A Classification of French Restaurants in Paris
With over 40,000 restaurants in Paris alone, it can be overwhelming to decide which are the best ones to try. After reading this article on French restaurants in Paris, you will know exactly what to look for the next time you are hungry!
Types of Cuisines:
- South-West: Mussels, oysters, seafood, geese, ducks, lamb, beef, ceps, rabbit, Agen prunes (dried plum), foie gras, Perigord truffles, and goat cheese are all local foods usually cooked with wine. The most traditional South West dishes include quack, cassoulet, duck confit, lobster and parsley.
- Corsican: Goat, sheep, brocciu (Corsican cheese), chestnuts, pigs, wild boars, fish, seafood, clementines, lemons, nectarines, and figs are all local foods in this region. Chestnuts are used to produce flour, which is then used to make bread and pastries. Some traditional dishes are Corsican lamb, wild boar stew, veal with olives, donuts, and flan with chestnut flour.
- West Indies: This spicy food usually includes crustaceans, smoked salmon, crab, conch, curry, and tropical fruit. Some traditional dishes are boudin, acras, feroce, matoutou, calalou and colombo.
- Savoie Region: Based on a heavy diet of cheese and potatoes, traditional dishes of the Savoie Region would include fondue, raclette (melted cheese), tartiflette, and blueberry pie.
- Brittany Region: Even though this region is known for its sweets, they are also known for seafood. Sea bass, monkfish, herring, scallop, sole, lobster, crayfish, and mussels are all local foods. Due to a large number of apple trees, apples are known to accompany many dishes and are also made into cider. Two traditional dishes of the Brittany Region are monkfish with Armorican clafoutis (type of flan) and Breton crepes.
- Burgundy Region: Although best known as the wine region, Burgundy is also known for its oysters, mussels, and scallops. Some traditional dishes are Kouign amann (cake), seafood platters, mussels, and fish soup.
Types of Restaurants:
- Traditional Parisian Brasserie: Brasseries were created in the 1870’s to serve beer but do serve wine as well. Brasseries are usually open all day and offer a consistent menu.
- Wine Bar: Offers cheap drinks and a full range of vintage AOC wines. The menu is simple and usually served in small portions like bistros and restaurants.
- Bistro: Usually a little smaller than restaurants, menus are written on a blackboard or told verbally. Many bistros offer regional cuisines and the waiters does not have to be trained professionals!
- Cafe: Cafes are popular for their coffee, alcoholic drinks, and outdoor seating. The menu is usually limited to salads, sandwiches, and specialty dishes like mussels and chips. Cafes open very early in the morning and close around 9pm, depending on the establishment.
- Restaurant: Restaurants open only during certain times of the day (meals around times) and normally close one day a week. A printed and fixed price menu are always offered. Here, waiters and waitresses are trained professionals.
- Tea Room: Tea Rooms are commonly mistaken as cafes. They offer a wide selection of sweets with teas, coffee and hot chocolate, but no alcoholic beverages. Many offer simple snacks as well! Tea Rooms are open just before noon for lunch and then close at the end of the day.
Classification by Michelin Star:
- 1 Star: Food is prepared to a high standard. It is a good place to stop by on your trip.
- 2 Stars: Food is considered excellent with carefully crafted dishes. A restaurant worth a detour.
- 3 Stars: Food is exceptional, superb, and definitely worth the trip!
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