My favourite thing about Paris is that there is always something new to explore, and a new place to eat at. Paris and food go hand in hand, you can never come to Paris on a diet. I love walking around this city and finding new places to discover. Each time I visit I find new restaurants, bakeries and bars. It's never a dull moment when I'm in Paris.
My most recent trip to Europe I travelled through Paris for one reason, to eat. 72 hours in the city that never stops cooking, and I was able to tick off all my favourites. I know what you're thinking, they're not all traditional French restaurants, but I don't care, these are my must visit places when in Paris.
Pierre Hermé Paris
Pierre Hermé make my absolute favourite dessert when in Paris. It's the 2000 Feuilles. It contains a caramelised puff pastry as well as pastry with praline with Piedmont hazelnuts and praline cream. This dessert is crispy, creamy and crunchy, all the good things. It reminds me of Nutella, but better, if that's even possible. I love getting take away from the Champs-Élysées store, walking towards the Eiffel Tower and finding a bench to sit on and enjoy.
Location- multiple locations across Paris
Ladurée
Ladurée has been a French luxury bakery since 1862, so they know what's good. They are best known for their macaron, which they apparently sell 15,000 of each day. They now have stores all over the world, but my favourite are always in Paris. Of course all the flavours are amazing, but my favourites include pistachio, rose, vanilla, orange blossom, caramel and chocolate.
Location- multiple locations across Paris
Glace Bachir
Glace Bachir is a traditional Lebanese ice cream store, which has been around since 1936. I stumbled across Glace Bachir one afternoon when I was shopping. All I could see were people walking around with huge ice creams topped with cream and pistachio coatings. Their ice cream is delicious, and they also have milk free options which are great for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. I love having one of these in the summer months while shopping and exploring all that Paris has to offer.
Location
Rue Rambuteau 58
75004 Paris, France
Cafe Constant
Cafe Constant would have to be my favourite brasserie in Paris. They offer set lunch menus with the options of 2 or 3 courses, and everything there is delicious. It's walking distance from the Eiffel Tower but not in one of those overly touristy spots. You know it's good when you see Parisians dining there.
What to order? Here are my favourite dishes. For starters the tartare of oysters, sea bass and salmon seasoned with ginger and lemon. This dish is so fresh and vibrant, I always dream about it for weeks after. The dish is so light and packed full of flavour with the ginger and the lemon.
And for main course the free range chicken roasted with herby butter, potatoes with bacon and baby onions. This is such a classic French dish, chicken, potatoes, bacon and baby onions, what more could you want.
If you're up for dessert get the ile flottante with salty caramel sauce.
Location
139 Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris, France
Les Cocottes
Les Cocottes is just a couple doors down from Cafe Constant, it is owned by the same owner, Christian Constant. Les Cocottes is a more formal dining setting than Cafe Constant. I came here for dinner a couple years ago and it was delicious. But my favourite thing to have here is their chocolate mousse. It is probably my favourite around the world. When I'm in Paris I always have lunch at Cafe Constant and then come next door for dessert.
Location
135 Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris, France
Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma is such a vibe, if you're in Paris you have to visit here. Top tip is to arrive early, its a first in best dresses scenario, unless of course you have planned ahead and made a booking. Each level of the restaurant is in a different decor, my favourite is the top floor, with a whimsical glasshouse vibe. My must have dishes here are the beef carpaccio and the truffle pasta. The beef carpaccio is so light and fresh, such a delicious summer starter. But be warned it is huge! Best to gather some friends around and have it to share. Or if you travel alone a lot like I do, take on the challenge. The truffle pasta is so rich and creamy with decadent amounts of truffle, this one is sure to be a favourite.
Location
20bis Rue de Douai
75009 Paris, France
Bistrot Victoires
Bistrot Victoires has to be Paris' most affordable hidden gem. By far the best steak frites when on a budget. The steak-frites comes with a perfectly grilled entrecôte topped with a smoking sprig of thyme and an endless amount of French fries. When I'm in the heart of Paris it's nice to come and sit here for lunch and sit on the tables set outside and people watch. I also love that they do not close during the day. So many places in Paris, or Europe in general, have a lunch sitting and then a dinner sitting. Bistrot Victoires is open all day. Meaning you can shop till you drop, and still know something is open for a hot lunch. Don't come here though expecting to get a high grade wagyu steak, they do classic French dishes for very reasonable prices for Paris. When I'm travelling and always on the go, it's nice to enjoy a good quality meal for a fair price, while splurging on other meals of the day.
Location
6 Rue de la Vrillière
75001 Paris, France
