Finding Real French Food in Paris: A Guide
If you’re spending a few days in Paris, chances are you’ll want to enjoy a few good meals out. But with more than 1,500 restaurants scattered across the city—and not all of them living up to the hype—choosing where to eat can feel like a game of trial and error. And when you’re short on time, every meal counts.
This new series is here to help. I’ll be recommending restaurants across Paris that serve genuinely good food, offer reasonable prices, and deliver an experience you won’t forget. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another round of croissants and culture, these spots are worth adding to your list.
The Dining Dilemma Most Tourists Face
Paris is known for its world-class cuisine, but finding a meal that lives up to that reputation isn’t always easy—especially for travelers who don’t know the city well. You’re in a country famous for food, with limited time, and hundreds of choices. So, where do you even begin?
Many visitors rely on popular travel guides, and while that’s a smart start, it often leads to the same well-worn restaurant paths. Over time, these places lose the charm and authenticity that made them special in the first place. Too many tourists, not enough soul.
What “French Cuisine” Should Really Taste Like
I grew up in France and spent more than three decades surrounded by traditional French cooking before settling in the U.S. So I know what good French food is supposed to taste like. On my return trips to Paris, I’m often dismayed by the bland meals passed off as local specialties—especially when they come with inflated prices.
What bothers me even more is seeing fellow travelers—especially friends from the States—served average, overpriced meals under the label of “French cuisine.” That’s why I decided to write this series. I want to point visitors toward the kinds of meals Parisians actually love, at places that still care about quality.
Let’s start with one of my top picks: Chez Georges.
Step Inside Chez Georges – A Parisian Classic
Tucked away on Rue du Mail in the 2nd arrondissement, Chez Georges is a classic Parisian bistro that’s earned its loyal following the right way—by serving excellent food in a warm, lively setting.
I first came here at the invitation of Philippe H., a longtime friend and Paris-based attorney who’s been a regular at the restaurant for over 20 years. He even has a preferred table—no small perk at a place where you typically need to book at least 48 hours in advance.
The interior of Chez Georges is everything you’d expect from a 1920s-era French bistro. Think mosaic-tiled floors, dark wood paneling, soft sand-colored walls, vintage mirrors, and tightly packed tables that fill up fast. The space is divided into two long, narrow dining rooms—one closer to the street with natural light, and another toward the back, cozier and dimmer, closer to the kitchen.
Despite the crowd, the restaurant feels more lively than loud. The scent of good food fills the air, and while smoking is still allowed, it wasn’t intrusive. On our visit, the tables were a mix of locals and savvy travelers.
The Meal That Made It Memorable
We were a party of six and were quickly greeted by Zoé, a warm and attentive server who knew the menu like the back of her hand. She’s married to the restaurant’s manager, who runs the bar and oversees the floor. Together, they keep the place humming.
The menu at Chez Georges focuses on classic French fare done right. We decided to start with a spread of traditional appetizers to share:
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Rillettes (a rustic meat spread, often pork or duck)
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Pickled herrings
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Museau (a terrine made from beef head)
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Potato salad
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Pink radishes
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A few other house specialties
Every dish arrived in generous portions, perfect for sharing. We paired the appetizers with a crisp white Sancerre, a well-known French wine from the Loire Valley made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Two types of bread were served, including the bakery-favorite Poilâne—fresh, crusty, and perfect for scooping up every bite.
For the main course, I ordered the duck filet, cooked à point—that perfect pink medium that keeps the meat tender and flavorful. It was served with potatoes and arrived exactly as I’d hoped: thick slices, juicy, and full of flavor. Other dishes at our table included veal, steak, and grilled fish—each beautifully plated and well-received.
A bottle of Chinon red wine—a personal favorite from my hometown—rounded out the main course perfectly.
Sweet Endings and A Fair Price
For dessert, I went with a Tarte Tatin, the classic French upside-down apple tart. It’s made by baking apples in caramelized sugar, then topping with dough and flipping the whole thing once it’s cooked. It came warm, slightly sticky with just the right amount of sweetness, and was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
We finished with strong espressos all around. Despite the size and quality of the meal—appetizers, mains, dessert, three bottles of wine, and coffee—the bill came to around $60 per person. If you order less wine or go lighter on the courses, you can expect to pay closer to $30.
The food was filling without being heavy, the ingredients were fresh, and the service stayed sharp and friendly throughout. It was one of those rare meals that satisfies completely, from the first course to the last sip of coffee.
Final Thoughts: Is Chez Georges Worth It?
Absolutely. Chez Georges is a true Parisian restaurant that delivers the kind of meal you’d hope for on a trip to France. The atmosphere is vibrant, the food is rooted in tradition, and the experience feels genuinely local.
If you’re planning a visit to Paris and want at least one meal you’ll remember long after you leave, this is a place to book in advance.
Chez Georges
1 Rue du Mail
75002 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 42 60 07 11
Open: Lunch and Dinner
Closed: Weekends and Public Holidays
Reservation: Required at least 48 hours in advance
