Food markets are an integral part of the Parisian food experience. The changing food-buying and dining habits over the last century have sadly led to destruction of some of the city’s best markets, like those which once stood at Les Halles in central Paris. However, in recent years, the concept of food markets is being reinvented for the 21st century as a new wave of food halls sees daylight… and in true Parisian style. Also, with the arrival of the largest of its kind in Europe announced for 2020, baptized Food Society, the trend doesn’t seem to be cooling down.
Ground Control
A trendsetter in modern “food halls” in Paris, Ground Control is a former summertime pop-up venue that offers an eclectic food court in its permanent location near Gare de Lyon. Wandering through the sprawling space, you can pair wood-oven baked pizza, Indian dosas, Taiwanese fusion bowls, and organic burgers with craft beer, natural wines, or inventive cocktails.
La Felicità
Although it doesn’t offer up different types of cuisine, the Big Mamma group continues to seduce Parisians with its top-quality Italian fare and dolce vita ambiance at La Felicità in the Station F coworking center in the 13th arrondissement. In what became Europe’s largest restaurant, you can wander the whimsical space selecting from the tempting counters of pasta, pizzas, sandwiches, wine, cocktails, and more.
Eataly Marais
This vast Italian food emporium is trying to lure Italophiles from the Big Mamma restaurants with its stylish three-floor space in the Marais. Hungry visitors can either dine in or take away authentic pasta, pizza, focaccia, and other delicacies from il bel paese. After your spritz in Eataly’s airy courtyard, you can explore the various food shops to stock up on Italy’s best.
Le Printemps du Goût
On the 7th and 8th floors of the men’s building of famous department store Printemps, you can find a 21st-century French food mecca Le Printemps du Goût. A hybrid fine food shop, food hall, and restaurant boasting a panoramic terrace overlooking the city, the large space features 100% French gourmet food products by the country’s finest culinary artisans including Gontran Cherrier, Laurent Dubois, and Akrame Benallal. The various stands offer both prepared dishes, which you can sample onsite, as well as high-quality produce, meats, cheese, jams, oils, and more. Top quality does entail top prices—a croque madame with truffles could set you back 18€—but you’ll certainly savor every bite.
The foodcourt at Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées
Galeries Lafayette wasn’t going to be outdone by its competitor, so when it opened its outpost on the Champs-Elysées in spring 2019, it came complete with a chic food court. Located on the basement level, the hall is divided into two separate sections, sweet and savory, and their displays are lined with carefully curated food items. Ideal for lunch, you can choose from a range of quiches, salads, bowls, pastries, and other delicacies from culinary legends like Alain Ducasse and Stohrer, or more cutting-edge purveyors like Yard and Maisie Café.
Le Food Market
Even though this venue isn’t permanent, it offers a fun and delicious way to sample an excellent variety of cuisines from around the world in one place. Taking place from 6 pm to 10:30 pm one Thursday a month and along Boulevard de Belleville (between Ménilmontant and Couronne metro stations), Le Food Market features around 20 stands of street food vendors. Tacos, empanadas, homemade noodles, and other tasty snacks—all for under 10€ a dish—can be sampled on long picnic tables shared with other adventurous foodies.
Addresses
Ground Control – 81 rue du Charloais 75012 Paris
La Felicità – 5 Parvis Alan Turing 75013 Paris
Eataly Paris Marais – 37 rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie 75004 Paris
Printemps du Goût – 64 Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris
Galeries Lafayette Champs Elysées – 60 Avenue des Champs-Elysées 75008 Paris
Le Food Market – Boulevard de Belleville between métros Ménilmontant and Couronnes 75020 Paris
Related Links
- Discover the best places for coffee and cake in Paris.
- Find gluten-free pizza and Italian food in the city.
- Read about Parisian apiculture.
Written by Lily Heise 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.
