Ordering from a French menu can be intimidating, especially when you come across dishes with unfamiliar names. No one wants to accidentally order something they’re not prepared for—like a tripe sausage when expecting a classic grilled meat!
To help you order with confidence and ease, we’re breaking down 10 traditional French main dishes that you’ll find on menus across Paris. From slow-cooked stews to fresh seafood, these dishes are packed with history, flavor, and French culinary tradition.
Allez, on y va!
1. Andouillette (Tripe Sausage)
Andouillette is a coarse-grained sausage made from pork stomach and intestines, seasoned with onions, wine, and spices. It has a strong, distinctive aroma and flavor that’s an acquired taste for many. While some love it, others struggle to finish it—so be prepared if you decide to give it a try!
Where to Try It: Bouillon Chartier or Le Petit Vendôme
2. Magret & Confit de Canard (Duck Breast & Duck Confit)
Duck is a staple in French cuisine, and you’ll often see it prepared in two ways:
- Magret de Canard: A pan-seared or grilled duck breast, typically served with a balsamic glaze, cherry reduction, or orange sauce.
- Confit de Canard: A duck leg slow-cooked in its own fat until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Both are usually served with potatoes cooked in duck fat—an absolute must-try.
Where to Try It: Chez Savy or Chez Germaine
3. Moules Frites (Mussels & Fries)
This dish, originally from Belgium and northern France, is wildly popular in Paris. The mussels are steamed in a white wine and garlic broth, sometimes with a cream or mustard sauce. Served with crispy French fries, the best way to enjoy them is by using an empty shell as tongs to pick out the mussels—just like the French do!
Where to Try It: Solomon’s Sea or La Coupole
4. Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy)
This hearty beef stew is one of the most iconic French dishes. It’s made by slow-braising beef in Burgundy wine, along with carrots, onions, mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon (lardons). It’s deeply flavorful and often served with potatoes or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Where to Try It: L’Auberge Bressane or Le Louchebem
5. Coq au Vin (Chicken in Wine Sauce)
Coq au Vin dates back to the time of Julius Caesar and remains a French classic. Traditionally made with braised chicken, red wine, brandy, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and bacon, it’s a rich and comforting dish.
Served with potatoes and rustic bread, it’s perfect for those looking for a taste of old-world French cuisine.
Where to Try It: Le Procope or Le Petit Châtelet
6. Lapin à la Moutarde (Rabbit in Mustard Sauce)
A specialty from Dijon, this dish consists of tender rabbit cooked in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce with white wine, herbs, and crème fraîche. It’s typically served with roasted potatoes and is a great option for those looking to try something unique yet deliciously French.
Where to Try It: Aux Anysetiers du Roy
7. Cassoulet (Hearty Meat & Bean Stew)
A specialty from southwest France, cassoulet is a rich, slow-cooked stew made with white beans, pork, sausage, and duck confit. It’s deeply flavorful and is often referred to as the ultimate French comfort food.
Where to Try It: Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes
8. Bouillabaisse (Provençal Fish Stew)
Originally from Marseille, this famous seafood dish takes two days to prepare. It features a slow-cooked broth made with tomatoes, leeks, onions, and saffron, with a mix of fresh fish and shellfish.
The broth is served first with garlic toast and rouille sauce, followed by the fish, often filleted at the table.
Though it’s a southern specialty, you can still find excellent bouillabaisse in Paris.
Where to Try It:Le Dôme
9. Pavé de Saumon or Pavé de Thon (Salmon or Tuna Steak)
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a pavé de saumon (salmon steak) or pavé de thon (tuna steak) is a fantastic choice. These thick-cut fillets are typically grilled or pan-seared and served with potatoes or rice. It’s a simple but perfectly executed dish in many Parisian bistros.
Where to Try It: Les Antiquaires or Bistro de Paris
10. Noix de Saint-Jacques (Scallops)
These large, delicate scallops are a must-try for seafood lovers. They’re often pan-seared, sautéed, or baked, and served with a mustard, cheese, or butter sauce. Sometimes, they’re stuffed back into their shells for an elegant presentation.
Where to Try It: Chez Mademoiselle
Bonus Dishes to Know Before Ordering
If you see these on the menu, here’s what they mean:
- Filet Mignon in France is usually pork (not beef like in the U.S.), so ask before ordering.
- Pot-au-feu is a classic slow-cooked beef stew, with the broth served separately as a first course.
- Côte de Bœuf, Côte de Veau, and Entrecôte refer to rib-eye or chop cuts, usually grilled or pan-seared.
Where to Try Them: Au Pied de Cochon for filet mignon, Le Trumilou for pot-au-feu, and Chez Fernand for côte de bœuf.
Final Thoughts
French menus can be intimidating, but once you know what to look for, they open up a world of incredible flavors and traditional cuisine. Whether you go for a rich boeuf bourguignon, a comforting cassoulet, or a classic duck confit, each dish tells a story of French gastronomy.
Want even more expert Paris restaurant recommendations? Our Les Frenchies Paris Food Guides feature 125+ handpicked bistros, brasseries, and cafés for the best dining experiences.
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