Do you wonder which are the best things to do in Paris this summer? Our solution? Go where the locals go! As you expect from a big city, Paris is an exciting blend of cuisines from classic French bistros to meatballs, tacos and burger joints. With such a vibrant mix of international cuisines, it can be hard to choose what you want to eat, especially if you’re only in the city for a limited period of time.
We’ve long thought that the locals hold the key to the best gastronomic spots of a city, whether you’re just looking for a perfect cup of coffee, the dining places that take the crown for their cuisine, or the undiscovered hole-in-the-wall restaurants that will blow your socks off. Whatever you’re craving in one particular moment, a local is sure to direct you to the most unassuming places for the food experience of a lifetime!
At Eatwith, we believe that nobody knows the true stomach and flavor of a city more than the locals, so we’ve put together a list of highly recommended places where you can eat like a local in Paris and with a local. Enjoy!
Local eateries that Parisians say you can’t miss
1. Le Marché des Enfants Rouges
The oldest covered market in Paris had to take the first spot on our list, as its charm and amazing food attracts both locals and tourists alike. A bustling and loud food hall, you can find a variety of food here from French Caribbean to Moroccan, Lebanese or Japanese. If you want to eat like the locals do (which involves a lot of sharing and loud chatter!), then this busy market is the place to be.
For authentic market tours of Paris, check out our hosts who offer a range of different experience from a food and history tour in Versailles to an incredible food at Paris' emblematic Rue Montorgeuil.
2. L’Avant Comptoir
Looking for the best sandwiches in Paris? At this “hors d’oeuvres bar,” you’ll find this and more with foie gras skewers and boudin noir macarons being among the local favorites! Dishing out affordable and simply delicious cold cut plates, this elbow-to-elbow and standing-room-only bar is one of the best experiences in the city if you’re looking to eat as the Parisians do.
Why not do something different and learn to make macarons in a French cooking class with a local?
3. Racines
Everyone knows that the French love their wine, so naturally the local’s favorite wine bar had to make the list. Set in a quaint 19th-century shopping arcade, Racines is known for its natural wines that you can pair with simple market-driven food. The perfect place to retreat to after a busy day, you’ll find a lot of locals kicking back before the evening starts.
4. La Butte Aux Piafs
The first thing you’ll notice about La Butte Aux Piafs, is that it will be full of local students! Highly recommended for a lunch time burger and fries, this trendy bistro has won the hearts of many with its special squid ink burger. Would you dare?
5. Du Pains et des Idées
Situated alongside the Canal Saint-Martin, you can’t get a more original Parisian bakery than this. At Du Pains et des Idees, prepare to salivate at the smell alone! When you can function again after smelling the gorgeous smell of freshly cooked bread, try their pain des amis and their croissants; they will blow your mind!
6. Pho 14
One international cuisine that has really won over locals is Vietnamese, mainly because of one incredible place called Pho 14. Offering the best Pho and Bo bun (bowls of noodles) in all of Paris, you won’t have any trouble finding this spot as the queue will be out the door!
Fancy more Asian cuisine? With Eatwith, you can discover south Vietnamese food or a night of storytelling and Asian dishes right in the heart of Paris!
7. Café des Musées
If you’re searching for classic French cuisine with dishes like entrecôte steak and house-made pâtés, you can’t go wrong with Café des Musées. Here you will find locals ordering their usual, where their appetizing dishes will make you say “I’ll have what they have” when you order!
8. Chez Jeanette
One of the most exciting blends of cuisine in Paris has to go to Chez Jeanette! A mix of French delicacies and vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, Parisians love to come here for the funky atmosphere, great company and obviously the amazing food!
If you like the sound of a classic French dinner but want it to be more intimate than a restaurant, our host Florence will cook you her favorite dishes!
9. Bistrot Paul Bert
One for the carnivores, this classic Parisian bistro will make your dreams come true. How does a knife-cut steak tartare with foie gras haricots vests and steak frites sound? We don’t want to give too much away with this local joint, as the experience there says everything you need to know.
10. Breizh Café
Finishing off our list with a sweet-tooth treat is Breizh Café. Some say that they serve the best crêpes in the city! You’ll just have to try it for yourself to see if it is true.
We could talk about amazing food places in Paris forever, but for now, we’ll leave you with these. Hopefully these recommendations from the locals will live up to their name, but if you’re in the mood to try something new, why not eat with the locals themselves? We have hundreds of friendly locals in over 110 countries just waiting to take you in and share their local cuisine, so Paris is a good place to begin your culinary adventure!
