When it comes to French food, there are certain dishes that stand out as being iconic – and for good reason. From Escargots to Coq au Vin, these dishes are not only delicious but they also represent the best of French cuisine. If you’re looking to try some of the best French food out there, then check out this list of 15 dishes that you absolutely must try.
1. Escargots
Escargots are a French dish made of snails cooked in garlic butter. They are typically served as an appetizer, and they can be found on the menus of many French restaurants. If you’re looking to try escargots, there are a few places in France that are known for serving up this delicacy.
One such restaurant is L’Escargot Montorgueil, which is located in Paris. This restaurant has been serving escargots for over 80 years, and it’s said to have some of the best escargots in the city. Another great option is La Maison Escargot, which is located in Nice.
This restaurant specializes in escargots, and it offers a variety of different versions of this dish. Whether you’re looking for traditional escargots or something a little more adventurous, you’re sure to find something to your liking at one of these restaurants.
Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris, France
Address: 79 Rue Fondary, 75015 Paris, France
2. Croissants
Delicious, flakey, and perfectly buttery, it’s no wonder that croissants are one of the most beloved breakfast pastries around the world. But where do these delectable treats come from? The answer may surprise you: croissants actually originated in Austria, not France!
However, the French are certainly responsible for perfecting the art of making these light and fluffy rolls. In fact, in France, there are strict laws governing the production of croissants. According to French law, true croissants must be made with laminated dough, which is a dough made with layers of butter and flour that are rolled out and folded several times to create lots of flaky layers.
The dough is then left to rest overnight in a cool place before being shaped into crescent rolls and baked. This lengthy process is why croissants are often reserved for special occasions or weekends.
So where can you find the best croissants in France? While you’ll likely be able to find a good croissant just about anywhere in the country, there are a few places that are particularly famed for their versions of this classic pastry.
In Paris, La Maison du Croissant is said to make some of the best croissants in the city, while La Vendee is renowned for its fluffy and flavorful sourdough croissants. And if you find yourself in Nice, be sure to try a Kouign Amann, a type of caramelized croissant that is truly irresistible.
Address: 47ter Bd Saint-Germain, 75005 Paris, France
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Quiche Lorraine
There’s nothing quite like a delicious Quiche Lorraine, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than in France. Quiche Lorraine is a savory tart made with eggs, bacon, and cheese.
The dish originated in the Lorraine region of France, and it remains a popular breakfast food throughout the country. When it comes to finding the best Quiche Lorraine in France, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, look for a quiche that has a flaky crust and a creamy filling. Second, make sure the quiche is cooked through so that the egg is firm but not dry. And finally, be sure to enjoy your quiche with a glass of French bubbly or a cup of rich French coffee.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect Quiche Lorraine to enjoy on your next trip to France.
4. French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a type of soup made with onions and beef broth, typically served with croutons and cheese on top. The dish is believed to have originated in the 18th century, and it has been popular in France ever since.
Today, French Onion Soup can be found on menus all over the world. In France, the dish is typically made with yellow onions, but white onions may also be used. The onions are slowly cooked until they are caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness.
The soup is then simmered with beef broth and seasonings such as thyme, bay leaves, and pepper. Once it is finished, the soup is served in a bowl with croutons and cheese on top.
When made correctly, French Onion Soup is a truly delicious dish that is well worth seeking out. When in France, be sure to try this classic soup at one of the following restaurants: La Chaumiere in Paris, Chez L’Ami Louis in Paris, or Le Petit Zinc in Strasbourg.
La Chaumiere in Paris Address: 4 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004 Paris, France
Chez L’Ami Louis in Paris Address: 32 Rue du Vertbois, 75003 Paris, France
5. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a fish stew that originates from the French city of Marseille. It is typically made with a variety of different fish and shellfish, including monkfish, red mullet, sea urchins, and crab. The seafood is cooked in a broth made with olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes, and it is often served with bread or rice.
While there are many different ways to make bouillabaisse, the dish is typically associated with Marseille. In fact, the city even has its own Association des Restaurateurs de Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, which was founded in 1980 to preserve the traditional recipe.
If you’re ever in Marseille, be sure to try this iconic dish! You can find it on menus all over the city, but some of the best places to eat bouillabaisse are Chez Fonfon, Le Miramar, and L’Epuisette.
Chez Fonfon Address: 140 Rue du Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, France
Le Miramar Address: 12 Quai du Port, 13002 Marseille, France
L’Epuisette Address: 158 Rue du Vallon des Auffes, 13007 Marseille, France
6. Steak Frites
Steak frites is a classic French dish consisting of steak and fries. The steak is typically cooked to order and served with a generous portion of crispy, golden-brown fries.
While there are many different ways to prepare steak frites, the dish is typically served with a simple sauce such as béarnaise or au Poivre. For the best steak frites in France, head to Brasserie Lipp in Paris.
This iconic brasserie has been serving up mouth-watering steak frites since 1887. The steak is expertly cooked and the hand-cut fries are some of the best in the city.
Whether you choose to enjoy your meal inside the beautiful Art Nouveau dining room or al fresco on the patio, Brasserie Lipp is sure to exceed your expectations.
Brasserie Lipp in Paris Address: 151 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
7. Coq au Vin
There’s nothing quite like a good Coq au Vin. This classic French dish is made by slow-cooking chicken in red wine, and it’s absolutely delicious. The best Coq au Vin is made with high-quality ingredients, and you can find some of the best in France.
In particular, the city of Lyon is known for its excellent Coq au Vin. There are many great restaurants to choose from, but one of the best is L’Escargot.
This restaurant has been serving up delicious Coq au Vin for over 100 years, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Lyon. So if you’re looking for a good Coq au Vin, be sure to head to France – you won’t be disappointed!
L’Escargot Address: 38 Rue Montorgueil, 75001 Paris, France
8. Crêpes Suzette
Crêpes Suzette are a classic French dessert made from thin pancakes that are rolled up and served with a sauce made from butter, orange liqueur, and sugar.
The dish is often flambéed, giving it a dramatic presentation. Crêpes Suzette originated at the Café Anglais in Paris in the late 19th century, and it has since become a popular dessert around the world.
If you’re looking to try this iconic dish, there are a few great places to eat Crêpes Suzette in France. In Paris, La Maison du Chocolat and Angelina are both renowned for their versions of the dessert.
Or, if you’re in Nice, be sure to check out Chez Rêve, where the Crêpes Suzette is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter where you try them, Crêpes Suzette is sure to be a delicious treat!
La Maison du Chocolat Address: 225 rue Du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Angelina Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
9. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert that consists of an upside-down apple tart. The apples are caramelized in sugar and butter, then baked in a pastry crust.
The finished tart is then inverted onto a plate, revealing the beautiful caramelized fruit. Tarte Tatin can be found at most bakeries in France, but there are some restaurants that specialize in this dish. One of the most famous is La Tatin, which is located in the Loire Valley.
There, you can order a traditional tarte Tatin made with apples from the nearby Orchard. Another great place to try this delicious dessert is Chez L’Ami Jean, a bistro in Paris that serves up an unforgettable Tarte Tatin.
So if you find yourself in France, be sure to seek out these iconic tarts – you won’t be disappointed!
La Tatin Address: Place page 99 Rue de La Vicomté, 76000, Rouen France
Chez L’Ami Jean Address: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France
10. Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a type of stew that originates from the south of France. It typically contains beans, pork, sausage, and duck or goose confit, and is slow-cooked in a ceramic pot. The dish is said to date back to the 14th century when it was created by peasants as a way to use up leftovers. Today, cassoulet is enjoyed by people all over the world, and there are many different regional versions of the dish. If you’re ever in France, be sure to try cassoulet at one of these renowned restaurants:
Le Vieux Logis in Treignac: This Michelin-starred restaurant serves cassoulet made with white beans, pork belly, and duck leg confit.
Address: 4 route de Guéret, La Brasserie, 19260 Treignac, France
La Maison de la Cassoulet in Castelnaudary: This restaurant is said to serve the best cassoulet in the world. The dish is made with beans from the nearby town of Carnéjac, as well as duck confit from nearby Toulouse.
Address: 24 Cr de la République, 11400 Castelnaudary, France
Chez Virginie in Paris: This casual spot serves a hearty cassoulet made with cannellini beans, pork sausage, and duck leg confit.
Address: 54 Rue Damrémont, 75018 Paris, France
11. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a French dish that typically consists of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. The vegetables are simmered in olive oil and then served either as a side dish or main course.
While ratatouille is commonly associated with the city of Nice, it actually originated in the Provence region of France. Today, visitors to Provence can find ratatouille on the menus of many restaurants.
In addition, many grocery stores sell premade ratatouille that can be easily reheated at home. Regardless of where you enjoy it, ratatouille is a delicious way to experience the flavors of France.
12. Macarons
Macarons are a type of French pastry that is made from a combination of almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. The batter is piped into small rounds and then baked until crisp. Once cooled, the macarons are sandwiched together with a variety of fillings such as ganache, buttercream, or jam.
Macarons originated in Italy, but they were popularized in France during the Renaissance. Today, these delicate pastries can be found in bakeries all over the world. But if you want to try the real thing, there’s no better place than Paris.
From Laduree to Pierre Herme, there are countless places to enjoy these delectable treats. So if you find yourself in the City of Light, be sure to indulge in a few macarons – you won’t regret it!
13. Mille-feuilles
A Mille-feuille is a French pastry that literally means a thousand leaves. It is made of puff pastry, filled with custard or cream, and then topped with a thin layer of fondant. This classic dessert can be found in bakeries all over France, but there are a few places that are known for serving up the best Mille-feuilles in the country.
One of the most popular spots is La Maison du Mille-feuille in Paris. This bakery has been serving up exquisite pastries since 1848, and their Mille-feuille is definitely worth a try. For something a little bit different, head to La Durée in Lyon.
This bakery provides a unique twist on the classic dessert by filling their Mille-feuilles with chocolate mousse instead of custard. And finally, no trip to France would be complete without indulging in a Mille-feuille from Ladurée.
This iconic Parisian bakery is known for its delicate pastries, and their Mille-feuille is no exception. So whether you’re looking for the classic version or something with a twist, make sure to enjoy a Mille-feuille during your next trip to France.
14. Pain Dauphinois
Pain Dauphinois is a traditional French dish of sliced potatoes baked in cream. The dish is named after the Dauphiné region of France, where it is thought to have originated.
While there are many variations of the dish, the most common ingredients are potatoes, cream, butter, garlic, and salt. Some recipes also call for adding cheese or bacon for extra flavor. Pain Dauphinois is typically served as a side dish, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course.
For the best results, use starchy potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds. When slicing the potatoes, aim for even thickness to ensure even cooking. The dish can be baked in a variety of cookware, including a baking dish, casserole, or Dutch oven.
For a truly authentic experience, enjoy Pain Dauphinois at a cafe or restaurant in France. Bon appétit!
15. Profiteroles
Profiteroles are a classic French dessert made of cream-filled choux pastry balls, often coated in chocolate sauce. These deliciously light and fluffy pastries can be found in most bakeries across France, but for the best profiteroles in the country, you’ll want to head to the city of Lyon.
Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, and it’s home to some of the country’s best chefs. When it comes to profiteroles, few do it better than La Mère Brazier. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves up an unforgettable version of the classic dessert, with perfectly cooked choux pastry and rich, creamy filling.
So if you’re ever in France and have a sweet tooth, be sure to head to Lyon for the best profiteroles in the country!
Address: 12 Rue Royale, 69001 Lyon, France
In conclusion
If you’re looking to try some of the best French foods, then you’ll want to head to Paris, Lyon, or any other city in France. From delicate pastries to rich and creamy dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So bon appétit and enjoy your next trip to France!
