For more than two decades, France has been the most-visited country in the world.
Are you planning a trip or a move to France soon? If so, you’ve probably been doing a lot of research to try and figure out what you should do when you get there.
There’s plenty to do in France — and there’s also plenty to eat. If you’re not sure which restaurants you want to check out, keep reading.
Listed below are seven of the best restaurants in France.
1. Comice
Comice is a relatively new restaurant located in the heart of Paris.
Comice is headed by the husband-and-wife team of Canadian chef Noam Gedalof and sommelier Etheliya Hananova.
Comice’s menu features a variety of elegant, yet relaxed items that allow you to enjoy the finer things in life without feeling totally out of your element. Must-try items include the duck foie gras and the butter-poached lobster.
Comice’s prices won’t break the bank, either, which can’t be said for much of France’s haute cuisine. The wine list is full of delicious, lesser-known wines from all over the world.
2. Hugo & Co
While you’re visiting France, you must plan a trip to Hugo & Co. Hugo & Co, located in the city’s historic Latin Quarter, is headed by Cambodian-born chef Tomy Gousset.
Gousset spent a lot of time working in the New York restaurant scene before moving across the pond and setting up shop in France.
The menu at Hugo & Co caters to both vegetarians and omnivores and features delicious, one-of-a-kind small plates. Some of the best items on the menu include the breaded pork cutlet and the black chocolate tart.
This restaurant is a favorite among the locals and is sure to become a favorite of yours, too.
3. Restaurant David Toutain
Toutain spent years working at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Agape Substance with his partners Marc Veyrat and Alain Passard.
He’s now moved on and opened up his own incredible restaurant, which features an ever-changing tasting menu full of some amazing dishes. Some must-have menu items include the Parmesan gnocchi and seared foie gras.
A meal at Restaurant David Toutain is not cheap by any means, but it’s worth the cost for the experience of enjoying unique foods created by one of Paris’s greatest chefs.
4. Creperie des Promenades
It wouldn’t be a trip to France without enjoying an authentic French crepe. There are tons of places throughout the country where you can enjoy a good crepe. One of the best restaurants, though, is Creperie des Promenades.
Located in Breton on the northeast coast of France, Creperie des Promenades is a casual restaurant with delicious crepes that put a unique spin on traditional French recipes. Creperie des Promenades is very affordable, too, with the cheapest crepe starting at €2,80.
All of the menu items at Creperie des Promenades are made with organic ingredients, too. They even offer a buckwheat crepe! This is one of the most popular crepes on the menu, and it’s made with seaweed and local goat cheese.
5. Takao Takano
It might seem a bit strange to enjoy Japanese food in France. You’ll be singing a different tune when you enjoy a meal at Takao Takano, though.
This eponymously named Michelin-star restaurant is located in the heart of Lyon, France. It’s one of France’s most well-known and revered restaurants.
You don’t have to drain your savings account to eat here, either.
Lunch only costs about €35, and you can enjoy dinner for anywhere from €65 to €100. In addition to serving incredible Japanese food, you can also pair your meal with a delicious, reasonably priced bottle of wine.
6. Le Carmin
Located near the Hospices de Beaune, Le Carmin is another delicious Michelin-star restaurant.
This restaurant is warm and welcoming and features a menu full of traditional Burgundian cuisine.
The menu changes on a regular basis based on the seasons and what local farmers have to offer.
Some of the most popular items that are often served include the stuffed chicken breast and chocolate torte.
7. Ellsworth
If you’re looking for a place in France where you can drop in and enjoy a simple, yet delicious meal, Ellsworth is the place to visit.
Headed by American chef Braden Perkins, Ellsworth features a variety of great small plates that blend American and French favorites. While you’re here, you absolutely must try the buttermilk fried chicken, as well as the Britanny lobster.
You can enjoy a meal at Ellsworth without making a reservation, so it’s easy to pop in, grab a seat at the bar, and enjoy a tasty meal.
Do’s and Don’ts for Eating in France
We’ve just barely scratched the surface when it comes to the best French restaurants. When you’re visiting any of these places, it’s important to remember your French dining etiquette.
Whether you’re eating a Michelin-star restaurant or enjoying a quick crepe, no one wants to look like a tourist.
The following are some tips that will help you blend in while eating in France:
- Expect small portions (and don’t ask for more)
- Order your steak medium rare (many French chefs won’t cook a steak more than this)
- Always compliment the chef
- Eat with a knife and fork at all times (you likely won’t come across any finger foods)
- Don’t ask for ketchup (unless you’re eating French fries)
- Only drink water or wine (it’s rare to drink coffee or other beverages) with your meal
- Enjoy your coffee in the cafe — to-go cups are not common in France
These tips will help you avoid standing out while you’re enjoying the wonderful food these French restaurants have to offer.
Enjoy the Best Restaurants in France Today
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but France has tons of incredible restaurants.
Be sure to keep this list of the best restaurants in France in mind as you start planning your trip or move. Don’t forget our tips on proper French table manners, either!
Do you need more help planning your French adventure? Have you figured out where you’re going to stay?
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