Packing your bags for a trip to France? Lucky you!
We’ll be exploring 25 of the most delicious French foods you simply have to try, suggesting where to sample them, plus a few hints on dining etiquette to help you make the most of the experience.
By the way, don’t forget to bring your iRoamly France travel eSIM – it’s the perfect way to stay connected and share your foodie adventures in real-time.
Top 25 Best French Dishes
1. Croissant
A flaky, buttery breakfast pastry made from delicate layers of dough and butter. Grab one fresh from the boulangerie and either enjoy it as is or with jam.
Recommended Restaurant: Café de Flore, Paris
Tip: Order with a café au lait for the quintessential French breakfast.
2. Ratatouille
A colorful vegetable stew hailing from Provence, ratatouille is a mix of zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes simmered together. It’s a delicious dish that showcases fresh produce.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Petit Pontoise, Paris
Tip: Ratatouille can be eaten hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish.
3. Coq au Vin
A classic stew with chicken braised in red wine, plus mushrooms, bacon, and onions. The ultimate in hearty rustic French cuisine and guaranteed to keep out the cold.
Recommended Restaurant: La Paulée, Paris
Tip: Don’t forget to mop up the sauce with some crusty bread!
4. Boeuf Bourguignon
A similar stew to coq au vin, but made with beef and slow-cooked with red Burgundy wine. Typically served with carrots, onions, and fresh herbs, this is a substantial choice for carnivores.
Recommended Restaurant: Chez Janou, Paris
Tip: Wash it down with a glass of Burgundy wine.
5. Quiche Lorraine
A savory tart whose custard filling is a blend of eggs, cream, and cheese—a few variations also include lardons. A great option for lunch or a light supper.
Recommended Restaurant: Café du Marché, Paris
Tip: Serve with a side salad.
6. Tarte Tatin
An apple tart that’s been caramelized and baked upside-down. The result is delightfully sweet but also slightly tangy and buttery—a true classic that’s best served warm while you’re exploring the city.
Recommended Restaurant: Les Deux Magots, Paris
Tip: Serve with vanilla ice cream for a taste contrast.
7. Crêpes
Thin pancakes stuffed with either sweet or savory fillings. Fillings such as Nutella and strawberries or ham and cheese are common, making crêpes a versatile snack enjoyed throughout the day.
Recommended Restaurant: Crêperie Suzette, Paris
Tip: Grab one as street food when wandering around the city.
8. Bouillabaisse
A fish stew native to Marseille, where a selection of fish and shellfish are simmered with saffron and other herbs. The result is a proper taste of the sea, and it’s definitely one of the things France is known for in terms of seafood dishes.
Recommended Restaurant: Chez Fonfon, Marseille
Tip: Serve with a dollop of rouille—a garlicky mayonnaise.
9. Soupe à l'Oignon
Onion soup is a true classic, but in France it comes complete with gooey melted cheese and crusty bread. This is a meal in itself, perfect when you’re feeling the cold, or as a starter before a main meal.
Recommended Restaurant: Au Pied de Cochon, Paris
Tip: Enjoy as a starter.
10. Salmon en Papillote
A healthy dish where a salmon fillet and vegetables are baked in parchment paper, allowing the flavors to meld. A healthy and delicious option.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Comptoir de la Gastronomie, Paris
Tip: Enjoy the waiter opening the parchment at your table.
11. Chateaubriand
A cut of beef cooked with a thick sauce, usually served with chips or ratatouille. A real treat meal that’s ideal for a special occasion or just a deliciously filling dinner.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, Paris
Tip: Ask for the secret sauce!
12. Escargots de Bourgogne
These snails are baked and served in garlic butter and parsley – an adventurous delicacy with a rich and tasty payoff.
Recommended Restaurant: L’Escargot Montorgueil, Paris
Tip: Use bread to mop up the butter!
13. Pâté en Croûte
A meat pie with a pastry topping, filled with the likes of pork or game meat, and flavored with spices. Tasty and filling; ideal for a picnic or as a starter.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Café des Musées, Paris
Tip: Why not enjoy it as part of a picnic in one of Paris’s beautiful parks?
14. Macarons
Meringue biscuits sandwiched together with a creamy ganache, macarons come in a dazzling array of colors and flavors. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Recommended Restaurant: Pierre Hermé, Paris
Tip: Pick up a selection box to try lots of different varieties.
15. Tartiflette
Originally a peasant dish from the Alps, tartiflette is a rich concoction of layered potatoes, cheese, onions, and lardons. Hearty and great after skiing the Alps.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Chalet Savoyard, Paris
Tip: Serve with a crisp white wine for balance.
16. Pissaladière
Originating from Nice, a Provencal-style tart with caramelized onions, olives, and anchovies on top. The flavors are a true taste of the Med and a great light snack.
Recommended Restaurant: La Petite Maison, Nice
Tip: Lunch on a small portion with a mixed leaf salad.
17. Frog Legs (Cuisses de Grenouille)
Frog legs can be fried or sautéed, then simply basted with parsley and garlic. Adventurous eaters should try the unique taste they offer.
Recommended Restaurant: La Maison de la Grenouille, Paris
Tip: Don’t think; just eat!
18. Oysters (Huîtres)
Served fresh and simply on the half shell, oysters – especially in places like Normandy - are a real treat for those not averse to seafood and can be a great briny taste of the sea.
Recommended Restaurant: Les Huîtres, Paris
Tip: Wash it down with a chilled white wine!
19. Clafoutis
A baked custard dessert often with cherries in it (remove the stones but leave the fruit), clafoutis is a straightforward pudding. Best served warm and a real winter warmer.
Recommended Restaurant: La Pâtisserie des Rêves, Paris
Tip: Add a little cream on the side!
20. Niçoise Salad
A fresh salad originating from Nice, featuring tuna, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and green beans. Light, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavour, it’s great for a summer dish.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Safari, Nice
Tip: Best enjoyed as a summer lunch on the terrace!
21. Crème Brûlée
A smooth custard with a layer of hardened caramel on top, Crème Brûlée is a rich and decadent conclusion to any meal.
Recommended Restaurant: Le Procope, Paris
Tip: Break into the top with a spoon before tucking in!
22. Baba au Rhum
A spongy cake soaked in rum, often served with whipped cream. A sweet and alcoholic way to finish a meal.
Recommended Restaurant: Angelina, Paris
Tip: Share with a friend – it’s very rich!
23. Mousse au Chocolat
A fluffy, velvety chocolate mousse that almost dissolves on the tongue. Chocolate fiends won’t want to miss this for dessert.
Maison du Chocolat, Paris
Tip: Keep well chilled for the best texture.
24. Sole Meunière
Delicate sole fillets are pan-fried in butter and lemon. This simple dish lets the fresh produce really shine, and tastes timeless and classic.
Recommended Restaurant: La Coupole, Paris
Tip: Have it with a side of sautéed vegetables.
25. Tarte aux Fruits
A fruit tart with shortcrust base, crème pâtissière, and an assortment of seasonal fruits on top – as beautiful as it is tasty.
Recommended Restaurant: Ladurée, Paris
Tip: Pair with a pot of tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
French Tipping Etiquette
In France, tipping is more of an option than a strict rule.
Charges are often included in your bill in the form of “service compris”, so tips will typically be modest – 5-10% is usual if you’ve had a very nice meal.
If the service was particularly excellent, feel free to leave a little extra. Just rounding up your bill or leaving the change will be fine though!
French Dining Etiquette
Eating out in France isn’t just about the food – it’s about savoring the whole experience. Here are some basic things to bear in mind:
Be Punctual: Particularly if it’s a dinner invitation, try to be on time. If you’re running late, call and let your host know.
Table Manners: Keep your hands visible on the table (but keep elbows off it). Use utensils for most things, only using your fingers for things like bread.
Bread Rules: Place your bread directly on the table, rather than on a plate. It’s seen as a gesture of appreciation for the meal.
Choosing Wine: If you’re selecting wine, don’t be shy to ask for help. French waiting staff are generally helpful in recommending wine. But keep in mind the French drinking age, as it’s important to follow local laws when enjoying wine or any alcoholic beverages.
Wait for the Host: In formal dining situations, wait for the host to start eating before you follow suit.
Manners Maketh Meal: A “bonjour” on entry and a “merci” on leaving do wonders as manners in France!
Summary
French cuisine is a thrilling medley of flavors, skills, and heritages. Whether it’s an airy croissant or a hearty coq au vin, there’s an entire culinary world waiting for you in France.
Don’t just eat – experience the flavor to its fullest, and these dining etiquettes will help you make the most of it! Bon appétit!