It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to share our food adventures with you! We’ve been knee-deep in the whirlwind of junior year, but our love for food never fades. We’re already dreaming of having kitchens in our college dorms next year – the possibilities are endless!
This spring break, we took a trip to Paris with two friends, catching up with others studying abroad. The timing was perfect, as airfare was incredibly affordable. While the weather wasn’t ideal, the food more than made up for it. We were also mesmerized by the city’s stunning artwork – pure magic! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite food stops, so get ready to indulge!
Pastries and Sweet Delights
Popelini: The Cream Puff Perfection
Popelini stole our hearts with their cream puffs! We couldn’t resist the caramel and vanilla pastry cream topped with a delicate swirl of whipped cream. It was the best pastry we had during our entire trip, hands down!
François Pralus: Brioche Bliss
François Pralus is a must-visit for any pastry enthusiast. Their la praluline, a brioche infused with pralines, is simply divine! Warmed to perfection, it was incredibly addictive!
L’Eclair de Génie: Eclairs as Art
L’Eclair de Génie creates eclairs that are true works of art! We were captivated by the salted caramel flavor – pure heaven!
Pierre Hermé: Macarons to Savor
Pierre Hermé served up some of the most delicious macarons we encountered! We were particularly smitten with the earl gray/milk chocolate and vanilla olive oil flavors. They were far superior to their competitor, Ladurée.
Un Dimanche á Paris: The Ultimate Macarons
However, the ultimate macaron experience belonged to Un Dimanche á Paris. Their salted caramel and strawberry yogurt flavors were truly outstanding! We didn’t take many photos, but trust us, this place is worth a visit.
Bread, Baguettes, and Ice Cream
Eric Kayser: The Perfect Baguette
On our last morning in Paris, we shared a baguette from Eric Kayser that was simply transcendental! A crispy exterior gave way to a chewy and moist interior – pure baguette heaven! Even though we only snapped a picture of a small piece, this baguette deserves a spot on this list.
Berthillion: Ice Cream Dreams
Berthillion serves some of the best ice cream we’ve ever tasted! I couldn’t get enough of the salted caramel, while Leah was a fan of the noisette (hazelnut). The salted caramel was unbelievably rich and flavorful! The coconut was also delicious, but we highly recommend the caramel or noisette. The portions are small, but when the ice cream is this good, it’s just the right amount to leave you wanting more. (Tip: it’s cheaper at the main location than the smaller Berthillion stands.)
Savory Delights and Parisian Ambiance
Au Bougnat: A French Feast
Au Bougnat provided an unforgettable dining experience. The roast duck with mushrooms was cooked to perfection and the best main dish we had in Paris. We also loved the starter of poached leeks with shallot-dijon vinaigrette and a soft boiled egg. The service was exceptional, and the food was absolutely wonderful!
Le Relais de l’Entrecote: Steak Frites Perfection
Le Relais de l’Entrecote is a steak frites haven! The steak was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was divine! The crispy fries, salad, and baguette were a perfect complement. The service was quick and efficient, and the fixed price of 26.50 euros for a generous serving was a steal! They even refilled our plates, serving us at the table. This steak was truly unforgettable!
Breizh Cafe: Savory Crepes
At Breizh Cafe, we discovered that savory crepes in Paris are made with buckwheat batter – a pleasant surprise! We sampled a smoked salmon crepe that was phenomenal. The ham/gruyere crepe was also delicious, and their menu is filled with a wide variety of options.
La Crepe in l’Isle: A Hidden Gem
We stumbled upon La Crepe in l’Isle, a charming and cozy creperie near our lodging. Their ham and cheese buckwheat crepe and Nutella crepe were simply amazing! The Nutella crepe was topped with butter and a sprinkle of crunchy sugar – pure decadence! The owner doesn’t speak English, and it’s cash only, but we had a wonderful experience despite the language barrier.
L’as du Fallafel: Falafel Paradise
L’as du Fallafel is a tourist destination for good reason! We love Middle Eastern food, and this was the best falafel we’ve ever had – even better than the falafel we had in Israel. The eggplant, tahini sauce, and veggies made this a well-rounded sandwich. It’s a bustling spot, even on a rainy weekday evening, and a falafel sandwich is only about 6 euros. We’re craving this falafel right now!
Corso-Kleber: Aperol Spritzes and Ambiance
Corso-Kleber was the perfect spot for drinks. Their Aperol spritzes were perfectly balanced and refreshing! The location was excellent, just a short walk from the Trocadero, but with a relaxed, non-touristy atmosphere.
La Chaumiere in l’Ile: Cozy and Classic
La Chaumiere in l’Ile provided a cozy and classic French dining experience. We enjoyed some excellent croque madame sandwiches on a rainy day and returned for dinner later in the week. The onion soup starters and crème brûlée were standout dishes.
Sweet Treats and More
Don’t miss the mini liege waffles with Nutella sold at numerous street stands! We found a great one right across from Notre Dame. And you can’t go wrong with a Nutella crepe on the street either!
We also enjoyed a refreshing lemon-ginger-basil cocktail at Margherita Saint Germain – fun fact: they have the coolest bathrooms in Paris!
We stumbled upon a bakery near our hostel that had dreamy chocolate croissants.
Jean-Paul Hévin: Chocolate Paradise
Jean-Paul Hévin, a decadent chocolate-themed bakery, features a beautiful gold tile wall! We tried the Caracas which was intensely chocolaty and delicious.
Memories and More
Here’s a picture of us with one of the many ham and cheese baguettes we enjoyed for lunch!
Another must-visit is an adorable bakery in the Marais! Their lemon meringue tart and chouquettes were highlights.
Final Thoughts
This trip to Paris was truly unforgettable, thanks in part to the incredible food we discovered. We highly recommend all of these spots – they are sure to satisfy any foodie’s cravings! We hope you enjoyed our culinary journey and will try some of these places on your next trip to Paris.
