If there is one thing that the French take seriously, it’s their food. There is never a good reason to skip a meal in France, and when you do sit down at the table, it is always an experience. A meal is never considered just a way of stopping your stomach from growling.
If a lot of big cities are famous for the multicultural food scenes that differentiate them from smaller, more rural areas, Paris still loves its French cuisine. But that doesn’t mean that things haven’t evolved in the kitchen. French chefs innovate while keeping their traditions in mind, bringing their own touch to dishes that are hundreds of years old.
From Michelin-starred treats to simple and delicious food, we’ve selected the best places to try traditional French food in Paris.
Bouillon Pigalle
A “bouillon” is a type of French restaurant. Traditionally the bouillons are big places where they serve good food as quickly as possible and at affordable prices. You could say that they’re the French version of fast food. There are a few bouillons in Paris—the most famous being Chartier in the 9th arrondissement—but this kind of restaurant has seen a resurgence over the last few years.
One of the new kids on the block is Bouillon Pigalle. The restaurant keeps the tradition alive, serving classic dishes like œufs mayonnaise, bœuf bourguignon and cassoulet in a modern and casual environment. It’s the perfect place for an introduction to French cuisine.
L’Oiseau Blanc
If you are a real amateur of French cuisine, Chef David Bizet’s food is a treat that you will never forget. At his Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the chef plays with the codes of traditional French cuisine to deliver his personal decadent interpretation of the dishes.
A born-and-bred Norman and nature lover, Chef Bizet curates every aspect of what goes into the dishes, his most famous being the lièvre à la royale, a hare dish that takes days to prepare and is extremely difficult to find on modern French restaurants’ menus.
Brasserie Dubillot
A gorgeous location to eat some tasty traditional dishes, Brasserie Dubillot looks like something out of a Wes Anderson movie. The perfect place for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends, this restaurant’s atmosphere is just as enjoyable as the food. On the menu: sausage and mashed potatoes (the French way), oysters, and a pretty incredible tarte tatin. What’s not to like?
Brasserie Rosie
A cozy restaurant that manages to keep the charm of an old brasserie in a very modern and stylish setting. Between the many delicacies offered on the menu, a special mention goes to the simple yet mouth-watering coquillettes jambon truffe, a traditional childhood pasta dish with butter and ham, made special by the addition of black truffle. Finish it off with a delicate Paris-Brest and you have the perfect Sunday lunch, French style.
Related Links
- Stay at one of our favorite boutique hotels in Paris.
- And eat some of the best croissants in the city.
- For the 10 best French restaurants in Paris, head to CNN.
Written by Alessia Armenise for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
