Kara Byers is an editor and journalist with a grand case of itchy feet and a thirst for adventure. With bylines appearing in Harper’s Bazaar, Metro, Time Out, OK! and White, she’s dipped her toes into most of the world’s seas, got lost in its most chaotic cities and is no stranger to hunting out the ultimate idyllic setting, romantic hideaway or dubious late-night haunt.
Is there anything more lovely than eating out in the City of Love, Paris? Make like a local and hit these top spots for some serious gastronomic delights.
1. Le Comptoir Du Relais
9 Carrefour de l’Odéon
If you can only try one place out of this list, then make it Le Comptoir, where you may just experience the best meal of your life. If you go for dinner, make reservations in advance and be prepared to have the set menu. However, you can walk in for lunch (12-3 p.m.) and order à la carte. Paris chef of the moment, Yves Camdeborde, is at the helm, and the GM is the nephew of French chef extraordinaire, Daniel Boulud. Must Try: pig’s feet, sliced pork belly, brandade, cochon de lait, foie gras and haricot vert salad, soups and charcuterie
2. L’Avant Comptoir
Right next door to Le Comptoir, this is an excellent place for French tapas. It has limited seating, so get there early and settle in. Must Try: pig’s feet stuffed with oxtail, brandade, charcuterie, ribs, croquettes
3. L’Ami Jean
27 rue Malar
A must-try for dinner, but make sure you call ahead to make a reservation. The three courses for €34 is an absolute steal – and divine!
4. Bistrot Paul Bert
18 rue Paul Bert
At this quaint, classic French brasserie, the blackboard menu changes regularly. There are three-course specials on offer, and with the chef formerly of Michelin-starred restaurant Le Regalade, you know it’s a steal
5. L’as Du Fallafel
34 rue des Rosiers
Yes, you might see falafel stalls aplenty while strolling the streets of Paris, but absolutely nothing can top these bad boys! At perhaps the city’s most popular falafel spot, you can either order at the window, which is just €5, or inside where it’s €7. But beware; it’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Must try: Get a falafel with everything
6. Pierre Herme
185 rue Vaugirard
Known as “The King of French Pastry.” Be prepared to wait in line to get your fix of macaroons*, cakes and croissants. Must Try: Litchi raspberry croissant, tarte vanille, tarte cafe, 2000 millefeuille, isaphan, croissant and kouign-amann
7. Breizh Cafe
109 rue Vieille du Temple
Regarded as one of the best creperies in Paris. Try the galettes (savoury crêpes made with buckwheat flour).
8. Le Chateaubriand
129 Avenue Parmentier
This brasserie is a chef’s favorite and another great place for dinner offering a fixed five-course menu every night. It’s essential to call ahead for a reservation.
9. Laduree
Throughout city
Pioneers of the double decker macaroon since 1862. You’ll find yourself in macaroon heaven upon setting foot in this patisserie. There are branches all over Paris, and you can also get great gifts like caramel black tea and hot chocolate in their iconic pastel green packaging. Must Try: Caramel macaroon
10. Berthillon
31 Rue St Louis en l’ile
The most popular ice cream shop/tea salon in Paris and with good reason; it’s absolutely delightful. Must Try: There are more than 60 flavors to choose from, but two highlights include the caramel au beurre salé (salted butter caramel) and café dauphinoix (coffee and chocolate)
*Many macaroons were eaten during the research of this article
Keep up with Kara and her travels. You can find her on Twitter and Tumblr.
Featured Image: First Class Service in Paris (Shutterstock.com)
Fly.com Expert Tips |
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How To Get There: Paris has two major airports: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Orly Airport (ORY). As of 2012, de Gaulle is Europe’s second busiest airport (behind London Heathrow) and is served by over 100 different domestic and international airlines including American, Delta and United, with nonstop service from Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and more. Information regarding area transportation is available here.
Orly also has international flights, but only has nonstops from Newark and New York JFK airports. More information regarding area transportation is available here. |
Best Time To Visit: Like with many European cities, the cheapest time to visit Paris is January and February. Unfortunately, those months are typically windy and damp, and temperatures are in the 40s, occasionally dipping into the 30s. The best time, weather-wise, to visit is between April and June with it’s cooler temps in the 60s and 70s, versus the peak summer months of July and August when it can get up to the high-70s and sometimes into the 80s.
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Sample Fares: Calendars display lowest roundtrip fares over the next 90 days to Paris from:
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* All fares are roundtrip including all taxes and are accurate at time of publication. For updated pricing, conduct a new search on Fly.com.
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