29 Foods Visitors Crave Most in Paris

Travelers to Paris often share the foods that left the biggest impression on them. These are the dishes that visitors say they crave most.

Classic Paris Staples

Jambon‑Beurre Sandwich

This simple baguette with ham and butter is a favorite first bite in Paris. The version at Caractère de Cochon in the Marais is often singled out as one of the best.

Croissants and Chouquettes
Fresh croissants are everywhere. Some rave about the little sugar‑topped chouquettes sold in boulangeries.

French Onion Soup
A warming bowl of onion soup gratinée topped with cheese is on almost every list. Many recommend the budget‑friendly bouillons, especially Bouillon Pigalle and Bouillon Chartier.

Steak‑Frites
One of the most talked‑about Paris meals. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is famous for its steak, secret sauce, and unlimited fries.

Steak au Poivre
The peppercorn sauce version is another classic. The Grand Colbert brasserie is often mentioned as a good place to try it.

Bistro Favorites

Escargots
Snails baked with garlic butter are a rite of passage for many visitors. Bouillon Chartier and Bouillon République are the go‑to places to order them.

Foie Gras
Rich and silky, foie gras is a constant recommendation. The seasonal pan‑seared version at Verjus gets special praise.

Steak Tartare
Raw beef seasoned with capers, onions, and egg yolk is a favorite for locals and seasoned Paris visitors. Bouillons and brasseries across the city serve it regularly.

Duck Dishes
Duck confit and seared magret are both strong favorites. Bouillon Chartier is a reliable spot, but you’ll find them on many bistro menus.

Blanquette de Veau
This creamy veal stew is a true comfort dish. Bouillon République is a popular recommendation.

Bœuf Bourguignon
Beef braised in red wine, onions, and mushrooms is another dish everyone rave about. Bouillon Pigalle serves an affordable version.

Frog Legs
For the adventurous, frog legs are still sought out. Classic bistros remain the place to try them.

Moules‑Frites
Mussels cooked in broth with fries appear frequently in Paris food lists.

Market and Street Eats

Crêpes and Galettes
People love stopping for sweet crêpes with Nutella or savory buckwheat galettes with cheese and ham. Breizh Café is a top choice, along with Crêperie Marie Madeleine.

Falafel
In Le Marais, Rue des Rosiers is lined with falafel shops, but L’As du Fallafel is the one that always lives up to the hype.

Comté cheese and Normandy butter with sea salt
Another mut-try essential Parisian staple.

Pastries and Desserts

Paris‑Brest
A praline‑cream choux pastry that travelers rave about. Carl Marletti in the 5ᵉ and Utopie in the 11ᵉ are both praised for their versions.

Soufflé
Sweet or savory, this airy dish is an event in itself. Le Soufflé near Palais‑Royal specializes in them.

Éclairs and Mille‑Feuille
Two pastry case classics that come up again and again. Widely available in patisseries across the city.

Madeleines
These small shell‑shaped cakes are often mentioned as a perfect café companion.

Tarte au Citron Meringuée
Lemon tarts with toasted meringue are one of the city’s best treats.

Clafoutis
A baked custard dessert, traditionally with cherries.

Canelés
Small caramelized cakes with a custardy center, originally from Bordeaux, now widely loved in Paris.

Opéra Cake
A layered almond sponge cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache. Often chosen for an indulging dessert.

Baba au Rhum
Rum‑soaked sponge cakes still have plenty of fans, especially when topped with whipped cream.

Berthillon Ice Cream
The Île Saint‑Louis glacier is a long-standing institution. The Coupe Colonel, Lemon sorbet with vodka, is a favorite.

Macarons
Delicate almond meringue confections with rich fillings, a top sweet craving for visitors.
Some of the best are found at Pierre Hermé (Tour Eiffel), Le Lautrec (Marais), Gem la Pâtisserie (Opéra Comique).

Chocolate Chip Brioche
The fresh, warm brioches at Aux Merveilleux leave travelers raving.

Hot Chocolate
Thick, rich chocolat chaud is a favorite pairing with croissants. Angelina on Rue de Rivoli is often called the best in Paris.