Food and drink experiences in Paris
Follow the scent of freshly baked baguettes, savor French wine and cheese, or enjoy cooking classes and indulgent dinners.
Browse by food and drink options
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Most popular food and drink tours in Paris
Book the most-loved food and drink tours across the city.
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Paris food and drink tours under $50
Explore budget-friendly food and drink tours in the city.
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Kid-friendly Paris food and drink tours
Find fun, wonder, and great food for every age.
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Wine tours in Paris
Sip your way through the city with a local expert.
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Food tours in Paris
Eat your way through bustling bistros, corner bakeries, and hidden gems.
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Cooking classes in Paris
Learn to cook French classics with a professional chef.
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Parisian dining experiences
Pull up a chair for slow meals and good wine.
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About food and drinks in Paris
Few cities do food and drink quite like Paris, where meals have always been about more than just eating. For three centuries Parisians have traded ideas over coffee, long lunches, and dinners that run late into the night.The best food and drink experiences in Paris tend to be well-kept secrets, but with Airbnb Experiences you’ll get the inside scoop. Take a cooking class in a local’s home kitchen, join a food tour through a neighborhood market, sip your way through a wine tour, or learn about cheese from a cheesemonger. No matter what you choose, you won’t just see how Parisians eat and drink, you’ll do it with them.
Top highlights for your visit
Historic café culture
Cafés have been the heart of Parisian life for centuries, and the terrace is the star of the show. Locals love to spend an afternoon watching the city go by from a bistro chair while enjoying a coffee or apéro. A café tour is one of the easiest ways to slip into that rhythm.
Cooking classes and dining
Channel your inner Julia Child in a French cooking class, where you can learn to laminate croissants or prepare a traditional French meal from scratch. Or let someone else do the work and spend a long, unhurried evening at a hosted dinner.
Artisanal French cheese
Visiting a neighborhood cheese shop is one of the best ways to experience Parisian food culture. Sample your way through a French fromagerie and taste regional specialties like Camembert, Comté, and Roquefort.
Food and wine tours
The best way to eat and drink like a Parisian is to follow someone who already does. Taking a food tour through markets and neighborhoods can lead you to the best French street food, while wine tastings can offer an education from some of the world’s top sommeliers.
Food and drinks in Paris FAQs
What food and drinks is Paris known for?
French cuisine has a way of making every meal feel like an occasion. For a light bite, try a delicate macaron, flaky croissant or a crusty baguette from a neighborhood boulangerie. The latter is especially delicious paired with artisanal cheese from the fromagerie. If you’re looking for a more leisurely meal, steak frites and escargots are classics for a reason, and best enjoyed with a glass of French wine.
What are the top foods I must try in Paris?
There is so much to explore when it comes to food and drinks in Paris. Savory duck confit, rich foie gras, escargots, and freshly made crêpes—both sweet and savory—are all worth seeking out. And if you want to start your day like a local, there is nothing quite like a warm, buttery croissant from a neighborhood bakery to set the tone.
What is the difference between a bistro, a brasserie, and a bouillon?
Each has its own personality. Bistros are cozy neighborhood spots for classic comfort food. Brasseries are bustling and open all day—look for the red awnings and rattan chairs. Bouillons serve classic French fare at famously affordable prices in a lively, communal setting. The best way to tell them apart is to taste your way through them. Try a food tour with a local host, who will take you where Parisians actually go and show you what to order.
What are the typical dining hours in Paris?
Dining in Paris is a relaxed, unhurried experience. Lunch is typically served from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and dinner usually starts around 8:00 PM or even later. Meals move at their own pace here, which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the food and the company. One thing to keep in mind: when you are ready to leave, you’ll need to ask your server for the check. It won’t arrive on its own, and that’s by design.
Do I need to make restaurant reservations in Paris?
It is always a good idea to plan ahead. Many popular Parisian restaurants book up weeks in advance, so reserving a table early can make a real difference. That said, if you prefer a more spontaneous approach, traditional brasseries and bouillons tend to be more welcoming to walk-ins and are a great option when you are exploring the city without a set plan.
How does tipping work in Parisian restaurants?
A service charge is already included in all French restaurant bills by law, so there is no expectation to leave a large tip. That said, leaving a small amount of change or rounding up the bill is a common and appreciated gesture—a simple way to say thank you for a meal well served.
How can I dine at upscale Paris restaurants on a budget?
One of the best-kept secrets of dining in Paris is the weekday lunch service. Many upscale restaurants offer a set or prix fixe menu, often called a formule, at a fraction of the regular dinner price. It’s a genuinely affordable way to experience top-tier cooking. If you’d rather eat outside, grab a fresh baguette, good cheese, and a bottle of wine for a classic Parisian picnic along the Seine. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy the city’s flavors without spending much at all.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options in Paris?
Absolutely. While traditional French cuisine leans heavily on meat and cheese, Paris has embraced a much wider range of dietary preferences in recent years. Vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free options are increasingly easy to find—especially in the city’s more cosmopolitan neighborhoods. You won’t have to look far to eat well, whatever your needs or preferences.
Things to know before enjoying food and drinks in Paris
Entry
- Reservations are recommended for dinner at most bistros and restaurants.
- Most restaurants will not have a table time limit. You can stay all evening.
- Visit open air markets before noon for the best selection.
Weather and what to wear
- Bring a reusable tote if you plan to pick up food from local markets.
- Smart casual dress is the norm. Avoid overly casual athletic wear for dinner.
- Layers are a good idea if you plan to sit on a café terrace in spring or autumn.
Important information
- Many historic restaurants may not be wheelchair accessible.
- A service charge is included in your bill by law. Tips are not mandatory.
- You can ask for a carafe d’eau to receive complimentary tap water.