First, pinch yourself, because you are not dreaming.
Second, take full advantage of all the city has to offer, which is a lot more than macarons. After all, there are more than 350 cheeses and plenty of locations you are going to have to get through.
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Students in Paris get the best deals – some of the best museums and attractions (for a reduced price or for free), kind and friendly people, easy transportation, and remarkable cuisine. French meals are about enjoying the food, but also about a social aspect, the sharing of the moment with family and friends so it is no surprise that it is a part of the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage. In the city of light and love, food is very often in the spotlight.
1. Lunch from Boco
Everything is served in kitsch, little glass jars and created by clever and famous French chefs.
2. Falafel from L’As du Fallafel
Lenny Kravitz’s favorite is a crunchy, messy, and always filling falafel.
3. Dinner and a glass of wine at Les Cocottes
Photo by Camille Reisfield
The popular restaurant under the Eiffel Tower serves up South Western French cuisine in style. The chef recently opened a second restaurant by l’Arc de Triomphe.
4. Any taco from Candelaria
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Candelaria is a must-visit for their tacos, margaritas, and great nightlife in their speakeasy bar.
5. A hearty salad from Chez Gladines
This Basque bistro chain is situated near the Latin Quarter, thankfully.
6. A Taloa, or the cheese plate, from A Noste
Another Basque restaurant which specializes in tapas with a side of street food.
7. The galettes from Breizh Café
THE Breton crêpe and galette place to visit in Paris with amazing salted caramel. Check out the épicerie next door for products from Normandy.
8. Fika from the Swedish Institute’s café
Take a break with the open-faced sandwiches, tarts, and cakes made daily and served in the sunshine of their courtyard.
9. Obama’s burger from Cantine California
This food truck presents burgers that transport you home.
10. Empanadas from Clasico Argentino
Go for any of the Argentinian empanadas, ice cream, or the “tiradito de lomo,” a beef carpaccio seasoned perfectly every time.
11. The lime pineapple coconut jam from La Chambre aux confitures
Home to every jam, honey, and spread imaginable – all of which are delicious, though the lime pineapple coconut jam is my particular favorite.
12. Pastéis de nata from Comme à Lisbonne
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Visit for the Portuguese pastéis de nata or grab a seat at their café, A Tasca.
13. Absolutely anything from Marché des Enfants Rouges
The oldest covered market in Paris has many different food offerings and personalities such as Alain the sandwich maker at Chez Alain Miam Miam.
14. Groceries from Le Bon Marché
An international and French grocery shop heaven.
15. Produce from Marché d’Aligre
Feast on the mountains of French and exotic fruits, vegetables, and flowers at this everyday market.
16. Macarons from Ladurée or Pierre Hermé
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Where you’ll need to go for the classic or the exciting macaron experience.
17. Sandwiches from Eric Kayser
Photo by Camille Reisfield
This café carries the student staple of baguette sandwiches.
18. A chausson aux pommes from Bread and Roses
Relax in their laid-back, effortless Parisian feel.
19. Hot chocolate from Jean-Paul Hévin
A chocolatier’s paradise where you’ll be drinking the chocolate bar instead of biting into it.
20. Hot chocolate and a pastry from Angelina’s
Another hot chocolate classic on every visitor’s list and in every tourist’s hand.
21. Mint tea at La Grande Mosquée de Paris
Cool off after visiting the mosque with the best mint tea.
22. Coffee from Coutume Instituutti
Their great coffee and airy space in the Institut finlandais make studying so much easier.
23. Swedish groceries and baked goods from Affären
Photo by Camille Reisfield
A Swedish grocery and home goods store that produces fresh baked goods for big holidays.
24. Anything from Liberté
Anything from this sleek bakery… Really, anything.
25. A couple boules from Berthillon
The classic ice cream parlour on Ile Saint-Louis completes a visit of Notre-Dame and Sainte Chapelle.
26. Gelato from Grom
An international, Italian chain that serves up some delicious gelato and sorbet.
27. Madeleines from Blé Sucré
These are the madeleines you want to have your Proust moment with; the best ones in Paris according to David Lebovitz and it is hard to disagree.
28. Foie gras from L’Avant comptoir
Le Comptoir’s little sibling offers crêpes, tapas, and great wine pairings.
29. Medovick from Café Pouchkine
A café blending Russian tastes with French ones to create some delicious pastries and cakes.
30. Escargots from Du Pain et des Idées
The cutest little bakery known for their amazing escargots in all different flavors.
31. Brunch at Eggs & Co.
Eggs on eggs on eggs.
32. Passionfruit Sablé from Bontemps Pâtisserie
This store is branching off of a childhood classic, the sable, into addictive bites ranging from passionfruit to praliné.
33. Boeuf bourguignon from Le Petit Saint Benoît
The quintessential little French bistro features all the typical dishes in a simple, timeless setting.
34. Many meals from the annual International Agricultural Show
Photo by Camille Reisfield
A hidden gem that brings together foods from around France, French territories, and the world alongside the animals and agricultural tools that make these dishes possible and unique.
35. Food fest on Rue des Martyrs
The street in Paris that may be home to the largest number of specialized food stores and restaurants; highlights include Glaces Glazed for their mango-piment d’espelette sorbet, Popelini for their many flavors of choux, Marlette‘s organic menu, and many, many more.
36. The pulled pork sandwich from Frenchie to go
New York meets Paris in a sandwich may be the best way to describe this restaurant tucked away in the second arrondissement.
37. And lastly, your local restaurant/café/bar/brasserie/boulangerie/bistro
Photo by Camille Reisfield
Because there is mouth-watering food around every corner.
#SpoonTip: Keep an eye out for lunch and dinner menus as these are usually great meal deals.
I could go on… But Paris awaits.