Bon Appétit!
Aside from being known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris also remains as one of the top food capitals of the world as well! I love coming back each time to discover new places that I end up adding to my list of favorites, whether it's a patisserie, boulangerie, restaurant or sandwich shop.
I've listed some of the places I visited along with amateur pictures (that don't do the food justice) but if you get hungry, I've done my job well! Feel free to leave a comment if there are places you enjoyed and would like to recommend as well!
L'Avant Comptoir
The first time I came to this cute, tiny, standing room only restaurant in the Saint Germain area was in 2016. It looked pretty unassuming and casual and sits below the Hotel Relais. This was a recommendation given to my friend Liz who I was traveling with but I believe it may also be a known and popular place with Americans back at home. I will tell you I ate so much I had to do lamaze breathing afterwards and I always joked about how Liz ate an entire bar of their butter. I came back in July 2021 and they were closed due to Covid but tried again in September and voila, they were open! It looks like they only reopened the terrain side and not the seafood side but I preferred turf anyway over their surf.
This place is definitely worth a visit if you come to Paris, plates are inexpensive and are tapas size so you get to order a few things to try! First-come, first-serve so weekdays during the daytime is probably the best time to go.
Pork Belly
Foie Gras
Potato Gratin
Butter
Chez Alain Miam Miam
The location I went to was tucked away in a small street, which differs from what Google Maps shows which looks like it's part of a market. Fortunately, there was no wait at all when I was there.
I did have a hard time deciding what kind of sandwich I wanted because everything sounded delicious. The staff is super friendly though and was happy to assist. Perhaps also because they like California and brightened up hearing I was from visiting from here. I tried to order in French but I guess it was a dead giveaway I was not a local. Anyway, the sandwich was amazing and also received a stamp of approval from an actual local who has never eaten there before!
Build your own sandwich
Caractére de Cochon
Ok, so not going to lie but I was a little nervous looking around this shop as I was waiting for my sandwich to be made. It's a tiny place and I began questioning the cleanliness of everything but I can be obsessive compulsive and imaginative so don't mind me. Actually, some people have expressed that they think a little griminess adds to the flavor, haha.
The simple sandwich had a ton of flavor! Granted, I chose a truffle option and I am definitely a fan of truffle. This was also given the stamp of approval by a friend of mine who is a local Parisian and who has never been here before.
Jambon Farci à la truffle
Robert et Louise
So I found this place through researching TripAdvisor and it did not disappoint. I love the ambience here, very cozy and relaxing. It could also be a great date spot. The open kitchen added to the aesthetics for sure.
I did come here strictly for the steak as that's what they're known for and boy, I love me a big steak and potatoes. My friend got the lamb chops and it was also delicious! I'll say even the simple leaves they threw on there was satisfying. I recommend making reservations here to be safe.
Entrecote
Lamb Chops
Au Bourguignon Du Marais
Marché Anvers
A visit to Paris wouldn't be complete without a trip to a local farmer's market. There are many markets in Paris and one can be found in each arrondissement but I happened to visit this one as a local friend had taken me here. This market is in the 18th near Montmartre.
There are stalls that cook on-site for takeaway and we ended up purchasing rotisserie chicken, sausages and roasted potatoes. There's a busy park nearby where you can try to snag a bench to enjoy your quick bites. Everything we had was super flavorful and reasonably priced.
Prepared meats for takeaway
Roasted Potatoes and Sausage
I'm unable to make out the name of the stall, can you?
Hugeutte Bistro
If you're in the mood for seafood and looking to splurge, this bistro is super cute and offers a huge menu. It's a great spot to also watch people walk by in the Saint Germain area.
We definitely went all out and ordered peel and eat shrimp, oysters (fresh and delicious by the way) and for the main, an entire bass for two which came out glowing red and burning within still. The waiter then proceeded to debone and serve the fish as everyone watched intrigued.
Fried Calamari and Smelt
Fries and Mussels
