Let’s face it, Paris is a foodie’s paradise. But with a seemingly endless array of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’re here to help you navigate the culinary scene, steering you away from the overhyped tourist spots and toward hidden gems that will truly tantalize your taste buds.
Crepes, Canelés, and a Touch of “Ridiculousness”
Breizh Café isn’t your average crepe stand. This cozy cafe serves up some of the most incredible crepes you’ll ever encounter. We shared a savory galette with bacon, potato, and cheese, topped with a light arugula salad. But the real stars of the show are the desserts. The chestnut crepe, with its smooth spread, heavenly ice cream, and whipped cream, is pure heaven. And the caramelized apple crepe, drizzled with salted caramel, will have you swooning with every bite. The cider is also exceptional, complementing both the sweet and savory creations perfectly. Just be prepared to wait for a table – the deliciousness attracts a crowd.
Breakfast of Champions: Ladurée’s Sweet Symphony
For a truly luxurious breakfast, Ladurée’s Rue Royal location is a must-visit. This Parisian institution offers a fanciful feast for the senses. We indulged in pain perdu with chantilly cream, a kougin amann that would make Dominique Ansel jealous, a top-notch canelé, and a rose/raspberry pastry that felt fit for a princess. The frou-frou decor and fancy china only enhance the experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a world of Marie Antoinette and endless sweets.
A Brooklyn Vibe in the Heart of Paris: Holybelly
Holybelly is a charming cafe and coffeehouse with a warm and contemporary vibe. Perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, this spot serves up delicious pancakes, porridge, and lattes. We particularly loved the pancakes with kiwi, pistachios, and whipped cream, and the porridge with raisins, pears, apricots, and a brown sugary syrup was the best oatmeal we’ve ever tasted. The space itself is inviting, with a touch of Brooklyn chic, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Soulful Vegetarian Fare: Soul Kitchen
Soul Kitchen offers a unique and satisfying vegetarian experience in a warm and cozy setting. We each enjoyed a set meal, featuring a delicious butter lettuce salad with a tangy vinaigrette and beets. The main dishes, including rice, red beans, guacamole, and white bean soup, were hearty and flavorful. The accompanying onion/raisin twist bread was a delightful touch. For dessert, we both opted for the chocolate cake, topped with caramel and chantilly cream. While not strictly “French,” Soul Kitchen offers an eclectic and satisfying menu with a focus on fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Bodacious Eats and Absinthe Delights: La Fee Verte
La Fee Verte is a lively bistro and bar that serves up mouthwatering fare and a wide selection of absinthe. We shared an Italian burger that was simply divine, accompanied by perfectly crisped and seasoned fries. The coure de rumsteak with au poivre was equally delicious, served with garlic potatoes. But the real draw for many is the absinthe. We tried both Soixante Cinq and Un Emile, finding the latter to be the best, although it wasn’t our favorite overall. Regardless, it’s fun to try a taste of the “Green Fairy” in this vibrant and inviting space.
Falafel on the Go: L’As du Fallafel
L’As du Fallafel is a popular spot for falafel, but our experience was a bit underwhelming. While the falafel itself was crisp and flavorful, the overall package felt a bit good, but not great. The price for sitting inside is also considerably higher than taking away, which we found to be a bit of a deterrent. We felt that other falafel joints on the same street might offer a similar experience at a better price.
Bistro Renaissance: An Average Affair
Bistro La Renaissance offered a decent but unexceptional experience. We each ordered the pork with mashed potatoes, which was okay, but nothing to write home about. The space itself was pleasant, and the server was friendly, but overall, the meal didn’t stand out.
Relais Entrecote: Steak and Fries That Fall Short
Relais Entrecote is known for its steak and fries, but unfortunately, the execution fell short of expectations. The atmosphere was underwhelming, and the service felt rushed. The steak itself was mediocre, and the frites were underpar. Considering the high price, we were disappointed and left feeling like we’d been lured in by online recommendations that didn’t accurately reflect the experience.
Pied de Cochon: A Soggy French Onion Soup Disappointment
We were hoping for a classic French onion soup at Pied de Cochon, a supposed favorite of Julia Child. However, the soup was a letdown. The base and onions were tasty, but the bread was soggy and the cheese wasn’t our preference. The overall experience left us with a feeling of disappointment and a giant clump of soggy bread in our stomachs. We wouldn’t recommend this spot for French onion soup lovers.
