Bon Appétit: Our Favorite Bistro Cookbooks

There are so many things that Francophiles miss about the French capital while travel restrictions are in place, and chief amongst them is the food. At the heart of dining out in Paris is, of course, the humble bistro. For centuries they have popularized culinary classics like steak frites, coq au vin, gratin dauphinois, and more. While bistros now have the green light to reopen fully, it might be a while before visitors can find their way to the City of Light to sample these French staples. However, you can still re-create mouth-watering bistro menus at home with the help of these wonderful bistro cookbooks.

A Parisian Bistro: La Fontaine de Mars in 50 Recipes by Cécile Maslakian (Author), Delphine Constantini (Photographer), Robert De Niro (Foreward)

Founded in 1908, its checkered tablecloths, vintage interiors, convivial atmosphere, and generously portioned  food has won this restaurant a diverse following. Locals, tourists, and celebrities alike (including Robert De Niro and Mick Jagger), gather at this legendary address. Recreate their magnificent recipes such as cassoulet, pâté, and strawberry pistachio sabayon and bask in the glow of admiration and appreciation from your loved ones.

French Bistro: Seasonal Recipes by Bertrand Auboyneau and François Simon (authors), Christian Sarramon (photographer)

Amongst the most beloved of Paris’s traditional bistros is Bistrot Paul Bert. Thankfully, its chef, Bertrand Auboyneau, has shared dozens of hearty recipes with us to tide us over until we can all visit this Parisian institution in person again. Country pâté, scallops, lamb shoulder, and the bistro’s signature dessert, the Paris-Brest, are on the menu along with other heart-warming French classics.

Frenchie: New Bistro Cooking by Gregory Marchand (author) and Djamel Dine Zitout (photographer)

Frenchie has become legendary in the decade since it opened, landing on countless best-restaurant lists and earning its first Michelin star in 2019.

The food allures with international influences and the unusual pairing of ingredients (watermelon and ricotta; roasted carrots, oranges and avocado; baby turnips and pears). These light, modern recipes are the perfect complement to your summer adventures.

Bistro: Classic French Comfort Food by Alain Ducasse

The iconic Alain Ducasse has collected recipes from his network of French bistros around the world. Rather than the haute cuisine the Michelin-starred chef is associated with, this collection offers less formal dishes, but with a lighter, healthier touch.

These approachable recipes will help you re-create modern versions of standard bistro fare like oeufs cocotte, pâté en croûte, blanquette de veau, sole meunière, classic French onion soup, and mousse au chocolat.

Bistronomy: Recipes from the Best New Paris Bistros by Jane Sigal

Many younger chefs are trying to create an experience that is less stuffy than is typically found in more traditional dining establishments. These forward-looking chefs tend to rely on vibrant, sustainably sourced ingredients, and look for innovative takes on humble ingredients and dishes. “Bistronomy” translates these creations for the home cook.

With more than 100 dishes from the likes of Stéphane Jégo (L’Ami Jean), Sota Atsumi (Clown Bar), and Sean Kelly, this book will help you experience French cuisine in a new light.

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Related Links

• Check out our list of the best French recipe websites to inspire your cooking!
• Read about the last makers of the Parisian café chair
• Profitez du soleil and enjoy a takeaway meal in a park!

Written by Surekha Gupta for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a  fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.