate filled croissant?

If you’re visiting Paris during the colder parts of the year, warm up with a comforting bowl of French onion soup, traditionally served with a cheesy crouton on top.

These are some of the most popular spots to find a bowl of onion soup:

• La Jacobine
• Les Philosophes
• Brasserie Flottes

I’m ashamed this is another famous French pastry that I’ve yet to try.

Paris-Brest is a choux pastry dessert filled with praline-flavored cream and shaped like a wheel.

These are the spots I’ve got on my Paris-Brest must-try list:

• Stohrer
• Cédric Grolet
• Jacques Genin

This light and airy classic French dessert made from chocolate and whipped cream is one of my all-time favorite desserts.

I can’t help but order it anytime I see it on the menu, especially in France.

These are some of my favorite spots in Paris to fullfill my chocolate mousse cravings:

• Chez Janou
• Le Bon Georges
• Le Petit Lutetia

Local’s Tip: They sell little cups of mousse au chocolat at the grocery store. It’s a great addition to your Seine picnic basket!

If you had told teenage me I’d grow up to like tartare, I’d have told you that you were crazy!

It’s funny how things change with time and experience, because now I love ordering it while in France.

If you’ve yet to try tartare, it’s a unique twist on steak, since it’s served raw.

They finely chop the beef and season it with herbs, usually serving it with capers or pickles and some bread.

Some popular spots for tartare de boeuf are:

• Au Petit Fer à Cheval
• Les Philosophes
• Le Bosquet
• Au Bourguignon du Marais

Crêpes, are one of the most popular street foods in Paris.

You can find these thin pancakes at crêperies and street stands throughout the city.

For a sweet option, try the classic Nutella crêpe or indulge in a butter and sugar treat.

My go-to is always a lemon, sugar, and butter one.

If you prefer savory flavors, savor a mouth-watering ham and cheese crêpe.

Next, treat yourself to gaufres, also known as waffles, while exploring the charming streets of Paris.

These crispy, golden treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and giving you a mid-morning jolt of energy.

You can enjoy them with a variety of toppings, like whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate sauce.

The oldest covered market in the city, Marché des Enfants Rouges, offers the tastiest galettes with cheese, ham, and vegetables.

These buckwheat crepes, originally from Brittany, offer a hearty and delicious meal on the go. It’s the perfect quick lunch while sightseeing.

When you’re craving something simple yet satisfying, go for a jambon buerre sandwich.

It’s a butter and ham sandwich that’s a step up from most sandwiches you’d find in the U.S.

You can find this timeless delicacy in bakeries and street food stalls throughout the city. It’s a great thing to grab for an impromptu Seine picnic.

These deep-fried chickpea balls are vegetarian, full of Middle Eastern spices and super delicious and budget friendly.

You can enjoy in a pita or on their own with a side of tahini sauce.

Everyone loves getting their falafel in the Marais at L’As du Fallafel. This place always has a long line that goes quickly if you get takeaway.