We were transported to Paris in THE GLOSS Table newsletter – read below for the perfect guide to the city of love for foodies …
MY ITINERARY
We landed in Paris at 12:30pm on my birthday – just in time to dump our bags at Hotel Rochechouart and hop on a bike to go to lunch. It’s a cliché, but this is what I love about living in Europe; waking up at 7:30am in Dublin and eating lunch in a new city just a few hours later. Sorry to everyone in America, Australia, etc., but I couldn’t live without the luxury of £25 flights to some of the best cities in the world.
We arrived at Brasserie Lipp and got sandwiched into a tiny table between two couples in their 70s, speaking fast and passionately in French. Brasserie Lipp is everything you want in a Parisian restaurant – thank you to Clare Cole for sending me here.
Too full for dessert, we wandered around the nearby streets, stopping for a drink at Café de Flore. We ended up at Brasserie Balzar for profiteroles before heading back to the hotel for a quick nap. I don’t know if it’s because my parents nap religiously or just the exhaustion of city trips, but an afternoon nap is essential on holiday. It makes the evening feel like a whole new day and is a non-negotiable.
By 8pm, we were back on bikes across town to Aux Deux Amis – a wine bar with small plates, which is perfect for when you’re full. People rave about Mamiche, but we found the pastries a bit too doughy and sweet for our taste – maybe we’ve been spoiled by having great bakeries close by, like Scéal in Greystones, and Toad and Little Bread Pedlar in London, so anything else pales in comparison.
If you’re there for a few days, you’ll inevitably need a little break from French cooking. Cheval d’Or (East Asian cuisine) would be my top recommendation, Le Saigon d’Antan for Vietnamese cooking and Abri Soba for hand pulled soba noodles and broth.
We made a stop at Caractère de Cochon for ham sandwiches to enjoy on the flight which you may recognise from my Instagram – thick with butter, generous with ham (and cheese, if you want). You can’t leave Paris without one.
WHERE TO GO FOR CLASSIC PARISIAN DINING
Brasserie Lipp: Go to Café de Flore opposite for a drink after or Café le Bonaparte. I then like to go to Brasserie Balzar down the road for profiteroles and coffee. Book ahead.
Le Bistrot Paul Bert: A very famous spot. Get the fillet steak with peppercorn sauce. It’s a classic for a reason and worth a visit. Book ahead.
Chez Georges: The most perfect French brasserie. It’s near the Louvre, so you can wander around that part of town that day before or after. Book way ahead.
La Poule au Pot: This one is quite pricey but it’s so amazing. Peach tablecloths and trolleys. Mountains of chips on metal platters. Book ahead.
Bistrot des Tournelles: Also book ahead!
Bouillon Chartier: This place doesn’t do great food, but it’s amazing inside. I quite like to go and just have leek vinaigrette, salad and some starters. Walk-ins only.
Le Baratin: Check their Instagram page for the Menu du jour.
WHERE TO GO TO EAT, DRINK, SHOP AND STOP OFF
COFFEE AND PASTRIES
• Cortado
• Dreamin man
• Ten Belles
• Mamiche
• Du Pain et des Idées
SANDWICHES
DRINKS AND LIGHT DINNERS
Le Baron Rouge: I love to stop here in the day for a glass of wine and all of the rest.
Aux Deux Amis: Perfect for an evening drink and a bite to eat. My most favourite place in Paris.
Chez Jeannette: I love to go for a drink here. Before or after visiting Bouillon Julien or Bouillon Chartier.
Le Cornichon: This place opened in April this year and is very cool. It’s the perfect spot for long lunches or dinners that turn into drinks. We will be back to visit soon to draw on the tables!
Folderol: Wine bar and ice cream parlour in one. We always end up here on the way home for a scoop of ice cream and another glass of wine. This is a must-visit.
I ALSO RECOMMEND
• Bambino
• Le Cadoret
• Septime la Cave
• Septime
• Clamato
• Racines Paris
NON-FRENCH SPOTS TO EAT IN
• Vietnamese cooking: Le Saigon d’Antan
• East Aisan recipes: Le Cheval d’Or
• Moroccan cuisine: Restaurant Le Tagine
• Filipino-influenced dishes: Double Dragon
• Soba noodle soup: Abri Soba
• Womenswear: Dressing Particulier
• Menswear: Brut Archives (thank you Ben Lippet!)
• Second-hand luxury clothes and accessories: Louise Paris
• High-end vintage clothing for women and men: The Parisian Vintage