Ina Garten’s Essential Paris: Where to Eat, Shop, and Savor the City
Explore Paris through Ina Garten’s favorite bakeries, markets, restaurants, and specialty shops for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
For decades, Ina Garten—beloved culinary personality and author—has found inspiration, indulgence, and delight in the streets of Paris. From her stylish pied-à-terre in the 7th arrondissement, she explores the city’s legendary bakeries, bustling street markets, curated gourmet shops, and iconic restaurants. This guide brings together all of Ina’s must-visit places, from the perfect cheese and baguette to vibrant florists and luxurious hotels. For fans of French culture, food, or Ina herself, discover how to experience the best of Paris—one delicious stop at a time.
Bakeries, Patisseries, and Sweet Treats
Paris is world-renowned for its bakeries and desserts, and Ina’s recommendations spotlight some of the city’s finest institutions.
- Poilâne – Famed for its crusty sourdough loaves, this bakery’s hand-shaped breads are legendary. Don’t miss their apple tarts and heart-shaped shortbread cookies.
Tip: Ina considers Poilâne’s bread the best in the city, ideal for breakfast or a light lunch. - Boulangerie Pâtisserie Secco – For the best baguette in Paris, Ina heads to Secco. Its fresh, crackling bread is the centerpiece of many impromptu picnics.
- Berthillon – Synonymous with Parisian ice cream, Berthillon offers both classic and adventurous flavors. Ina and Jeffrey cherish the prune and Armagnac ice cream—a rich, grown-up treat that’s a holiday tradition.
- Hugo & Victor Paris Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Glace – This chocolatier and patisserie produces inventive, elegant desserts. Ina frequently recommends their chocolate and pastries when gifting or hosting.
Neighborhood Cafés and Casual Dining
Parisian life is lived at its cafés. Ina’s choices range from neighborhood gems for daily rituals to classic destinations for a leisurely lunch.
- Café Varenne – Open from early morning to late at night, Café Varenne is Ina’s local haunt. She regularly enjoys their salad with warm goat cheese and fries—a combination of classic flavors, the perfect midday meal.
- Le Récamier – Renowned for its ethereal soufflés, this restaurant is a must for anyone seeking a taste of culinary artistry. Ina encourages sampling both savory and sweet soufflés for the full experience.
Markets: Where Paris Comes Alive
Markets hold a special place in Ina’s Parisian routine. The diversity and freshness of ingredients offer endless inspiration for creative home cooking and memorable gatherings.
Marché Raspail
Ina’s absolute favorite, this bustling twice-weekly market is an essential stop for anyone passionate about food. On Sundays, Marché Raspail becomes an organic (bio) market, brimming with local treasures. Ina’s go-to buys include:
- Potato pancakes (a must-try, according to Ina)
- Rotisserie chicken (perfect for an easy meal)
- Pâté de champagne, as well as an abundant selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats.
She often draws inspiration here for recipes featured in her cookbooks and shows.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
A gourmet emporium spanning an entire city block, La Grande Épicerie is Ina’s pick for quality groceries all under one roof. The vast array of products—cheeses, charcuterie, truffle oils, pastries, wines—makes it a food lover’s paradise. Ina recommends their tomato tart for lunch and stocks up on specialty goods for picnics and dinner parties.
Specialty Food Shops: Parisian Artisans at Their Best
- Maison Verot – A classic charcuterie where Ina shops for cold cuts and pâtés, Maison Verot supplies elegant and flavorful elements for the perfect Parisian picnic or aperitif spread.
- Barthélémy Fromagerie – Ina’s top cheese shop, Barthélémy offers an expertly curated selection. Her cheese board tip: “something creamy, something with goat cheese, and something sharp.”
- Poissonnerie du Bac – Ina sources fresh turbot (her favorite fish) and top-quality seafood for her recipes at this neighborhood fishmonger.
Wine, Tea, and Gourmet Drinks
No Paris food journey is complete without lingering over a glass of wine or an aromatic cup of tea. These shops feature prominently in Ina’s shopping and entertaining routines.
- Legrand Filles et Fils – Quintessential old-Paris wine shop, well stocked with French and international selections, yet never intimidating. A favorite for picking up bottles to accompany lunch or to bring home as gifts.
- La Dernière Goutte – Nestled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this welcoming wine shop is often where Jeffrey selects bottles for their Paris picnics. The knowledgeable staff can help both experts and newcomers discover new producers.
- Mariage Frères – Legendary tea purveyor, founded in 1854. Ina sings the praises of their signature blends, especially Marco Polo, a fragrant black tea she describes as potent and irresistible—sometimes too good, she jokes, to enjoy late in the day if you want to sleep!
Kitchen and Home Shopping
For those who love cooking, Paris is the ultimate destination to browse high-quality cookware, linens, and even floral arrangements for the dining table.
- E. Dehillerin – The ultimate shop for serious cooks, filled with every imaginable piece of French cookware. Ina shares this love with culinary greats like Julia Child. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home enthusiast, a visit to E. Dehillerin is exciting and deeply inspiring.
- Adriane M. Fleuriste – Ina’s neighborhood florist is her first stop upon arrival in Paris and a frequent resource when she entertains. Her floral arrangement tip: Select either the same type of flower in different colors or a single color in mixed blooms for an elegant, simple look.
Restaurants: Ina’s Table in the City of Light
From legendary brasseries to fine hotel dining, these are the tables where Ina celebrates Paris—sometimes in the company of friends, sometimes quietly with Jeffrey.
- Bistrot Paul Bert – An insider spot for authentic French bistro cuisine. Ina recommends this lively, unpretentious restaurant for anyone craving the true flavors of Paris; classic dishes and a welcoming scene await.
- Chez L’Ami Louis – A fixture on Ina’s list, famed for its roast chicken and unapologetically Parisian ambiance. Dinner here is an event, and the setting transports diners to another era.
- Le Bristol Paris – More than a hotel, Le Bristol is a culinary destination, home to one of Paris’s lauded restaurants. Ina highly recommends lunch here for a truly special treat. Its elegant dining rooms were also featured in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.”
- Café de Flore – A classic boulevard café, celebrated for people-watching, perfectly brewed coffee, and a timeless atmosphere. Ina includes it among her all-time favorites for the essential Parisian experience.
- Twenty-Two Club Paris – A newer addition to Ina’s roster, this private dining club showcases elevated French cuisine in an exclusive setting. Reservations are a must.
Tips for Experiencing Paris Like Ina
- Shop early and often: Embrace the rhythm of local life by frequenting markets and bakeries daily; freshness is always prized in Paris.
- Mix simplicity with elegance: Whether crafting cheese boards or floral arrangements, Ina’s approach balances ease and style.
- Picnic in the park: A rustic loaf, a wedge of sharp cheese, and a bottle of wine transform an afternoon by the Seine or in the Jardin du Luxembourg into an unforgettable Parisian pastime.
- Be inspired: Many of Ina’s signature recipes draw directly from the ingredients and traditions encountered in Paris. Bring that curiosity home to your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Ina Garten’s top bakery in Paris?
A: Poilâne is Ina’s must-visit for sourdough breads, apple tarts, and signature shortbread. It’s her indispensable bread shop for both breakfast and entertaining.
Q: Where does Ina Garten buy cheese in Paris?
A: Her favorite is Barthélémy, a neighborhood gem with a deep selection spanning classic to rare varieties. She suggests combining a creamy, a goat, and a sharp cheese on your board.
Q: Which Paris market does Ina recommend most?
A: Ina’s essential Paris market is Marché Raspail, especially its bustling Sunday organic market. She never misses the legendary potato pancakes.
Q: What’s Ina’s go-to wine shop in Paris?
A: Legrand Filles et Fils is her top pick, complemented by La Dernière Goutte for expert advice and excellent selections.
Q: Where should visitors enjoy a classic Parisian lunch, per Ina’s advice?
A: Café Varenne is Ina’s daily ritual spot, while Le Bristol Paris promises a luxurious and memorable midday meal.
Table: Ina Garten’s Paris Essentials
| Type | Name | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Bakery | Poilâne | Sourdough, apple tarts, shortbread |
| Baguette | Boulangerie Secco | Baguette traditionnelle |
| Ice Cream | Berthillon | Prune & Armagnac flavor |
| Cheese Shop | Barthélémy | Creamy, goat, and sharp cheeses |
| Market | Marché Raspail | Potato pancakes, rotisserie chicken |
| Wine Shop | Legrand Filles et Fils | Expert-selected French wines |
| Tea | Mariage Frères | Marco Polo blend |
| Restaurant | Bistrot Paul Bert | Bistro classics |
| Café | Café Varenne | Goat cheese salad & fries |
| Florist | Adriane M. Fleuriste | Bespoke arrangements |
Experience Ina’s Paris
From fresh blooms to artisanal breads, divine cheeses, robust wines, and shared meals in storied cafés, Ina Garten’s Paris is a blend of old-world tradition and personal touches. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning devotee, following her footsteps leads to the very heart of the city’s culinary spirit. In every loaf of bread, every bouquet, and every café table, there’s a story waiting to be savored.
