Paris is a city of art, history, and, of course, unforgettable food. From the rich, bubbling French onion soup to the delicate crunch of a perfectly baked croissant, the culinary experience here is unlike anywhere else in the world. If you want to eat like a true Parisian, there are certain must-try dishes you simply can’t leave the city without tasting.
So, if you’re ready to indulge in some of the most iconic foods in Paris, allez, on y va!
1. French Onion Soup (Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée)
This classic dish dates back centuries and was originally served at the end of wild Parisian parties to help sober up guests before their pre-dawn carriage rides home. Today, it’s a comforting, flavorful staple made by slow-cooking onions until they are sweet and caramelized, then simmering them in a rich beef broth. The whole thing is baked with a crusty piece of bread and a thick layer of gooey melted cheese.
Where to Try It: Le Comptoir du Relais or Au Pied de Cochon
2. Escargots & Frog Legs
Yes, snails and frog legs are real French delicacies—and they are absolutely worth trying. Escargots are usually cooked in garlic, butter, and parsley, making them tender and full of flavor. Frog legs have a surprisingly mild taste, similar to chicken, and are often prepared with herbs and butter.
Where to Try It: L’Escargot Montorgueil
3. Baguettes, Pastries & Viennoiseries
Nothing compares to freshly baked bread and pastries in Paris. French boulangeries create baguettes with the perfect balance of a crispy crust and a soft, airy inside. And when it comes to pastries, you’ll want to try a flaky croissant, a pain au chocolat, or a quiche from a neighborhood bakery.
For a quick and delicious lunch, grab a formule—a baguette sandwich, dessert, and drink—all from a boulangerie.
Where to Try It: Du Pain et des Idées or Maison Landemaine
4. Foie Gras & Pâté
Foie gras is a delicate, buttery dish that melts in your mouth, often served with toasted bread and a glass of wine or Champagne.
Pâté, on the other hand, is a more rustic and hearty option, similar to a French-style meatloaf made with coarsely ground meats, herbs, and spices.
If you’re not dining at a restaurant, you can easily buy both at a local charcuterie shop and take them for a picnic by the Seine or the Eiffel Tower.
Where to Try It: Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie
5. Cheese & Charcuterie Boards
The French take apéro (happy hour) very seriously, and no proper Parisian apéro is complete without a cheese and charcuterie platter. Bistros all over the city serve wooden boards filled with cured meats (saucisson, jambon, prosciutto), creamy cheeses (Camembert, Comté, Roquefort), and cornichons (French pickles).
Pair it with a glass of wine and watch the world go by—there’s no better way to relax in Paris.
Where to Try It: L’Avant Comptoir or Chez Janou
6. Crêpes & Galettes
Thin, delicate, and utterly delicious, crêpes are a Parisian street food staple. You’ll find them filled with Nutella, caramelized butter and sugar, or fresh fruit.
Their savory counterpart, galettes, are made with buckwheat flour and filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, eggs, and mushrooms.
Whether you enjoy them as a quick street snack or a sit-down meal, crêpes are a must in Paris.
Where to Try It: Breizh Café or any street-side crêpe stand
7. Moules Frites (Mussels & Fries)
Paris may not be on the coast, but seafood here is exceptional. One of the most beloved seafood dishes is moules frites—a big steaming pot of mussels cooked in a white wine, garlic, and butter sauce, served with crispy French fries for dipping.
It’s a fun and interactive meal, whether you eat with a small seafood fork or use an empty mussel shell as tongs (which is very French!).
Where to Try It: Leon de Bruxelles or Chez Léon
8. Profiteroles au Chocolat
For dessert lovers, profiteroles are an absolute must. These choux pastry puffs are filled with vanilla ice cream and drenched in warm, melted chocolate sauce. Simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
Where to Try It: Le Bistrot de Paris or Aux Lyonnais
9. Duck Confit (Confit de Canard)
Duck is a staple in French cuisine, and confit de canard is one of the most popular ways to enjoy it. The duck is slow-cooked in its own fat until the meat becomes incredibly tender, then served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.
For something more casual, try a duck burger from Canard Street, a fast-food spot that specializes in duck.
Where to Try It: Chez Dumonet or Canard Street
10. Raclette & Fondue
A winter favorite from the French Alps, raclette and fondue are comfort food at its finest.
Raclette involves melting a wheel of cheese and scraping it over boiled potatoes, cured meats, and cornichons. Fondue is a pot of bubbling, gooey cheese, where you dip pieces of bread for a rich, indulgent bite.
Even if you visit in the warmer months, you can still find raclette and fondue year-round in Paris.
Where to Try It: La Marmotte or Pain Vin Fromages
Bonus: Parisian Chocolate
French chocolate is on another level. Whether you’re indulging in handmade truffles, ganache-filled bonbons, or single-origin dark chocolate bars, the quality is unmatched.
For the absolute best, head to Jacques Genin, a legendary chocolatier known for crafting some of the finest chocolates in the world.
Where to Try It: Jacques Genin
Final Thoughts
Paris is a food lover’s paradise, and no trip is complete without trying these iconic French dishes. Whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of French onion soup, dipping fries into a pot of mussels, or enjoying a warm, chocolate-covered profiterole, each bite tells a story of Parisian culture and tradition.
Want even more insider food recommendations? Our Les Frenchies Paris Food Guides feature 125+ handpicked restaurants, boulangeries, and cafés for the ultimate dining experience.
Grab your copies here below!
