I visited Paris in 2019. Any of the restaurants listed here are still available post-Pandemic. My main eating priority in Paris was cheese. Whenever I could supplement with a baguette and cheese, I was 100% in my happy place.
However, when it came to eating meals, I was very well planned because I am a pescatarian and my friend was a vegetarian. I don't like to settle for any old menu that offers one or two veg options. I want options! I want choices! I preview websites and menus in advance. I make lists. I have a google map. Wherever I go, I know I have options nearby.
However, since traveling in August, many businesses are closed for the summer holiday. With that, we made adjustments.
Breakfast: Most important meal of the day! Sad to report that 3 other breakfast locations have since become "permanently closed" and were removed from the list (such a bummer)!
Le Faubourg: Surprisingly very good. I had fluffy, creamy scrambled eggs (which are usually not my egg of choice), served with fresh, crunchy bread. Open-air cafe by day, bar with happy hour by night!
Fast and Casual: Great for a quick bite, lunch, or generally keeping costs low. Most of these places are open late and perfect for a nighttime snack.
The Grilled Cheese Factory: I was originally on a quest to go to Cafe Ginger, which was unfortunately closed for the summer. As a substitution (and in reaction to my hunger), we stopped at this nearby grilled cheesery. I had the Chevre, which was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, crispy and gooey. It was a mozzarella grilled cheese with fig jam, spinach, and goat cheese. Highly recommend. My friend got the veggie grilled cheese with a tomato compote served with marinara dipping sauce.
Ground Control: This food truck oasis is super fun and hipster. You'll forget you're in the city and/or be transported to Brooklyn. You can choose lots of bites from different cuisines and enjoy the backyard vibes of picnic tables and yard games. I don't remember which food trucks I bought from, but I got crispy fried fish and chips and my friend got a halloumi wrap. You could just chill here for hours with a bite and a drink.
Le Bistrot de la Tour: Had a quick crepe at this corner shop before spending my night ogling the Eiffel tower from Cafe L'homme (which is super expensive, so eating a pre-meal was a good idea). The cafe and takeaway shop are connected to a larger bistrot, but again, I'm recommending the cafe. The crepe was giant and of course, I made a mess of myself. We took the crepes to go and sat by the Seine. My friend loves this particular shop and visits it every time he is in Paris.
Hank Burger: On my list of research, I had to visit Hank Burger. Visiting a burger place in Paris was intentional. This vegan burger place is another location that draws a crowd. The concept is simple, with a small variety of burger creations, a few side choices, and beverages. You can dine here for well under $20/per person. Overall, not the best veg burger I've ever had, but my trip notes proclaimed "4/5" stars.
Las Du Falafel: If I have to recommend one place for you to go from this list, it's Las Du Falafel. Is there a line? Yes. Will you wait a while? Yes. Does it move relatively quickly? Sure. But it is worth it! Perfect for late-night snacking. You can dine in, but your best bet is waiting for the takeaway window. For $13 you can get 19 falafel balls, one falafel pita, and a bottle of water. The falafel were awesome and perfectly fried. They were the perfect size (not too small, and about the size of a meatball).
Bistrot du 9eme: After a little bit of drinking, I was craving frites! I found this corner spot close to Le Lipstick (highly recommend this bar, btw) and it had great side-walk people watching. The frites were more of a wedge. Fun music ranging from old favorites (JaRule) to modern hits (Old Town Road).
International: Cuisines from other nations that are not French bistros
Krishna Bhavan: Indian food! No complaints here. Quarters are quite cramped and patrons are seated as space is available. I.e.: If you're dining as a group of 3 at a table for 4, you might have a lone guest placed at your table.
Snacks:
Amorino: Cutesy ice cream has become a trend, but what's better than a cute treat? Cute sorbet that tastes good. They offer a range of iced treats (gelato, sorbet, etc.) and have many locations, so you're sure to find one and enjoy it on a hot summer day! I had mango and raspberry- a perfect balance of sweet and tart! Loved it! Bonus: If you're feeling luxurious, you can add a macaroon!
Montbleu Fromagerie: Inside this fancier restaurant is a cheese shop. Though I wouldn't refer to this locale as a bargain spot, buying yourself some pungent cheese and enjoying it with a baguette in the park is cheap and will make you feel distinctly French. I remember having a super stinky blue cheese here and honestly, I'll never forget it.
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