Dan’s Eats Food Guide: Where to Eat in Paris

Holybelly- Holybelly was the first stop we made as we got into Paris after landing. As we landed at 7:30 am, we didn’t end up eating until 11:30 am, as we all were craving breakfast. I had heard amazing reviews on social media about Holybelly, and it truly did not disappoint! I got the egg breakfast platter with two poached eggs, as it comes with homemade sourdough and your choice of two sides, which I decided on their housemade sausage and local roasted butternut squash with local jam to spread on my toast. This meal was everything I needed and more on my first full day in Paris!

Le Paradiso- On another note, on a cold night, we also wandered into this cozy Italian place as we were looking for some authentic pizza and pasta. I ordered this pizza with ham, garlic, and brie cheese. When I tell you this pizza was crispy and all the flavors melted on my tongue, it was delicious!

Mamiche- This bakery was on my list for months, and my brother and I decided to stop here for a late brunch one afternoon, and even though the line was out the door and it was freezing, the ham and cheese toastie on their homemade bread truly exceeded my expectations. This was definitely one of the best sandwiches I had on this trip. I definitely need to try the pastries on my next trip back to Paris!

Los 3 Hermanos- Last but not least, on our last day in Paris, we roamed around Montmartre and stumbled into this empanada place. I know Mexican food isn’t widely popular in Paris, but when I tell you these empanadas were life-changing, and the reviews for this place were five stars. I got the onion and cheese, fig jam and mozzarella and ricotta, along with the spinach, ricotta, and hard-boiled egg. I thought these types of flavors were so unique and different compared to the empanadas we have here in the United States. This place is a must try!

In the start of 2025, I told myself this was my year to travel more and truly get more outside my comfort zone. At the end of 2025, now 2026, I have been to London and Paris in the same year. I really thought I wouldn’t end up going to Europe for a long time, but I am 21 years old and now realizing how much I love traveling. In 2026, I hope to travel more, learn more, and eat more amazing food around the world, and to write and share it with the world!

This brings me to my Paris trip: After booking the trip, I knew I wanted to be in charge of making the reservations and finding the best local cafes, bakeries, and dinner spots. So, that was my mission. When it finally got to the day of our trip, I had dinner reservations booked, which was my main priority since I realized a lot of dinner places require a reservation, or you will end up waiting a long time. No one wants to wait outside in the cold in December in Paris. When I tell you I encountered some of the best food I have ever had, I mean it! From all of the croissants, quiches, pizza, pasta, sandwiches—you name it—I ate it!

I truly am counting down the days until I can go back to Paris. Next time, I would love to go back in the spring or summertime since it was absolutely frigid in December into January, but I had a wonderful time in the city of love. Also, the wine I bought from the Franprix was 4 euros, compared to over $20 bottles here in the United States, which had my jaw dropped.

Without further ado, I introduce you to some of my favorite places I encountered on my trip to Paris!

46 & Third- We were roaming around the 3rd ARR, and as we got hungry for breakfast, we stumbled into this cute Parisian brunch place, serving up Biscoff pancakes to fancy avocado toast. I got the Cali toast, which I decided to get with poached eggs, since the yolk is still runny and adds to the overall effect of the meal!

Monteverdi - I made reservations a month prior in advance, since this restaurant was highly rated. As you walk into the restaurant, it is almost like you are transported into a cozy Parisian jazz club, as there was a pianist playing the whole time, which made the experience exquisite. I decided on getting the carbonara, as the waiter said it’s a MUST when coming here, as it had a layer of crispy Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top, which I thought was so neat. I also got a Moscow mule, which was one of the crispiest cocktails I have ever had.

Le Choupinet- I also made reservations for this place last minute because we were looking for a cozy restaurant serving up classic Parisian bistro food. I didn’t go into the meal wanting a burger, but the server insisted we try their famous burger and fries. When I tell you this was one of the best burgers I have ever had—I don’t say that lightly. I will definitely be back here. Also, the drinks were well priced along with the burger. The espresso martinis were excellent as well.