French people take food very seriously, and the Bordelais (residents of Bordeaux) are no different. When it comes to quality, they know nothing beats seasonal products and fresh finds from local markets in Bordeaux. If you’re looking to eat like a real Bordelais—and to discover all things food markets Bordeaux—then keep reading for a breakdown […]
French food
The Ultimate Guide to Brunch in Bordeaux: Top 10 Must-Try Spots
The only thing better than a good brunch is a great brunch in a charming city like Bordeaux. Once known as “The Sleeping Beauty” (La Belle Endormie), Bordeaux has shaken off its slumber and emerged as a city that demands attention. It’s not only renowned for its fantastic wine but also offers visitors a captivating […]
5 Must-Try Bordeaux Sweets
When it comes to Bordeaux, there are a few things that it’s famous for. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also considered one of the most prestigious wine regions on the planet. But Bordeaux is also famous for its sweets, from the bite-sized cannelé, to cakes, macarons, and more. Here are 5 local […]
French Pistou Soup Recipe with Fresh Vegetables
Pistou soup is southern-French summertime in a bowl. With fresh herbs, bright seasonal vegetables, and a pesto-inspired sauce borrowed from the nearby Liguria region in Italy, pistou soup is the essence of what makes French cooking so great. The beauty of this recipe, as with so many other French classics, lies in its versatility. Feel […]
Authentic Boeuf Bourguignon Recipe: A French Classic At Home
Boeuf bourguignon represents all the best things about French cooking: making the most of high-quality, local products and masterfully combining them into a memorable meal. Its homeland, the Burgundy region situated between Paris and Lyon, is famous for two things: beef and wine. Boeuf bourguignon (translated as Burgundy beef) is the result of a near-perfect […]
Michelin Star Restaurants in Paris That Are Actually Worth Your Time
Boasting 119 Michelin star restaurants in 2020, Paris is second only to Tokyo on the list of cities with the most starred establishments. Michelin-starred restaurants have earned their prestige for good reason, and you can’t really go wrong at any of them. But with so many to choose from here in Paris, not to mention […]
Cost of Food in Paris per Day: Your Budget for Baguettes & So Much More
Budgeting for vacation can be tricky, especially in a city with so many options. In Paris, there is no upper limit when it comes to how much you can spend, and exercising restraint can often be a challenge. But you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time—or a good […]
Famous Fromage: 7 Types of French Cheese You Need to Try
Former French President Charles de Gaulle is famous for having declared that it was impossible to govern a country with 246 kinds of cheese… and these days, France is home to far more than that! It can seem a bit overwhelming to know where to begin, so to help you get started, here are the […]
5 Fabulous Spots for Sampling the Best Snails in Paris
Adventurous eaters journeying to Paris often have a few famous dishes on their must-try lists: frogs’ legs, calf’s brains…and snails. The traditional preparation of escargots à la bourguignonne sees the snails dressed in their shells and baked with an herbed garlic butter which forms the perfect sauce for a crusty baguette. And while the […]
5 Restaurants on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day to Eat at in Paris
Paris is full of restaurants that offer Christmas meals. From luxurious meals offering French Christmas classics like capon (roast chicken), red wine, and buche de noel (Yule Log cake) for dessert, or even a super casual grab-and-go falafel while walking the crowded streets of Le Marais, there are a number of ways to enjoy a meal in Paris on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
The following five options have our seal of approval.
Bouillon Julien
Part of the recent revival of the bouillon—a hearty French meal and bottle of wine at affordable prices—Bouillon Julien has been turning out classic French food since the turn of the 20th century.
Located not far from the Strasbourg-Saint Denis metro stop in the hip 10th arrondissement, the restaurant’s carte des fetes (holiday menu) has everything from parmentier of duck leg with truffle oil to a fricassée of capon leg for the main course, with options of a starter of pumpkin soup and a dessert of creamy caramelized chocolate pie.
And all of this for a reasonable price that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable option, Bouillon Julien is one of the best restaurants to pick for your Christmas meal in Paris.
La Bonne Franquette
For a classic French meal at a steeper price, head to Montmartre’s La Bonne Franquette for Christmas Eve dinner. This reveillon meal could definitely be shared, as it comes with salmon, blood sausage and duck, as well as, half a bottle of Bordeaux and half a bottle of Champagne.
Be prepared, however, as the local crowd will most likely break out into Christmas songs.
L’Alsace
Nothing screams Christmas in France like Alsace. The eastern French region is home to the first-ever Christmas market, as well as a number of German-sounding holiday specialties like flammekueche and kougelhopf.
Luckily you won’t have to go all the way to Strasbourg or Colmar to get a taste of these holiday treats. L’Alsace, on the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, is open for business on Christmas Eve/Day. To really get in the Alsacien holiday spirit, you might also want to ask for some vin chaud (mulled wine).
Insider’s Tip: Make note of the best christmas markets in Paris and take time to visit them (before or after you feast).
L’As du Fallafel
One neighborhood where you’ll likely find a lot of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Paris? Le Marais.
Paris’s traditional Jewish quarter has a number of options for Middle Eastern food (and more), but L’As du Falafel (Rue des Rosiers, 34 ) may be the classic.
If you don’t mind waiting in line, grab a falafel and sit in the Place des Vosges (weather permitting), or grab a spot inside to enjoy any number of Israeli sandwiches, dishes, and sides. And try some Israeli wine, while you’re at it.
Le Train Bleu – Gare de Lyon
Perhaps one of the most stunning restaurants in the entire city of Paris, with gilded walls, magnificent chandeliers and renaissance artwork in every corner, Le Train Bleu is located on the second floor of the Gare de Lyon train station.
Like the luxurious environment, the Christmas Eve menu is fit for a king, consisting of a mise en bouche, starter, fish main dish, trou normand (a sort of calvados-based appetizer that comes in between main dishes), meat main dish, and dessert. It’s pricey, but it will no doubt be an unforgettable meal.
Staying in Paris for a bit longer? Ring in the New Year with a decadent Parisian meal, too.
Update Notice: This post was updated on January 27, 2024.
