Where To Eat - Paris
Paris, once thought of as a snobby foodie destination, has really transformed itself to have a diverse set of cuisines ranging from affordable to splurge-worthy.
We really enjoyed being able to have delicious Vietnamese or Middle Eastern food for lunch, a buttery croissant for a snack, and an inventive French tasting course for dinner!
Here are some of our favorite places to eat while in Paris:
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L’as du Fallafel
One of our favorite places to eat in Paris - L’as du Fallafel is located in the old Jewish Quarter inside the bustling Marais district.
It’s popular amongst both locals and tourists alike for good reason - the falafel sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had and it’s only 7 euro. Loaded with crispy, made-to-order falafel balls, carrot, cabbage, eggplant and mixed with a delicious blend of tahini, hummus, and spicy sauce - it’s enough to possibly feed two people or one very hungry person!
My favorite way to eat the sandwich is to eat the fillings first with a fork and slowly eat the soft pita as it absorbs all the sauce.
You can pay a bit more to dine at the restaurant, but I prefer to take it to go and eat it along one of the many alleyways in the Marais.
Le Train Bleu
If you only have time to eat at one restaurant in Paris, the grandiose Le Train Bleu should be at the top of the list.
Built during the World Exposition in 1901 to resemble the fancy rail cars of the time - the decor and architecture at Le Train Bleu will make you feel like you’re dining inside a royal palace dining room!
When you enter you’ll see the ceiling and walls are covered in bright frescoes and golden gilded carvings. I spent about 10 minutes just gawking at all the over-the-top surroundings.
Once you’ve settled and picked a table (I recommend one of the tables near the window) you can pick some delicious items off the menu. Currently, Michel Rostang of Michelin star fame is in charge of the menu and I can tell you that everything is not only plated like art but tastes delicious!
Also, one of the things I love about this place is that you can walk in wearing shorts and sandals or a suit! They really are ok with casual dress since the restaurant is inside the Gare de Lyon train station and expect travelers to be dining here. I saw some tourists who had just arrived from the airport, luggage, flip-flops, and all. Right next to them there were some corporate types having a business lunch. Pretty cool for Paris!
Printemps Haussmann Rooftop Terrace Cafes
For one of the best views in Paris, take the elevator or escalator to the two top floors of the Printemps Haussman Shopping Center.
They both are full of cafes and restaurants that you can order a whole array of French food from while sitting on a terrace facing the Eiffel Tower.
The best views are on the top floor terrace cafes, but I didn’t mind going down one floor to have similar views, better prices, and less people.
Patisserie Gilles Marchal
Specializing in madeleines, this excellent pastry shop is also one of the best spots in town for airy and fluffy croissants. The croissants are so popular that they are usually sold out by noon, so go early if you want to grab some!
They also have an interesting assortment of madeleines such as pistachio, black truffle, praline, salted butter, yuzu, and raspberry.
Loulou
Overlooking the manicured gardens of the Louvre and sitting next to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs - Loulou is a chic restaurant serving up a radiant Italian menu with gorgeous outdoor seating and intimate indoor seating.
The interior is a nod to Italy with its marble stones, red velour curtains, and Tuscan earthy color tones.
Highlights include the calamari, risotto, truffle pasta, truffle pizza, and decadent tiramisu.
Chez Alain Miam Miam
One of my must go-to's in Paris is Chez Alain Miam Miam for one of the best sandwiches in town!
Sometimes the line is long, but that’s because Alain is a one-man show making each sandwich with care and showmanship.
When it’s your turn he’ll ask you all sorts of questions about what you want in your sandwich and I promise you’ll be very satisfied with the result.
It’s usually a mix of prosciutto, salami, avocado, mushrooms, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh cheese, olive oil, freshly baked bread, and whatever is in season at the time!
Sometimes, he’ll mutter ‘Miam Miam’ in excitement when making your sandwich, which is how he got the name of the restaurant.
Pho Bobun
When we want delicious, authentic Vietnamese food in Paris we always head over to Pho Bobun. The owner is very hands-on with the restaurant and keeps the quality of the food high while keeping prices reasonable.
The Bo Bun, or rice vermicelli noodles, are a highlight here and just as good as any I’ve tried in Vietnam or California. Try the beef or pork Bo Bun, they are both fantastic.
If they are serving Banh Cuon, you must try it also! It’s very hard to find outside of Vietnam and it’s super delicious here.
Make sure to get some Iced Vietnamese Coffee (Cafe Su Da) while you’re here too - it’s made correctly here and so good!
Meiwenti
One of my favorite discoveries in Paris, this family-run restaurant has some of the best Thai food in town and really reminded us of the food back in Thailand.
The Pad Thai is made with just the right amount of heat and ‘wok fire’ taste that only an authentic Thai place would know how to do.
The green and red curries are really perfect as well. If you want some Thai spiciness, make sure to ask for some chiles on the side. They’ll gladly oblige, but beware - authentic Thai spiciness is no joke!
Au P’tit Grec
Located in the student area of the Latin Quarter, this immensely popular Greek-style crepe joint has a gigantic menu with choices varying between salty and sweet.
The crepes are generously filled and shareable between two people. On top of that, they are priced very reasonably from 3-7 euro so you have money left to buy a gelato.
Some favorites include the Galette of the ‘Chef’, Savoyarde, and the Nutella with Strawberries.
Miznon
One of the best places to get Israeli food with a French twist - Miznon is located in the Jewish Quarter next to one of my other favorite places to eat, L’as du Fallafel.
Here you’ll find super soft pita bread, whole roasted cauliflower, falafel, Beef Bourguignon, Ratatouille, and all sorts of delicious dipping sauces.
Ippudo
Ippudo is a world-famous Ramen chain with locations in New York, Tokyo, Taipei, San Francisco, and more.
They are known for their rich pork-based tonkatsu broth and delicious pork chashu slices. You can pick from several varieties of soup bases but I prefer the Shiromaru Classic with extra chashu slices and a ramen egg added.
If they have Tsukemen dipping ramen on the menu, definitely give that a shot too!
The chicken karaage is really good too and a nice side dish to share or just gobble up on your own.
It’s really amazing that they’re able to keep the quality consistent at all the locations worldwide!
YiFang Fruit Tea
This is actually one of our favorite Taiwanese juice and milk tea chains that we frequent back home in San Francisco and when we’re in Asia.
If you want something super refreshing and tasty, get the YiFang Fruit Tea with around 70% sweetness level. After you finish the drink, you can eat the delicious fruit inside the cup!
Milk Tea was popularized in Taiwan, so if you want to try a good milk tea, go for any of the Latte drinks. I personally like the Oolong Tea Latte or the Brown Sugar Pearl Black Tea Latte that they make at YiFang.
El Nopal Taqueria
One of the few authentic Mexican spots in France, let alone Europe - El Nopal is the place to go if you’re missing the taste of real tacos and real salsa.
They have the whole selection here such as tacos, tortas, chilaquiles, and burritos. The carne asada, chorizo, and al pastor are all very authentic and delicious.