“Paris is not a city; it’s a world.” – King Francis I
From bohemian streets to tree lined boulevards, hidden antique shops and boutiques to iconic museums and busy cafés, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to a collection of characterful boroughs, or arrondissements, it has many faces. For romance and history, venture to Montmartre and Le Marais. For Parisian glamour, wander the charming streets of Saint Germain des Prés and the 8th arrondissement, home to designer boutiques and fine dining establishments.
The team at OROKO Travel are specialists in luxury travel and have tailored many a luxury holiday to Paris. It is perfectly suited to a romantic weekend getaway or, for ultimate luxury, as a stop along a magnificent rail journey aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. Today, the OROKO team have curated a guide to dining in Paris, sharing the best places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course, afternoon sweet treats.
Start the day in a Parisian boulangerie
France is famous for its dainty pastries, crusty baguettes and decadent desserts. Home to sensational bakeries, both traditional and contemporary, Paris is one of the finest places to sample French boulangerie goods. Start the day with a sweet treat from artisanal bakeries like PAIN PAIN in Montmartre, winner of the best baguette in Paris. Enjoy freshly baked treats with your morning café au lait, choosing from classics like pain Suisse, pain aux raisins and croissant au beurre.
Al fresco courtyard lunch at Grand Coeur
Dine on the elegant terrace of Grand Coeur, hidden inside a courtyard in the trendy district of Le Marais. Often regarded as one of the finest restaurants in the city, the contemporary brasserie is led by three Michelin-starred chef, Mauro Colagreco. Sample flavours of the seasons, which may include rock octopus, parsnip velouté and beets in a salt crust. Pair your meal with wine from the impressive drinks list, where the vast majority of wines are from organic or biodynamic vineyards.
Sweeten the afternoon with a decadent doughnut
Boneshaker Donuts combines French pastry techniques with traditional American flavours to create some of the finest doughnuts in the city. Talented pastry chef Amanda Bankert, originally from Washington DC, spent years working in renowned restaurants in Paris and Dublin. Moving back to Paris, Amanda started a small business venture supplying fresh doughnuts to local coffee shops. Now, Amanda and business partner, Louis Scott, opened the doors to Paris’ first authentic doughnut shop in the 2nd arrondissement. Sample flavourful creations like the fluffernutter; a doughnut filled with peanut butter pastry cream, dipped in marshmallow glaze and topped with salted peanut brittle. Or perhaps you’d prefer breakfast in bed, a sweet dough filled with coffee pastry cream, covered in an orange glaze and topped with cacao nibs.
Dine with the locals at Juveniles
A family-run wine bar, Juveniles is a favourite among Parisians. The compact shop/restaurant’s goal is to promote underrated wines from around the world. Pair carefully sourced wines with unfussy, flavourful Parisian dishes. Its charm lies in the fact that you will be dining in a tiny little shop surrounded by locals. Dishes are outstanding here, celebrating seasonal and local produce. Sample plates like veal croquettes with green apple and celery remoulade, roasted scallops with sweet onion and celeriac soup with Breton cockles.
Breakfast with a view at Le Café Marly
On your second day in Paris, enjoy an elegant petit dejeuner overlooking one of the most famous museums in the world. With the Louvre as your backdrop, choose from a selection of pastries or savoury breakfast plates. For something extra special, pair breakfast with a delicious mimosa, or perhaps go all-out and order some caviar!
A Parisian crêpe at Coeur de Breizh
A Breton creperie in the heart of Paris, Coeur de Breizh is an excellent option if you are craving a classic French crepe. Though these delicious French treats are served by street vendors on many street corners, sometimes we just prefer to sit down to enjoy our afternoon treat! Offering a wide range of savoury and sweet options, it suits everyone. Sweet flavours include apple and caramel, banana and chocolate, Nutella and praline and crepes suzette. Savoury variations are extensive including smoked salmon and crème fraiche, egg, cheese and mushrooms and spinach and goats cheese.
Lunch at Le Bistro Marbeuf
Situated on Rue Marbeuf, this cosy, traditional bistro offers excellent representations of Lyonnaise cuisine. Sample classic French starters like escargots, smoked salmon blinis, frogs legs and poached eggs with girolles. For mains, much-loved options like confit duck, beef bourguignon and roast chicken are on offer. Save space for dessert, opting for classics like homemade profiteroles, tarte tatin, rum baba and creme brûlée.
Wander through Le Marché Bastille
A haven for foodies, Le Marché Bastille is home to many stalls selling fresh and local produce. The market operates on Thursdays from 7am to 1.30pm and Sundays from 7am to 2.30pm. Find artisanal producers selling seasonal and local goods that are perfectly suited for gathering for a picnic lunch along the Seine. Pick up crusty baguette, regional cheeses, cured meats and patés. To explore the oldest food market in Paris, visit Marché des Enfants Rouges. A 17th century covered market in the fashionable neighbourhood of Le Marais, it is also an excellent option when the weather is unpredictable.
Dining with locals at La Vache et le Cuisinier
A neighbourhood restaurant in Montmartre, La Vache et le Cuisinier offers an authentic dining experience in Paris. Its poached eggs with morels are famous, so it is a must order when you dine here. For main course, we recommend sharing the côte the boeuf, a French classic that never disappoints! Other options include fish of the day, razor clams, duck breast and lamb tournedos with garlic cream.
A Guide to Dining in Paris by OROKO Travel
OROKO is Ireland’s only dedicated luxury tailored travel business. A team of luxury travel agents passionate about the world who create experiential, personalised luxury holidays from Ireland. Having travelled far and wide to discover the world’s culinary hotspots, OROKO will tailor gastronomic experiences all over the world, from the food markets of Lisbon and Porto to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and Osaka.
Visit www.orokotravel.ie or call 01-2600240
