WHERE TO EAT: Paris
I took my boyfriend to Paris for the first time just a few weeks ago. I had to be in Paris for the Haute Couture shows and didn’t have much on the agenda the week prior, so we ended up spending five blissful days exploring the city where I introduced him to all my favorite spots as we discovered some new ones together.
Of the countless times I’ve been to Paris for fashion week over the past six years, two of those have been for leisure - but come work or play, one’s got to eat.
Ah, Paris. Where do we even begin? I’ve done a few food and travel guides to Paris but I like to always update my list. Navigating the food scene in Paris (or in any city for that matter) is all subjective, but the best thing about this city is that you can find just about any cuisine and it’ll probably be one of the “the best you’ve ever had”. If you’re the type of person that doesn’t experiment and prefers a good burger or just a plain steak - there’s a place for you, or if you tend to welcome every plate of just about any thing with open arms then it’s definitely the place for you.
From the classic Steak Frites to the hole-in-the Sichuan Cuisine, here are a few good eats that make Paris one of my favorite food cities ever. Here is my short list of restaurants to try, Paris edition.
The Avant-Comptoir du Marché - Small PLates and wine.
I’ve mentioned Le Comptoir du Relais a few times in since my first visit in 2012, but it’s been seven years since I last paid a visit. Like many of its clientele, I discovered this restaurant when Anthony Bourdain (RIP) gave it his blessing. Every time I’m there during fashion week, I try my best to make it in but fail almost every time. On this trip, I was so happy that we made it there just in time for opening hour and got a table to order the usual - escargot, lamb with couscous, wine and so much more. However, on the countless other occasions that I missed the window to get a table, I discovered one of their sister restaurants, The Avant Comptoire Du Marché. The very casual and cozy little restaurant serves small plates with a daily menu, and not to mention they have a spectacular win selection.
Septime - A Light Tasting menu.
I went to Septime on a previous visit to Paris last year. I was just about to catch a train to Paris for another work opportunity and wanted to try the restaurant after reading countless reviews. The restaurant only serves a tasting menu for lunch and dinner service which you can choose to pair with wine. You don’t have much of a choice when it comes to the food you’re served since it’s a daily seasonal menu. I personally loved each small that was handed to me, but I know how tasting menus are tricky for people with a more particular palette but if you’re up for a little adventure, I’d highly recommend this intimate little spot tucked away in the 11th.
Clamato - seafood + orange Wine.
Just a few steps from Septime lies a restaurant flowing with orange wine and seafood. My friend Sarah took me here for an afternoon treat after a few meetings and it may be the best thing she’s ever introduced me to. Did I mention that I also love dining with people who will over-order? Well, that’s exactly what you want to do here at Clamato - get all the variations of small plates, pile on the plethora of fresh seafood - urchin oysters, you name it, and raise your glasses with crisp orange wine.
Relais de l'Entrecôte - Steak + Frites.
Boyfriend contribution check. Brad is so proactive and looked up some spots and l'Entrecôte came up time and again. The formula is simple - two menus: one for dessert and one for wine, and you let the restaurant do the rest. You’re served a fresh green salad and work your way to the second act - steak and frites, topped with a healthy serving of their signature butter sauce. Rumor has it that a second serving is afforded to you if you ask, but we were to full to ask. The one regret we had? Not ordering off the dessert menu. Huge regret.
Du Pain et des Idées - THE FAMOUS PISTACHIO ESCARGOTS.
If you had to choose the one place to go on this list, it’s Du Pain et des Idées. Get there early, wait in the line - because it moves fast - and get your pistachio escargots. These freshly baked beauties are the perfect morning treat before taking on adventures in Paris.
Trois Fois plus de Piment - sichuan haven.
I discovered this place five years ago when I was ordering food for the team off UberEats. I was craving spicy food and Sichuan cuisine always hits the spot. Every time I’m back in Paris and have a late night of work, a bowl of noodles and wontons from Trois Fois plus de Piment is my ultimate comfort food. I know it sounds bizarre - Sichuan in Paris? But trust me, it’s well worth it. So if you’re craving something spicy, go here. We learned the hard way - **do not start at level 5**. II normally order the Dandan noodles without soup at a level 3 or 4 (I love it really spicy though, so maybe minus a number if your palette can’t handle it) and Dumpling with soup at a level 1 or 2. I mix the two together and enjoy it with a cold beer.
Toraya Paris - WAGASHI.
I recently stumbled upon Toraya since I have an insane obsession for wagashi. The Japanese confection made primarily from plant-based ingredients are almost too beautiful to eat. It’s a sweet departure from the usual sweet croissants and other French pastries.
Breizh Café - Destination: Crepe.
This one has made my list time and again because it’s consistently one of the best crepes I eat when I’m back in Paris, but if I’m in a pinch there’s also this little hole-in-the-wall spot called Happy Caffe. I’m mainly loyal to them because the owner is so incredibly nice and makes some delicious, fluffy, cheesy, [budget-friendly] crepes.
Le Mary Celeste - Small PLates And Cocktails.
My friend Celine by way of Christina lives in Paris so I always try to make an effort to see her every time I’m there. She had a few of us meet here one evening and we ended up making it a night of cocktails and light bites before heading out
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More suggestions upon request - send me a message or leave a comment below!