Where to eat in Paris: from croissants at breakfast to dinner

For me, Paris is not just any city: I’ve been there many times, and every time I come home with a new memory and a few more desserts tasted! I have to admit it—French pastries hold a special place in my heart (croissants, macarons, and mille-feuille are a true ritual on every trip), even though I remain convinced that our cuisine is unbeatable, so when it comes to savory dishes, Italy still wins for me. 🙂

In this article, I’ll take you with me on a tour through breakfasts, lunches, afternoon treats, and dinners, sharing my favorite spots to experience Paris through its food. If you’re currently planning your trip and looking for a complete schedule, I also recommend my article dedicated to 4 days in Paris.

Breakfast in Paris: the kingdom of the croissant

Let’s be honest: in Paris, a savory breakfast at most maybe a baguette. Here, breakfast means a good butter croissant. And I have to confess: in Italy or elsewhere I never order a plain brioche (I find it a bit sad), while in Paris I always choose that one and only that one. It’s a completely different experience: the crispy layers, the perfect airy interior, the rich flavor of butter… in short, pure poetry.

Here are the bakeries and pastry shops I’ve tried over the years and recommend:

Bo&Mie – multiple locations

Léonie Paris – 15 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

The French Bastards – multiple locations

L’Éclair de Génie – multiple locations (here, stuffed croissants are a must!)

Cédric Grolet – 35 Av. de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris (be aware: high prices and very long queues—I recommend it for its reputation, but I haven’t tried it yet)

Copains (specialized in gluten-free products)– 60 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris

Land&Monkeys (100% vegan bakery) – multiple locations

Mamiche – 45 Rue Condorcet, 75009 Paris

Du Pain et des Idées – 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris

Utopie – 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris

Lunch in Paris: galette or bouillon?

For lunch, I recommend two options: a savory galette (the Breton version of a crêpe, made with buckwheat flour and filled with savory ingredients), light and perfect for a quick break. Or a bouillon, the traditional Parisian eateries that offer typical French dishes at very affordable prices.

My favorite crêperies

Crêperie Rozell Café- 24 Rue la Vieuville, 75018 Paris (I LOVE this place in Montmartre—I had a sweet crêpe with chestnut cream that I still dream about) La Petite Bretonne – 12 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris Au P’tit Crêpe – 13 Rue Joseph Dijon, 75018 Paris Crêperie Parisienne – 21 Rue Soufflot, 75005 Paris Galette Café – 2 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris Crêperie Suzette – multiple locations (simple but good, I always mention it in my Instagram stories)

Bouillons to try:

Bouillon Pigalle – 22 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris Bouillon République – 39 Bd du Temple, 75003 Paris Bouillon Chartier – multiple locations (historic, founded in 1896, authentic atmosphere and typical dishes such as soupe à l’oignon, boeuf bourguignon, and crème brûlée at unbeatable prices).

Afternoon treat in Paris

If you’re in Paris, afternoon tea becomes a true experience. It’s not just about “having a snack,” but about discovering pastries that have made the city’s history (and that you often won’t find elsewhere).

Here are my favorite places:

Pastry shops

Stohrer – 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
The oldest pastry shop in Paris (since 1730). There are no seats, so you take your dessert to go. You absolutely must try the baba, which is a true institution here.

Pierre Hermé – multiple locations His macarons are iconic, with unique flavor combinations such as passion fruit and chocolate.

Jeffrey Cagnes – 24 Rue des Moines, 75017 Paris
Modern pastries with a French soul: try the éclair or the tarte au citron.

Sadaharu Aoki Paris – multiple locations A Japanese pastry chef who blends French pastry with Japanese ingredients. Here you’ll find matcha, yuzu, black sesame, and azuki transformed into spectacular desserts.

Tea rooms in Paris

If you prefer a more relaxed, “living-room style” afternoon break, Paris has some iconic tea rooms:

Angelina – 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Famous for its thick hot chocolate (L’Africain) and for the Mont Blanc with chestnuts and cream. Historic, elegant, and always crowded.

Carette – Place des Vosges or Place du Trocadéro Perfect for a chic afternoon: excellent tea, croissants, and pastries. The atmosphere feels very Parisian.

Mariage Frères – 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg, 75004 Paris (Le Marais)
A true tea institution in Paris: a refined tea room with an endless menu of blends from all over the world.

Ladurée – multiple locations You can sit down for tea accompanied by refined pastries in an elegant setting.

Aperitif in Paris

What about enjoying an aperitif in Paris, perhaps sipping a good glass of wine or a cocktail, accompanied by a few “snacks” to start the evening in the best way?

Here are the places I’ve tried and recommend:

Ô Château – 68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris
A true wine bar where you can explore wines from all regions with the help of a sommelier. Always full of people and large groups of friends. Very popular with locals, so remember to book in advance!

Windo Skybar – at Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, 34th floor, 3 Place du Général Koenig, 75017 Paris.
The highest rooftop bar in Paris: open from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM, no reservations required. The atmosphere is chic, the cocktails are innovative, and the view is breathtaking. Every Friday and Saturday, there’s a live DJ to raise the energy.

Other places I’ve also noted to try in the future:

Le Syndicat – 10° arrondissement
A speakeasy (so you’ll have to look for it) and very underground cocktail bar—everyone speaks highly of it!

Le Baron Rouge – near the Marché d’Aligre An authentic and relaxed wine bar, ideal for an aperitif with good wine, charcuterie, and cheese. They do not accept reservations!

Terrass” Rooftop Bar – 12 Rue Joseph de Maistre, Montmartre
The most romantic terrace in the city, with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Perfect to visit at sunset (note: they do not accept reservations).

Where to have dinner in Paris

For dinner in Paris, you can easily return to the bouillons or crêperies I mentioned earlier: traditional dishes, authentic atmosphere, and prices that remain affordable.

If instead you’re in the mood for a historic brasserie, a trendy
place, or a special restaurant, here are my favorite addresses:

Le Procope – 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
The oldest restaurant in Paris (since 1686). The interior is magnificent, with mirrors, chandeliers, and historic paintings. We have always eaten very well here, from onion soup to traditional French dishes. Make sure to book online well in advance!

Le Florentin – 10 Rue Saint-Florentin, 75001 Paris
A recently opened restaurant that won us over with the quality of its cuisine and the kindness of the staff. Cozy atmosphere and carefully prepared dishes.

Rouge Bis Paris – 20 Rue de Bruxelles, 75009 Paris
Dinner with a view of the Moulin Rouge. We have always eaten well here—the soupe à l’oignon is a must.

Brasserie Dubillot – 222 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002 Paris
A new brasserie and a great place to try traditional dishes accompanied by an excellent wine list.

Mangez et cassez-vous – various locations
If you’re craving a French-style burger (all homemade) with crispy fries, this is the right place.

L’Oiseau Blanc – The Peninsula Paris, 19 Av. Kléber, 75016 Paris
One of the most renowned (and luxurious) restaurants in Paris, with 2 Michelin stars and a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s perfect if budget is not an issue: a dream experience that has been on my wish list for a long time. In the link above you’ll find the menu with prices (at lunch during the week there is a €125 per person menu).

L’As du Fallafel – 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
The most famous street food in Paris! There is seating inside, but the place is small and the queue is incredible. Note: closed on Saturdays and open only for lunch on Fridays. The lines are long, but it’s worth it.

Le Train Bleu – Gare de Lyon, Place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris
One of the most famous and spectacular restaurants in Paris: it is located inside Gare de Lyon and feels like a step back into the Belle Époque. The rooms are stunning, decorated with frescoes, gilded stucco, and chandeliers that look like they came straight out of the film Marie Antoinette. Prices are quite high, but even just entering is an experience worth having at least once.

Jaja – 3 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
A modern bistro with a rustic soul: intimate atmosphere, creative and beautifully presented dishes, and a great selection of wines.

Eating in Paris is an experience—it means discovering the city through its flavors, the scents of the boulangeries in the morning, the crêperies at lunch, the historic pastry shops for an afternoon treat, a glass of wine at sunset, and the brasseries or bistros in the evening.

As someone who always returns to Paris, I can tell you that every trip is a joy also because of the food: there is always a new croissant to try, a tea room to stop in, a restaurant I had never known before.

I hope this little guide of mine will help you create your own gastronomic itinerary and experience Paris through its flavors as well.