What to Eat in Paris: A Food Guide

What to eat in Paris

• Croissant & pain au chocolat

  Buy from a boulangerie labelled 'artisan'.

• Steak-frites

  Bistro classic; ask 'saignant' (rare) or 'à point' (medium).

• Bistro plat du jour

  Best-value lunch — a fixed daily dish, often under €20.

What to drink

Tap water ('une carafe d'eau') is free on request. Wine by the glass is a standard bistro order.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Greet with 'Bonjour' before any request in shops and cafés.

• Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros is appreciated but not expected.

• Dinner rarely starts before 19:30; reserve for popular bistros.

Where to eat in Paris

• Le Marais (3e/4e)

  Boutique hotels, galleries and walkable to Notre-Dame.

• Saint-Germain (6e)

  Left-bank cafés, bookshops and easy Louvre access.

• Louvre / Opéra (1er/2e)

  Grand palace hotels and central sightseeing.

• Montmartre (18e)

  Village atmosphere with Sacré-Cœur views.