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When planning your visit to a global culinary capital like Paris, it’s always useful to get an insider’s perspective on good places to chow down.
Enter Ute Biefang — a dedicated European foodie and former producer of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival — who has spent years navigating Paris’ culinary landscape.
I caught up with Ute at popular Chez Prune bistro on the Canal Saint-Martin to garner some tips for must-try Parisian restaurants — and where to find great pastries, chocolate, cheese, and wine!
Must-try restaurants
Le Bachaumont is housed in a refurbished heritage hotel, and offers simple French classics served in an elegant dining room. It’s a joint venture between various creative forces, including the team behind Experimental Cocktail Club, designer Dorothée Meilichzon, and chef Gregory Marchard. 18 rue Bachaumont, 75002
Lazare in Gare Saint-Lazare train station is Michelin-starred Eric Frechon’s foray into classic, brasserie-style food, and it delivers deliciously. A super stylish décor and mains priced around 30€ make this eatery well worth a visit. Parvis de la Gare Saint-Lazare, Rue Intérieure, 75008
Housed in a former train station concourse, Le Bouillon Chartier is a Paris icon — and has been since 1896! Cheap and cheerful is the name of the game here. Enjoy classic hearty meals and wonderful desserts such as Baba au rhum with chantilly. The classically attired waiters, high ceilings, heritage luggage racks, and wooden seating all add to the atmosphere. 7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
For something sweet to end your meal, head to Breizh Creperie. It’s famous for a reason — simply divine crepes! 111 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003
Best local markets
You can purchase wonderful fresh produce for a picnic at any of the vibrant street markets operating across town. Try Marché Raspail on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and Marché Président Wilson every Wednesday and Saturday. Marché Raspail has a very local feel and is fully organic on Sundays.
Share an eclair
Celebrated pastry chef Christophe Adam crafts the elegant pastry delights on offer at L’eclair de Génie. Alongside the classic chocolate eclair, you can enjoy caramel, creamy apricot, raspberry, passionfruit, and fig varieties. There are three L’eclair de Génie stores in Paris, and several international franchises.
Incredible chocolate
For great chocolate, look now further than Patrick Roger. He gathers the ingredients for his sublime creations from India to Vanuatu — and everywhere in between! Visit any of his seven sophisticated Paris boutiques and prepare to be amazed.
Say ‘cheese’
Every Parisian appreciates good cheese. There are hundreds of types of French cheeses, and they’re consumed for apéro and dessert — or as the essential ingredient for a Seine-side picnic. Check out the celebrated cheese salons of Laurent Dubois, which are located in the 4th, 5th, 9th, 15th, and 16th arrondissements. Dubois’ complex comté is well worth seeking out!
A winning wine bar
Contrary to popular tourist belief, you won’t find great wine in every bar in Paris. It can be hit and miss. Check out Frenchie in the 2nd arrondissement — opposite the well-known restaurant of the same name. This chic wine bar was created to allow patrons to enjoy a spontaneous drop and a shared plate without having to book months in advance or pay full meal prices. Enjoy superb wines and tapas-sized dishes, along with a fabulous range of French and English-style cheeses. 5 rue du Nil, 75002
For more travel inspiration, visit www.en.parisinfo.com.
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Do you have any tips for great places to eat and drink in Paris? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato
About the writer
Ruby Boukabou is a travel, culture, and food writer based between Europe and Australia, and has written for The Age, The Australian, Qantas, Issimo, The Diplomat, Paris Voice, and Inside Film. She has also produced culture and travel stories for the ABC, SBS, and Screen Australia. Ruby’s books — The Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Paris (White Owl Books) — are available in bookshops and to order online.
