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My Paris Food Journey: Michelin stars, rooftop views & pastry shops
A personal guide to the most charming spots to dine in Paris
For almost a year after my trip to Europe, I kept thinking about how to share everything I experienced: the emotions, the flavors, the beauty. And finally, I think I found a way to do it efficiently.
I’ll share them in articles about Paris, Lyon, Italy, Barcelona, and Spanish vineyards. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey with me and discover something interesting.
I know that for some of you, this may sound strange, but after spending more than eight years in California and not going anywhere outside of the US because of the documents, I wanted to get the best of everything while I was traveling, and I did it.
And now…
It’a a Paris, baby! There's no place like it. The city encourages you with its notable Haussmann style of architecture, French cuisine, and charming vibes of pleasure.
I don’t want to spend too much of your time talking about sightseeing spots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Versailles. Instead, I want to share something more personal - my food experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of why French cuisine is so respected, its traditions and techniques, and why Paris holds such a special place in the culinary world.
I've heard from many people that the food in Paris is overrated, overpriced, or not worth the hype. And sure, like any city, there are average places. But the best thing you can do is trust your gut.
Don’t go somewhere just because the pictures look pretty. Please take a moment to check the reviews, the chef, and what people say about it. Or ask a local. Or someone like me, who likes to eat)
During my trip, I had dinner in various spots, from cozy bistros to fine dining. Believe it or not, choosing where to go among so many incredible places was one of the biggest challenges.
In fact, as of 2025, Paris has 123 Michelin-starred restaurants, which makes it the second city in the world with the most stars, right after Tokyo.
Carette
Famous patisserie with Eiffel Tower views and decadent hot chocolate
Let me start with the famous patisserie featured in Emily in Paris, season 4, episode 3 (Emily having breakfast with Luc and Julien). Do you remember that episode?
Yes, I’m talking about Carette.
It has that classic Parisian cafe feel — a charming spot that is simple and elegant at the same time. The terrace offers a picture-perfect view of the Eiffel Tower but is not just about the setting.
Carette is known for its thick, velvety hot chocolate (the kind you eat with a spoon, topped with a massive cloud of whipped cream), delicate pastries, and perfectly crisp croissants.
I had a chocolate eclair, opera cake, and citrus cake. And let me tell you, choosing the cold chocolate was the best decision I could have made that day (it was hot outside!).
Even though the place is quite popular and often busy, the atmosphere remains surprisingly pleasant and calm. It is not a hidden gem, but it is why it is a favorite for tourists and locals. The art deco interior, the relaxed mood, and the genuinely kind service make it a lovely place to start your day.
And if you’re not in the mood for sweets, no worries. Their menu includes savory options like salads, quiches, and classic French dishes. It's perfect for brunch or a light lunch.
They have three locations in Paris, so you can choose the one that fits your plans. I visited the one at Place du Trocadero, where I took all the photos.
No reservations are needed. Just come, drink chocolate, and enjoy.
Perruche
Chic rooftop with Mediterranean cuisine and a Paris skyline
Do you want the coziest rooftop with a stunning city view and the Eiffel Tower? Here it is.
Perruche is a Mediterranean restaurant on the 9th floor of the Printemps shopping mall. It offers a compact but well-curated food menu, creative cocktails, wine, and champagne. The indoor space and the outdoor terrace are equally gorgeous.
Many people come here specifically for the sunset views with a fancy drink in hand. I'm sure It is a perfect spot for a date. Romantic, stylish, and with one of the best panoramic views in Paris. Whether you have cocktails or a glass of wine, the setting does half the magic.
The menu has enough to satisfy you if you're hungry, from pasta to proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, or seafood.
Oh, the most important tip here: don’t be like me, and don’t confuse pâté with pâtes. One is a meat spread, and the other is pasta. Let’s just say… it was an unexpected appetizer. 😂
At this place, I tried a famous French dessert, mille-feuille with vanilla and caramel, for the first time. I still remember the delicate layers: crisp, buttery pastry with silky cream. It's absolutely worth it.
Reservation via sevenrooms is needed, especially if you want a lovely table outside.
Fun fact: Mille-feuille dates back to the 17th century. While the classic version is filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with fondant glaze, modern patisseries often add their twist — like caramel, fruit, or matcha. But the key to a perfect mille-feuille is always the same: ultra-thin, crisp layers that melt into cream with every bite.
Open daily: |
La Cour Jardin
A summer-only courtyard escape at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Is the most charming inner courtyard of the iconic Hotel Plaza Athénée, surrounded by lush greenery, soft lighting, and signature red umbrellas. It’s an enchanting spot, perfect for a relaxed brunch or a romantic summer dinner.
Although the menu is small, every dish is beautifully prepared and elegantly presented. And yes, it tastes just as good as it looks.
I tried burrata with peach gazpacho, toasted crab croque with avocado, caponata ravioli in delicate vegetable broth, and grilled lamb chops. Each plate is full of finesse and flavor.
What makes La Cour Jardin truly special is the setting. It’s more than just a restaurant. It’s an experience. You’re dining in one of Paris’s most luxurious hotels in a courtyard that feels like a hidden oasis in the city's heart. The atmosphere is calm, refined, and cinematic, where you almost expect a violinist to appear.
Compared to some other places (including Michelin-starred restaurants), it might feel a bit overpriced, but here, you’re paying not just for the food but also for the moment and ambiance.
P.S. La Cour Jardin is open only during the summer, from May to September, making it feel even more exclusive.
Reservations via sevenrooms
Open Daily: |
Monsieur Lancaster
Art Deco dining of five-course dinner in a historic hotel
I loved dining at the charming Art Deco restaurant inside the Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs-Élysées, where I had the pleasure of staying while exploring Paris.
Monsieur Lancaster is recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, highlighting its quality and excellence in cuisine, and honestly, I could taste that in every dish.
The restaurant isn't big but has a peaceful patio setting and an elegant atmosphere. It offers a regional menu for lunch and a degustation menu with 3 or 5 courses, with or without wine pairing, for dinner.
I tried the five-course menu, which was a pleasure. The menu changes frequently, so don’t expect to have the same meals I did, but at least you’ll get an idea of how it looks.
🍽️ The food experience is about 2-3 hours
The hotel itself is elegant and calm, steps from the Champs-Élysées. It feels private, full of character, and very Parisian in the best way. Marlene Dietrich once lived here, and honestly, I understand why. It’s the kind of place where you want to slow down and enjoy every moment.
🥖🥐 By the way, breakfast is complimentary during your stay in a hotel and served as a buffet, with fresh pastries like baguettes and croissants. Oh, la la.
Restaurant reservation via the Fork, or if you’re staying at the hotel, ask the receptionist to book it for you.
Open: |
Arpège
Three Michelin stars and a plant-based culinary masterpiece
Hello, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that has maintained its top status since 1996.
This cozy and elegant space, located just a short walk from the Musée Rodin, is known for its minimalist and warm atmosphere with soft lighting, light wood accents, and an intimate feel that lets the food be the star of the evening.
L’Arpège is famous for its plant-based cuisine, thanks to Chef Alain Passard. He is a true artist in the kitchen. But if you’re not vegetarian, it's not a problem; a menu with fish and meat additions is also available.
The seasonal menu includes nine courses, which is perfect if you want to try everything, and honestly, you should. Every vegetable, fish, or meat dish looks like a painting and tastes even better.
One of the signature dishes I tried was a vegetable tartare that tasted almost exactly like beef tartare. It’s hard to believe how close it was in texture, flavor, and satisfaction. The onion gratin was incredibly crisp, rich, and comforting.
For dessert, I had a trio of sweet berries, melon sorbet, tart, and a pie swirl. It was light and fresh, the perfect way to end the evening.
🍽️ The food experience lasted around four hours, and I enjoyed every minute. It didn’t feel long. It felt like a well-paced journey through textures, flavors, and creativity.
One of the things I loved most was seeing the kitchen and taking a photo with Chef Alain Passard himself. My husband asked him why he chose to focus on plant-based food, and his answer was simple and beautiful: “I like to create colorful meals, and color lives in vegetables and fruits.”
So now you know everything)
Reservation via web
Open: |
Pages
Minimalist setting, Japanese precision, and a meat lover’s dream
Is there any word to describe a meat heaven? I don’t know, but this place is the key to your meaty heart.
It’s a small but cute one-Michelin-starred restaurant where Japanese Chef Teshi creates modern, unique, and flavorful dishes with passion and love. The restaurant opened in 2014 and has held its Michelin star since 2016.
It has an intimate, minimalistic interior with white walls and an open kitchen, where you can watch the whole cooking process right before your table. The space feels calm and focused but also warm, just like the food.
Teshi trained in Japan and France and even worked with one of Paris’s most famous butchers to master meat aging. So yes, he knows exactly what he’s doing.
Pages are open for lunch and dinner. Because of the small size, booking it for lunch is much easier. The only difference is the number of courses: the lunch menu is shorter but still offers a full experience.
The five-course lunch menu was €115 per person. You can also add caviar or Wagyu beef to your experience, and trust me, these are great additions for a very fair price.
🍽️ The food experience is about 2-3 hours
Open: |
Sweet Bites in Paris
Iconic Parisian sweets to take with you (or eat immediately)
I must mention a few sweet moments that brighten my Paris days.
As soon as I heard about the legendary La Maison du Chocolat, I rushed in to see if it was as good as everyone said. And yes, it is. It has incredible smooth textures, deep flavor, and that feeling that one small chocolate can stop time for a moment.
It is not your regular chocolate shop; it’s been around since 1977 and is known for balancing intense cocoa flavor with silky finesse. It’s pure Parisian chocolate art.
I also had Pierre Hermé macarons several times during the trip, on my friend's recommendation (who knows what she’s talking about). They have bright flavors, a delicate outer shell, and a creamy filling. They kept me great company on the train ride from Paris to Lyon.
But that’s another story I’ll tell you in the following article.
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