What to Remember When Eating in Parisian Bistros and Restaurants

Paris is definitely every food lover’s paradise, with its bistros and cafes serving delicious French cuisine. With thousands, even millions, of bistros and restaurants waiting to be explored, you will never run out of dining destinations. Paris is home to many pastry shops, fancy restaurants, and small diners which should definitely be in your itinerary as you visit the City of Light soon.

Aside from heading down to fancy restaurants for a full meal, tourists should definitely look into visiting open restaurants that allow you to enjoy your meals, al fresco. The view around Paris is simply breathtaking and the best way to enjoy the scene is to eat outdoors. Stunning terraces and gardens are just a few scenes you’ll see as you enjoy an al freso meal in any popular restaurant.

The amazing view is just one of the many reasons why tourists should try to eat out as much as possible-- after all, the opportunity to enjoy French cooking and meals come once in a blue moon for some people. Another reason that makes these restaurants a must-visit is the good food prepared and served by highly-skilled Parisian chefs.

Don’t know what to eat?

The meals on a Parisian could get confusing; however, it would help if you had a French-speaking companion to help you order your meals. If you’re still not sure where to start or what to order for the first time, you could always go for French classics or French favorites. For starters, you might want to try French crusty bread with fresh ham. This meal may be likened to a light sandwich but many French residents consider it a full meal.

If you’re anywhere near the Eiffel Tower, try dropping by the Le Cafe du Commerce and try their delicious leeks vinaigrette and eggs mayonnaise.

Other two restaurants to dine out at are L’Ecurie and Rue de St. Genevieve-- both of which serve sangria, for free, with every meal. Wine lovers often eat their meals here, due to the wine and cuisine options. Although the restaurants may seem fancy, they are actually known throughout the city as two of the most budget-friendly destinations.

French restaurants do not limit themselves to serving French cuisine only; some restaurants introduce a fusion of dishes to customers and tourists such as combinations of European and Asian meals, and other amazing blends. Visiting fusion restaurants allow you to taste dishes that come from the other side of the globe while in Paris.

To make your dining experience in Paris more authentic, it would be best if you took part in the courteous actions involved when ordering a meal in a French restaurant. For example, it is important to reserve a seat in a restaurant before going out for a meal. Many restaurants in Paris never allow tourists to simply barge in and order a meal. The moment you reach the restaurant, you will be greeted with the phrase, “avez-vous reserve?” or “have you reserved?” to which you will reply, “oui” or “non”, yes or no.

It pays to understand the French manner of eating meals and ordering since you could get your order faster if you attempted to order and speak in French as you order a meal.

5 of the Best Paris Pattisseries

A pattisserie is very unique and special to French culture. Some of the best pattisseries in town are as old as the government itself and these pattisseries have even earned a spot in French history. According to many pattisserie-lovers, France’s pattisseries reflect the culture and gastronomy in Paris. It seems that this may be true since every Parisian pattisserie serves recipes unique to the French culture.

If you have always wanted to taste the sweetest and most delicious pastry creations made by French chefs, head down to these highly-acclaimed Parisian pattisseries.

Pain de Sucre

14 rue Rambuteau

3rd Arrondissement

Pain de Sucre is one of the most popular pattisseries in Paris. Their specialty includes chocolate mint eclair and the baba au rhum, among other delicious creations. Pain de Sucre is known throughout Paris as an interesting cafe where you can taste unusual pastry creations but to tourists, Pain de Sucre is not just an ordinary restaurants, it is a Parisian landmark onto itself.

Jean-Paul Hévin 

231 rue Saint-Honoré
1st Arrondissement

Everything about Jean-Paul Hevin is amazing: the building itself is stunning and boasts such a comfortable interior, the recipes they serve are delicious, and the man behind it all, Jean-Paul Hevin, is an innovator and a magician in the kitchen. If you want to sink your teeth into something delicious, sweet, and memorable, head down to Jean-Paul Hevin.

Blé Sucré
7 rue Antoine Vollon
12th Arrondissement

Delicious pastry creations do not normally come cheap, but Ble Sucre's creations are an exception. At moderate prices, you can buy pastries created by skilled pastry chefs. This shop is perfect for Parisians who don't want to spend too much on a cupcake and for tourists who are on a budget.

Jacques Genin
133 rue de Turenne
3rd Arrondissement

The specialty of Jacques Genin include chocolate pastry creations and if you want to taste delicious French chocolate, this is the place to be. Everything here is luxurious, delicious, and simply amazing to look at.

Carl Marletti
51 rue Censier
5th Arrondissement

If you want an expert pastry chef to handle your sweet tooth cravings, head down to Carl Marletti. Chef Carl will prepare delicious creations for you that will surely keep you coming back, again and again.