Paris, je t'aime

Paris is very special to us as it is the place where we had first trip as a couple. Only 3.5 hours away by train from Amsterdam, it became our favourite weekend getaway. We have been there alone, together as couple and together as a family of 3 so the tips should fit all of you and a range variety of budgets :) I am sharing with you few places we like and some DOS and DONT'S. From the food you should not miss eating, I am mentioning few : french onion soup with cheese,foie grass, beef bourguignon, steak tartare, snails and frog legs (the later I have never dared to try). Ofcourse, as dessert there is no introduction needed for the crepe suzette, maccarons, madeleine, pain au chocolat.

Restaurants (lunch/dinner) :

Kanope - https://www.kozy.fr/kozy-kanope-brunch

Very instagramable brunch place with lovely food and a variety of dishes for all the tastes. They do not accept reservations and there is usually a big queue, but is going fast and worthwhile waiting.
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L’escargot Montorgueil - https://www.escargotmontorgueil.com/

Opened in 1832, this is the most famous restaurant in Paris for eating snails cooked in different sauces (garlic butter, cheese, truffles) and with different toppings. Besides this, you will find also other dishes paired with very good wines.A reservation is needed - otherwise you can wait outside in line up to 1 hour.
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Maison de la Truffe Madeleine - https://www.maison-de-la-truffe.com/?lang=en

THE place to be if you like truffles. Opened in 1932, taken over in 2007 by Kaspia Group became a restaurant focused on quality, high standards and elegance. You can have truffles on all the items of the menu - from salads, to soups, eggs, beef, duck, fish and so on. Everything tastes good and if you go once, for sure you will want to return.
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Breizh Cafe - https://www.breizhcafe.com/

Very yummy pancakes with a variety of toppings and flavours. There is a big chain so you can find plenty of locations across Paris and not only (even in Tokyo).
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Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée - https://www.dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee/dining

For a special occasion
Michelin-starred restaurant located in a stunning hotel and led by Chef Jean Imbert, my favourite chef in Paris (besides his cooking, I follow him on social media and admire how many great projects he is running and how creative is, but also about his strong bond with his grandma that inspired him so much).
We had here a NYE brunch and was a very special experience - very elegant, a great attention for details and care for their customers, accompanied by a delicious menu.
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Gigi Paris - https://gigi-restaurant.com/paris/

For a special occasion
A very elegant and unique location with view over Tour Eiffel where they serve italian cuisine presented in a very upscale setting. Usually they have also a live band that is accompanying your meal and offering you a more romantic experience. People are very elegant dressed here which gives and extra touch of elegance to the place. If possible, i recommend booking the terrace during sunny days.
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Le Recrutement - https://www.instagram.com/lerecrutementparis/?hl=en

A very parisian place with a cute view on the Eiffel Tower. I loved the Crepe Grand Marnier here (they are flambeed in a syrup of lemon and orange juice, sugar, Grand Marnier, and cognac).
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**Les Deux Magots -**https://lesdeuxmagots.fr/en/

A very cute and famous parisian literary café, very well known for their perfect hot chocolate. This is recognised as one of the best hot chocolates in whole Paris so you should definetly add it on your list. Besides this, you may enjoy a french lunch or dinner from their menu.
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Ralph’s - https://www.ralphlauren.nl/en/global/ralphs-paris/7120

Ralph Lauren’s restaurant in Paris. A hidden gem, very elegant where you can taste excellent American cuisine in a wonderfully elegant and romantic setting. The welcome is warm and of a refinement that is both glamorous and relaxed. At the end you can enjoy few extra drinks in the bar.
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Brasserie Haussmann - https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1794868614134302/brasserie-haussmann/

Very french location based in the area of Opera Garnier. The food is good, plenty of options and prompt service. I had the smoked salmon, cheese platter and the snails - all yummy. For summer days they have a cute terrace from where you can observe the rush of the city.
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Perlouse Pigalle - https://www.perlousepigalle.com/

A small gezellig sea-food restaurant with fresh oysters and very friendly staff and a cute dog. Located in Montmarte, 200m away from Moulin Rouge, this is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a hip, yet tasty and fresh meal . We had oysters (cooked in wine sauce and with cheese), shrimps, tarama and tuna steak.
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Homer Lobster - Marais - https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/212064395931854/homer-all-about-lobster/

Here we took to go Lobster rolls. They were a-ma-zing!
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MONBLEU Faubourg Montmartre - https://www.monbleu.fr/monbleu-faubourg-montmartre/

Perfect spot for cheese tasting and for enjoying a bite in Paris with reasonable prices. At the groundfloor you may find also a chique shop where you may buy fresh cheese.
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Creperie Bretonne Val de Rance - https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1026475074032032/creperie-bretonne-val-de-rance/

A hidden gem for pancakes and cider. Loved all the pancakes we had, very friendly and fast service and great quality.
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Pastry shops :

Cédric Grolet - https://cedric-grolet.com/en/

This the THE pastry chef that makes magic in the world of pattiserie and not only. Having a community on social media of more than 10 million followers and locations across the world where people are queing since the morning to taste his products are the speaking truth about how amazing his products are, but also what an amazing marketing strategy he and his team have.
In case you know already what you want to eat, I recommend you to order them with few days upfront via his website and you will have no queue.
There are 3 locations in Paris , namely :
- Cédric Grolet Opera - here you may find croissants, tarts and recently they opened a tea room. I saw him once here and was an moment to remember!
- Cédric Grolet Opera Cafe - I haven’t tried this place yet, but seems to have cookie pizzas, croissants, coffee for take away.
- Cédric Grolet Le Meurice - this is the place where he sells the beautiful fruit shaped cakes. I always ordered them upfront and had to wait only 2-3 minutes till I entered. They have a very smooth process, while the persons without reservation were in lines of 60-80 people waiting for their turn.
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Ritz Paris Le Comptoir - https://www.ritzparislecomptoir.com/en

A very special pastry spot, located in the back of the very well known Ritz Hotel. They respect the elegance and world-class reputation of the Ritz Hotel, but making it more accessible to the larger group of customers. You can order upfront and take away or enjoy the delicious sweets in their small pastry location. They are very well known for their madeleines prepared with different flavours.
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Ladurée - https://www.maisonladuree.com/

This is the macarons heaven - all flavours and many more other cookies. The location in Champs Elysées is the most famous one, but also the busiest one. I recommend checking other locations in case you are willing only to buy some macarons to go or other yummy products.
In case you are looking for a special lunch place, then the location in Champs Elysées is a very good idea (reservation upfront recommended). They have a restaurant both on groundfloor, but also on 1st floor. The 1st floor is more special, historical rooms very beautiful decorated that are providing an extra touch to your experience.
In the evening, you can also have a macarons cocktail at the bar next to the location.
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Mademoiselle Angelina - https://www.angelina-paris.fr/

A very well known pastry since 1903 with more than 30 locations opened across the world, Angelina is a sweet and delicate hotspot. You may find a big variety of sweet options, but also sandwiches with avocado for the persons with a desire for salty food. The Mont-Blanc is their signature dessert . We chose this location because it is close to a very cute park, but also next to a museum which we visted afterwards : Musée du Luxembourg
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Coffee to go :

Noir - https://www.instagram.com/noir_coffeeshop/?hl=en

Cafe Nuances - https://cafenuances.com/