The Best Restaurants & The Best Food

Ooh, la la! So you’re visiting France? Congratulations! The arts and culture scene in the Gallic country is reason enough to visit, but we’re pretty sure that everyone who visits must also be tempted by the food. French cuisine is renowned across the globe, and for good reason – c’est delicieux!

But with such a lot of excellent dishes on offer, how do you know which ones to try during your stay? And which restaurants shouldn’t you miss? Worry not, we have it covered!

Restaurants

The posh one: Le Cinq

Image credit: Le Cinq

Le Cinq is sure to impress, so if you’re looking to wow a date, this could be the one. As well as the expensive décor and fantastic finishing touches such as specially-made china, you can enjoy truly incredible gourmet cuisine made by one of the best chefs in the country.

Visit www.restaurant-lecinq.com

The one with the sea view: Le Mirazur

Image credit: Le Mirazur

The food is stunning here – think fresh fish and seasonal fruits – but it’s perhaps the view that will really win you over with this eatery. Standing next to one of France’s oldest avocado trees, Le Mirazur looks out over the Mediterranean and a garden full of mint, chives, sage, absinthe and orange trees.

Visit www.mirazur.fr/en/the-mirazur-restaurant

The historic one: Maison Kammerzell

Image credit: Maison Kammer

zell

Traditional French food is simply divine, and with a history dating all the way back to 1427 we reckon this is an excellent place to enjoy it – particularly as chef Guy-Pierre has infused the usual dishes with a modern touch. Based in Strasbourg, Maison Kammerzell also boasts a fantastic view of the cathedral.

Visit www.maison-kammerzell.com/accueil_en.php

The indulgent one

This is an absolute must for chocolate fans. The hot chocolates at Angelina are legendary, and with very good reason. One jug of the melted chocolate mixed with cream will have you on your knees, but try to save room for the savouries and sweets, too. In fact, just clear a day and spend it eating your way through as much of the menu as possible.

Visit www.angelina-paris.fr/en/#/tearoom

Food

French cuisine – is there anything better? The stuff that you’ve had back home is probably delicious, don’t get us wrong, but there really isn’t anything quite like the real thing. Think you’ve had a baguette? Think again. Here are the essentials that you’ll have to save space for:

Breakfast:

  • Croissants and pain au chocolat. Seems an obvious choice, but seriously, they’re on another level here.

  • Cafe et tartines beurrées. These generously buttered, thin pieces of bread work wonderfully with coffee.

  • Cafe au lait. Of course – in fact, we’re pretty sure these are obligatory with most meals.

On the go:

  • Crepes. Have yours smothered in hazelnut chocolate.

  • Gaufres. These waffles are simply divine. Golden and crispy, with a coating of sugar – yum.

Lunch:

  • Fresh baguettes with butter. Baguettes and butter in France are nothing like anywhere else. Make sure that your baguette has pointed ends, so that you know it was handmade, and that it has a golden crust. It should sound hollow when you knock it, too.

  • Cheese. There are so many awesome varieties of French cheese that it’s hard to choose just one, but we’re going for a lesser known one. Boulette d’Avesnes is shaped like a pyramid and reddish in colour. It’s strong, and spicy, and simply delicious.

  • Tarte tatin. This should be served with a healthy dollop of Crème fraîche.

This guest post was written by Joshuah Marshall from Quintessentially.com (visit their website to learn more). Josh is a lifestyle concierge, which means that he spends his time researching and learning about the most exclusive and unusual hotels, restaurants and attractions all over the world – needless to say, he loves Paris.