Food & Wine

5 Iconic French Meals You Have to Try (and Where to Find Them in 2025)

Imagine strolling down a cobblestone street in France, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, and the sound of clinking coffee cups from nearby cafés. French cuisine isn’t just food—it’s an art form that has shaped culinary traditions worldwide. From the flakiest pastries to the most complex stews, here’s your guide to experiencing France’s most iconic dishes in their authentic settings.

1. Croissants in Paris: A Morning Ritual

The perfect croissant is a symphony of textures: a crisp, golden-brown exterior that shatters at first bite, revealing delicate layers of buttery pastry within. While croissants are available worldwide, nothing compares to one fresh from a Parisian oven at dawn.

Where to Go: Du Pain et des Idées (34 Rue Yves Toudic, 10th arr.)

  • Best timing: Arrive between 7:30-9:00 AM for the freshest batch
  • Price range: €1.20-1.50 per croissant
  • Insider tip: Order the “croissant au beurre” (made with pure butter) rather than the regular “croissant ordinaire”

Local Wisdom: Pair your croissant with a café crème for breakfast, but never afternoon—that’s a tourist tell! The café opens Tuesday through Saturday, and there’s often a line by 8:30 AM.

2. Ratatouille in Nice: Mediterranean Summer on a Plate

This colorful Provençal stew captures the essence of the French Riviera. Each vegetable is cooked separately to preserve its distinct flavor before being layered together—a method that distinguishes authentic ratatouille from simple vegetable stews.

Where to Go: Le Safari (1 Cours Saleya, Old Town Nice)

  • Best timing: Dinner service starting at 7:00 PM
  • Price range: €16-20 for a main course
  • Seasonal peak: July-September when vegetables are at their finest

Cultural Note: Traditional ratatouille is served as a side dish at room temperature. If you see it piping hot or as a main course, it’s been adapted for tourists.

Wine Pairing: Ask for a chilled rosé from nearby Bandol—its mineral notes perfectly complement the dish’s Mediterranean flavors.

3. Boeuf Bourguignon in Burgundy: The Soul of French Cooking

This isn’t just beef stew—it’s a masterpiece of slow cooking that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The meat should be so tender it falls apart at the touch of your fork, while the sauce should be rich enough to silence conversation at first taste.

Where to Go: La Maison du Colombier (1 Rue Charles Cloutier, Beaune)

  • Best timing: Lunch service (12:00-2:00 PM) offers the best value
  • Price range: €28-35 for the dish
  • Reservation essential: Book at least one week ahead

Insider Tip: Order it with “pain d’épices” on the side—this local spice bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.

4. Crêpes in Brittany: The Art of Simple Pleasure

In Brittany, crêpes aren’t just street food but an institution. The savory version (galette) is made with buckwheat flour, giving it a nutty flavor and heartier texture that pairs perfectly with traditional fillings.

Where to Go: Crêperie Saint-Georges (11 Rue du Chapitre, Rennes)

  • Must-try combination: The “Complète” (egg, ham, and cheese)
  • Price range: €8-15 for savory, €4-8 for sweet
  • Local custom: Pair with artisanal cider served in traditional bowls (bolées)

Ordering Guide: Start with a savory galette, then order a sweet crêpe for dessert. It’s perfectly acceptable to have both!

5. Choucroute in Strasbourg: Where France Meets Germany

This hearty Alsatian dish reflects the region’s complex history and unique culinary heritage. The sauerkraut is gentler than its German cousin, wine-braised to achieve a subtle balance of flavors.

Where to Go: Maison Kammerzell (16 Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg)

  • Best season: October through March
  • Price range: €25-32
  • Portion size: Substantial enough to share

Pro Tip: Ask for a glass of local Riesling or Gewürztraminer—the wine’s acidity perfectly cuts through the rich meats.

Bonus: Macarons in Lyon

These delicate almond meringue sandwiches require precision to achieve the perfect texture: crisp shell, chewy interior, and creamy filling. While Paris gets the glory, Lyon’s patissiers are masters of the form.

Where to Go: Sébastien Bouillet (15 Place de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon)

Best timing: Mid-afternoon when fresh batches arrive

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