It’s not news to you that the French enjoy spending time together at the dinner table. And rightly so, since France is the ultimate destination for great food and drink, and this culinary legacy goes back centuries. Renowned chefs concoct traditional recipes using sophisticated techniques based on fresh, local and seasonal products. Let’s take a look at the different types of restaurants in France that you absolutely must try if you’re looking for the ultimate experience of French cuisine!
The “halles gourmandes”
In many towns, the indoor market hall also boasts a few places where people can come for lunch, as well as the usual market stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other delights. Visitors can take a seat at the long tables next to other diners, or on the bar stools at the counter. This is a popular place where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere that you usually find at the Sunday morning market!
Our favourite is the Marché des Enfants Rouges market in Paris, with a wide range of culinary stalls
Fine-dining restaurants
These restaurants are the highest of quality, the most expensive too of course but also where you can really discover the elegance of great French cuisine concocted by French chefs who are often globally renowned. The famous Michelin Guide lists the restaurants in France (and elsewhere) that have been awarded Michelin stars. Fine-dining restaurants provide a certain level of service and hospitality, a menu of dishes that are just as delicious as they are beautifully presented, and an extensive and carefully selected wine list. Enjoying a meal here is an all-round experience and the ultimate way to really experience the French art of fine dining!
Favourite: Maison Pic in Valence, run by famous chef with three Michelin stars, Anne-Sophie Pic.
The brasseries
You can’t possibly come to France without eating at a brasserie! You'll find them pretty much everywhere, in all towns and cities and to suit all budgets. They are called brasseries because beer was once brewed at these establishments (brasserie = brewery in English). Today they are restaurants, and you can expect them to be less fancy than other establishments. Here you can enjoy simple French cuisine at reasonable prices, such as steak & chips, duck confit, asparagus in vinaigrette, etc.
Favourite: La Coupole in Paris, a, unmissable Art-Déco style brasserie in the capital city.
Top-quality street food
If you’re looking to grab a quick bite to eat, don’t hesitate to pick up some original street food! Don’t be mistaken, you’ll be surprised by the good quality because this sort of establishment is getting better and better. Burgers, banh-mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), hot-dogs, tacos, etc. There’s something for everyone!
Favourite: Grand Scène in Lille, a food court with various street food vendors.
The bistros
These were once places where people would go for a glass of wine, more so than beer. Today, they are popular places to go for a drink, but often it is also possible to eat there. There is less choice on the menu than at a brasserie. Here, you can expect to see sharing platters on the menu such as deli meat and cheese platters or a limited selection of light bites. You can also expect a simple place, with a friendly atmosphere and gingham tablecloths!
Favourite: Au Bistrot in Bordeaux serving seasonal cuisine
Gourmet bistro-style restaurants or neo-bistros
These places are somewhere between fine-dining restaurants and bistros, serving top-quality cuisine in a more modern and less academic environment. Countless of these trendy new establishments have popped up all over France over recent years, run by talented, ingenious chefs who often have the skill and know-how of their Michelin-starred peers. Gourmet bistro-style restaurants often use local and seasonal products, with a surprising added twist that is sure to leave you speechless!
Favourite: AHPE in Biarritz, with an inventive menu of seasonal dishes
The crêperies (pancake houses)
The last type of restaurant you can't miss while exploring France is the crêperie. Especially if you find yourself in Brittany, the land of the “galette” (savoury pancake)! At a crêperie you can expect to find a selection of sweet and savoury (buckwheat pancakes) pancakes on the menu, such as the classic ham, cheese and egg. Dishes are usually served here with a “bolée” (cup) of sweet or dry local cider.
Favourite: La Crêperie du Port in Lorient, Brittany, to really get the full experience of Brittany!
The “bouchons lyonnais”
The “bouchons” could be put in the brasseries category, but they are so famous and so specific that we are putting them in a category of their own! You'll find these “bouchons” in Lyon, a city that should not be missed if you are looking to experience the French culinary world. They serve specialities of Lyon (quenelles (dumplings), cochonnaille (deli meat) and praline tart) and regional wines are served in a pitcher. The word bouchon allegedly comes from the tree branches that cabaret owners tied to their door to mark their establishment.
Favourite: Le Garet, authentic “bouchon lyonnais” since 1920.
Tips and suggestions
Many restaurants choose to serve local and seasonal products and are also committed to reducing their carbon footprint, by avoiding the use of unnecessary packaging for example. They will often inform customers of this on their menu. If you are not able to finish your meal, don’t hesitate to ask for a doggy bag to take the rest home with you and avoid waste!
By Gaëlle COUDERT
Journalist
To properly explore this question, Gaëlle threw herself into journalism in 2016, driven by repeated reality checks relating to the environment.
