French Food in Paris: Top 10 French Dishes and Where to Try them

CROQUE MONSIEUR

This beloved sandwich called “Croque Monsieur” was first created in 1910 in a little bistro near the Paris’ Opera district. It makes the perfect Parisian lunch.  It is composed of the following ingredients: 2 or 3 slices of bread with ham, cheese, butter and a “bechamel” (a white sauce).  The cheese is both in the sandwich and on top of it.  It is baked until each part has melted into one another!  And it is then served to you, usually, with a side salad! You can also try a Croque Madame which is essentially the same thing but with a friend egg on top.

Where to Try It: Le Petit Cler, 29 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris.

Le Petit Cler has an amazing Croque Monsieur that is perfect for lunch.  Located only a few streets from the Eiffel Tower, it is a great spot to go and have a relaxing lunch after some sightseeing.

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Boeuf bourguignon is a specialty of the Burgundy region.  However, it is a French Food that is loved in Paris and all of France.  It is a stewed beef made in red wine with onions, mushrooms, and lardons.  It is served with potatoes that are either already in it or served on the side.  It is a delicious and rich dish that is definitely worth trying.

Where to Try It: Chez René, 14 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 5th arrondissement

Chez Rene is located in the beautiful Saint Germain neighborhood.  You can spend a few hours here shopping and walking around and then coming to this amazing French restaurant that is known for its high quality and great tasting food.

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Where to try it: Buvette Paris 28 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris

Buvette Paris is located in the South part of Pigalle and it is a more contemporary type of French restaurant.  Its old-time cafe design and warm and delicious food make this spot a true gem! It is definitely a place worth trying.

SOUPE À L’OIGNON

Where to try it: Le Pied de Cochon, 6 Rue Coquillière, 1st arrondissement

We recommend trying it at Le Pied de Cochon.  There French Onion Soup is divine and extremely tasty! Their traditional French restaurant will make you feel like you are back in another time!

FOIE GRAS

Foie gras originates from the southwestern part of France and it is a type of Pâté made from duck or goose liver.   It is served as a starter before your main dish.  Often it is accompanied with slices of bread and a type of jam, usually, fig.   It may sound a bit risky but we think it is definitely worth a try.

Where to try it: Comptoir de la Gastronomie, 34 Rue Montmartre, 1st arrondissement

We recommend trying it at Comptoir de la Gastronomie.  Located in the beautiful Montmarte neighborhood, this restaurant specializes in French food from the South West.  They truly have one of the best foie gras in the city so it is a great place to try it for the first time!

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Pot au Feu is a traditional French dish that dates back to the 1600s. It is a slow-cooked beef that is cooked with carrots, turnips, leeks, celery, onions, beef tails, and bones.  Typically, restaurants will serve it with a side bowl of Dijon mustard.

Where to Try It: Le Roi du Pot au Fou, 34 Rue Vignon, 75009 Paris

Le Roi du Pot au Fou as the name suggests, specializes in Pot au Feu.  It is the perfect place to get a really great tasting plate of this traditional French dish! Make sure to pair it with a glass of red wine.

STEAK FRITES

Steak and French fries, as it is known in English, is a French dish that can be found in many French bistros. I mean what more do you need than a fresh piece of steak, fries and a delicious sauce?

Where to try it: Relais de L’Entrecôte, 20 rue Saint Benoit, 6th arrondissement

One of the most famous steak frites restaurants in Paris is the Relais de L’Entrecôte.   Their meat is soft and delicious, their fries are crispy and fresh and their sauce is out of this world.  It is the best place to try it!

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“Poulet Rôti” is a roast chicken.  Plain and simple. But,  the sauce it is cooked in is what really makes it delicious. It is usually served with roasted or boiled potatoes and vegetables.

Where to Try it: Le Coq Rico, 98 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris

You can buy Poulet Roti at most Parisian groceries or markets but if you want to try it at a restaurant then we recommend Le Coq Rico.  They specialize in chicken dishes and their Poulet Roti is incredible!

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CREME BRULÉE

Cream Brulee is one of the most famous desserts in France. It is a cold and creamy vanilla custard that is topped with a thin, hardened layer of caramelized sugar. It is often served in a perfectly sized bowl so you have just the right amount of sweetness after a meal.

Where to Try It: La Fontaine de Mars, 129 Rue Saint Dominique, 7th arrondissement

Try it at La Fontaine de Mars.  Located only a few steps away from the Eiffel Tower, this is a great spot to get a nice meal after seeing it and to enjoy delicious Creme Brulee.

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