Paris is known for a lot of things: gorgeous monuments, great shopping, and of course phenomenal food. The French know how to do food right and some Parisian stores, restaurants, and dishes have long been heralded as “must-try.” This designation can lead to long lines, expensive food, and a plainly subpar eats. So, as a dutiful study abroad student, I have taken it upon myself to search out and sample from the best alternatives to classic Parisian spots.
If the macaron prices at Ladurée have you down…
Photo by Julia Duncan
No one wants to pay €2.50 for one macaron. Because let’s be honest, who wants only one? Instead of overpaying, head to Gerard Mulot, a boulangerie-pâtisserie in the St. Germain-des-Près neighborhood. For half the price and arguably better quality, you can try double the flavors. I recommend the Passion Fruit, Fraise-Coquelicot (strawberry poppy seed), Chocolate Jasmine, and the monthly special. Also recommended are the baguette, croissant, and Quiche Lorraine.
If you forgot to make a reservation at Maxim’s…
Photo courtesy of polidor.com
You can get your classic French food fix at Le Polidor, a casual bistro in the Odéon neighborhood and next to La Sorbonne. Historically, Maxim’s attracted famous film and music stars while Le Polidor played host to a more intellectual crowd including Jack Kerouac, James Joyce, and Ernest Hemingway. Make sure to emphasize their intellectuality when bragging to friends about “this restaurant you probably haven’t heard of.” You too can question man’s role in society while sipping on the house red and chowing down on the super tender boeuf bourguignon.
If you don’t trust the hygiene of the crêpe stands on the Champs-Elysées…
Photo by Julia Duncan
Me neither. To find the best possible crêpe experience in Paris, head to Rue Montparnasse in the 6th between Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Edgar Quinet to what locals call “Petit Bretagne” (little Brittany- the region that blessed us with the crêpe). This short stretch of road is full of sit-down crêpe joints, many of which offer a “formule-midi” (lunch special) of a savory crêpe, sweet crêpe, and a bowl of cider for under €10. Favorites include Le Petit Josselin and Crêperie St. Malo. Deliciousness on a student budget without a fear of food-borne illness is a winner in my book!
If the Angelina line seems a bit excessive for a cup of hot chocolate…
Photo by Julia Duncan
Once you’re done standing in line at Angelina for a half hour or more, you are stuffed into a crowded dining room to overpay for just OK hot chocolate and inattentive service. No thanks.
Instead, try Jacques Genin in Le Marais. While this chocolate shop and tasting salon won’t be a huge respite price-wise, the ambiance and hot chocolate quality make the price worth it here. As you lounge in the chic yet cozy salon, you can sip on their decadent and rich hot chocolate without being crowded by your neighbors. I highly encourage ordering a pastry or sampling dish of their chocolates, caramels, or fruit jellies. Whatever you like can be purchased to-go in the adjacent shop.
If you accidentally show up to L’As du Fallafel on a Saturday…
Photo by Julia Duncan
…and you realize many things in the Jewish Quarter are unfortunately closed. Or if your stomach’s grumbling amplifies at the sight of the long line on any other day. Never fear! Simply head up Rue des Ecouffes (which dead ends into L’As du Fallafel) and find Miznon on the left. Although Miznon lacks falafel, it has every other kind of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food you could want accompanied by a lively and fun vibe to enjoy it in.
I can personally vouch for the fish pita (ask the cashier what fish is recommended the day of), the boeuf bourguignon pita, and the roasted cauliflower head. But, with the crowd of locals that flock here over L’As du Fallafel and the fast moving line, it would be hard to go wrong.