Everywhere You Need to Eat in Paris
Paris is arguably my favorite city in the world. In my opinion, Paris is the center of the world when it comes to fashion, history, art and most importantly, food. When I was in college, I was lucky enough to spend 5 months studying (and eating) in Paris and here are all my favorite spots. This is my complete list of everywhere you need to eat in Paris!
Miznon: Miznon is an Israeli owned restaurant serving up classic French food in some seriously fluffy pita bread. It is such a fun and unique spot. The servers and chefs are energetic and fun, and always singing. What to order: Boeuf Bourguignon or lamb meatballs and the whole cauliflower.
L’As du Fallafel: Who would have thought that Paris would be known for good falafel? L’As du Fallafel is located in the very heart of the Marais, or Jewish Quarter. There is always a line, but don’t be fooled by the other falafel spots next door with no line. What to order: falafel pita or chicken schnitzel pita.
Le Cambodge: Le Cambodge is incredibly delicious and really something special. It is located a block up from the canals that run through Folie- Mericourt and is in a really fun and vibrant neighborhood. After your meal, stick around that area for some great wine bar and bar hopping. What to order: the pork curry and the shrimp bobun.
L’encrier: L’encrier is a great local spot near Gare de Lyon. It serves classic French food and is owned by an Algerian French guy. What to order: duck confit and the profiteroles.
HolyBelly: HolyBelly is the place to go if you want a hearty and non-French brunch. It is a super cute and trendy spot with delicious food. What to order: The bacon pancakes.
Galette Cafe: Galette Cafe is one of my favorite spots for lunch on the Left Bank. It is located in the Saint Germaine area and serves sweet and savory crepe in a sit down, casual setting. What to order: the Artisanal Gourmet Sausage Crepe .
Mondol Kiri: Mondol Kiri is a tiny Cambodian restaurant in Paris’ very own Chinatown. They have a really great and cheap pre-fix menu and it is just really delicious.
L’Ami Jean: L’Ami Jean is one of my favorite spots for dinner in Paris and it really gives you the full French experience. The inside is cozy and filled with massive wooden tables and the chef yells at his line and the serves from the open kitchen in the back. They serve classic French food with local and seasonal ingredients. Just order whatever the server tells you to order!
Le Comptoir: Le Comptoir is something special. It is located on a side street off the busy Saint Germaine neighborhood and it was one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite spots. Go for lunch and if the weather is nice, sit outside. Enjoy a nice glass of wine and some perfectly done French food. What to order: anything, really! My favorites are the nicoise salad, escargot and pate on bread.
Le Relais de l’Entrecote: Did somebody say all you can eat steak frite?! This is one of my favorite spots to go for a LOT of steak frite (steak and french fries). You pay a set price for salad, bread, and as much steak and french fries as you can eat. I would recommend going to the location near the Vavin metro stop. What to order: steak frite, of course!
Candelaria: Candelaria is a hip Mexican restaurant and bar. They serve really awesome tacos and at night, it turns into an amazing Mezcal bar. What to order: Barbacoa tacos, chips and guacamole and of course, a margarita.
Le Bucheron: Le Bucheron is classic French cafe serving up French food and big delicious bowls of pasta. While I know you don’t go to Paris for pasta, if you have a hankering, this is your place. I would recommend this place for lunch. What to order: Any of the pastas (especially with shrimp and eggplant) or the calamari risotto.
Boulangerie Bo: Boulangerie Bo is my favorite neighborhood bakery, located right across the street from where I used to live. They have amazing pastries (pain chocolate, croissants and tarts) and my favorite thing they make are their quiches.
Le Tagine: Le Tagine is a Moroccan restaurant located in the heart of the Republique neighborhood. It is a small place and takes reservations, so I would definitely recommend making one ahead of your visit. What to order: Tagine de Poulet (chicken tagine).
Au Petit Thai: Au Petit Thai was one of my favorite spots for Thai food when I was living in Paris. It is located in the Marais and has a really cute and cozy interior, filled with plants. Au Petit Thai is great for a nice lunch or dinner. What to order: Pad Thai and Green Curry,
Au P’tit Grec: Au P’tit Grec is a tiny hole in the wall in Mouffetard neighborhood serving up some serious Greek inspired crepes. What to order: eggplant crepe or the ham and cheese crepe.
Poilane: Founded in the 1930’s, Poilane is one of my favorite bakeries in Paris. They have the most magnificent bread and baked goods. If you go, pick up a baguette and go to the closest Tabac or Monoprix and pick up some chocolate to make fresh baguette and chocolate sandwiches. You will thank me later.
Derrier: Derrier, is an awesome restaurant and bar with a great courtyard patio. When the weather is nice, go for a cocktail in the courtyard and some snacks.