If you know me, you know that food is one of the primary reasons I travel.
I’m the kind of person that takes a trip to Naples just to try pizza at its source, who books a weekend in northern Italy solely to visit the world’s best restaurant, who will walk two hours across town to find the best grocery store.
And I’ve been lucky enough to try a whole lot of amazing food all around the world.
So it may come as no surprise when I tell you that I’ve also become something of a snob about it. I’m not easy to wow. If I can make it better at home, I’ll stay at home.
But if you something does wow me? I will shout about it from the rooftops. I will take everyone I know. I will write down directions for random strangers on a tiny slip of paper and beg them to go get a cone of gelato from my favorite Roman shop.
I’ll also drag Chad all across town to watch his face as he tries my favorites for the first time.
Which is what I did in Paris.
Took us on a little food tour of my favorite places and remembered again why I love them so.
In case you’re heading to Paris yourself, here they are.
Frenchie Bar a Vins
A smaller, more affordable a la carte version of the famed Frenchie’s across the street, this atmospheric, dimly lit wine bar serves up my favorite food in all of Paris (so far). Come a few minutes before they open and ask for a seat by the kitchen where you can watch the food prep unfold before your eyes. Don’t miss the scotch egg or the pastas and don’t skip the wine. One of the current desserts is a sort of deconstructed apple pie and it’s absolutely amazing.
Phillipe Excoffier
Tucked down a side street near the Eiffel Tower, this small, elegant restaurant specializes in soufflé: parmesan, lobster, and all kinds of sweet. They also serve up excellent steaks and sorbets and I don’t think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s Michelin-starred, but the lunch menu runs on the affordable side.
Colorova
Bright and inviting, this excellent brunch spot serves up pastries, homemade jams, coffee, and fresh juice with every order. The menu is a short one and everything is well worth trying. Plan on being full the rest of the day.
Mariage Freres
When I land in Paris, one of my first stops is always Mariage Freres, home of an excellent tea selection (I love their winter/holiday teas particularly) and a charming tea-inspired food and dessert menu. I should really try something else, but every time I go I can’t help but order the tea-infused sorbets. They’re that good.
Speaking of Paris…have you seen my uber local foodie-centric guidebook?
2 comments
I used to live in Paris and I approve this shortlist :)
But Paris is full of very good places to eat. It’s very hard to chose :)
I miss Mariage frères :(
Here, in Peru, it’s very hard to find good tea…
I love tea, and to find Mariage Freres around the corner from my hotel was such a treat. We had lunch there one day with their very special champagne cocktail.
And we bought both tea bags and loose tea to take home. An extremely knowledgeable and courteous staff – I can’t wait for a return trip to stock up on more tea! And perhaps to sample a full afternoon tea – delicious cakes!