There's perhaps no better way to discover Paris than through its food. Whether it's the smell of a freshly baked croissant, the delicate bite of a melt-in-your-mouth macaron, or even the comforting warmth of a classic French onion soup topped with creamy gruyere cheese, cuisine in the capital will always impress. From delicious street food to traditional cheese and wine shops, we've rounded up the best places to eat in Paris.

Can't wait to get your hands on some classic Parisian food? Browse our last minute deals and eat your way around the city on a European day trip. 

BREAK BREAD TO START YOUR DAY

When it comes to bread, nobody does it better than the French. Whether it's warm crusty baguettes, flaky croissants or soft brioche that doughs the trick, the variety of baked delights here are endless. Discover some of the best bakeries in Paris, with our selection below:

• Eric Kayser: For delicious specialties such as fig bread and hearty mixed grain round loaf

• Poilane: Treat yourself to famous apple turnovers and soft-crumb sourdough breads

• Moisan: Find healthy options such as wholemeal sourdough loaves and brown country-style bread

• 143 RDT: The prize-winning butter croissants are an absolute must

FIND THE PERFECT CHEESE FOR YOUR WINE

If you're visiting on a romantic couples holiday, a picnic by the Siene makes for a perfect pit-stop when exploring the city. You don't need to dine in delectable bistros to impress your partner either, there's an abundance of cheap places to eat in Paris where you can grab fantastic food while on the go. Visit bustling markets and street-food stalls dotted across the city, or head to a traditional cheese and wine store - perfect for a lunch date by the river. And since there's over 350 varieties of cheese in France, you'll have plenty of choice! 

• Barthelemy: One of the oldest Fromageries in Paris, Barthelemy has a staggering selection of cheese, wines, jams and preserves 

• La Vache dans les Vignes: Located in Canal St. Martin, this delightful cheese shop sells a wide range of cheeses, wines and cured meats

• Chez Hisada: Situated in the Japanese Quarter of the city, Chez Hisada is both a restaurant and cheese deli, innovatively pairing French cheese with Japanese liquor and sweets

CHOOSE A CHARCUTERIE

Learn more about the city's rich food culture when you visit a traditional French charcuterie shop, these often double up as a restaurant where you can try mouthwatering deli cuts. Originally developed as a technique to prevent meat from going bad, cured meat products today serve as a faithful companion to a wine and cheese platter. From creamy pâté to decadent foie gras, Paris serves up endless options for meat lovers. Discover some of the best places for charcuterie in Paris with our favourites:

• Charactere de Cochon: This wonderful shop sells cooked and cured hams sourced from almost every region in France

• Arnaud Nicolas: Award-winning chef Arnaud Nicolas’s signature shop, located near the Eiffel Tower, serves a fantastic cold cuts platter matched with panoramic views of the city

• La Maison Plisson: This market-style food hall is a gourmand's dream, featuring French produce including meats, cheese, wine, fruit, chocolate, jams and baked breads amid tranquil surroundings

INDULGE IN A SWEET TREAT

Rainbow-coloured rows of macarons and perfectly positioned pastries topped with chantilly cream are what you can expect to find in the city's shop windows. Classic sweet treats such as crème brulee, plus more complex creations such as croquembouche, can be found in every shape and size - a dessert lovers dream. Want to know where to find the finest pattisseries in Paris...

• Stohrer: Crowned as the oldest pastry shop in Paris, 1730 star Stohrer wows with its signature Baba au rhum (a yeast cake saturated in a sweet rum syrup) and abundance of baked goods

• Pierrre Herme: This iconic establishment produces luxurious macarons in almost every flavour conceivable, with slightly quirkier tastes on the menu like olive oil and rose

• Jean-Paul Hevin: Master chocolatier, Hevin has his own boutique in Rue Saint Honore, where you can indulge in a warming cup of hot chocolate and a selection of pastries

FIND SOUL FOOD ON THE STREETS

While the war for Michelin Stars heats up among top Parisian chefs, it's on the streets that you'll discover food that warms the cockles of your heart. Rue des Rosiers in the heart of the Jewish Quarter is heaven for street-food fans, with the end of the cobbled lane lined with pop-up restaurants selling falafel and sandwiches - L'As du Falafel being the most famous. Head to Rue du Faubourg, one of the most culturally diverse streets in Paris, for a medley of cuisines including Asian, Turkish and Indian influences. Foodies must head to Street Food Party every Friday and Saturday, where the best food trucks in Paris gather in Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau for fantastic food followed by an evening of dancing.

• La Droguerie: For the yummiest crepes in town - Nutella and banana overload, anyone?

• L’As Du Falafel: You'll be guaranteed the most flavourful falafels outside the Middle East

• Street Food Party: This is where the party's at - the city's best food vendors come together for a weekend feast of fun, food and music

STOP AT A PARISIAN CAFÉ

It doesn't get much more Parisian than taking an hour out of your day to sit in one of the city's sidewalk cafés with an expresso and Croque Monsieur. Watch the world go by as you sit where many of the city's famous artists and writers once sat, enjoying a moment of indulgence away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you choose a sunny terrace or want to warm up by a cosy fire, there are hundreds of places to escape to that offer a taste of tradition. We've highlighted some of the best cafés in Paris, so you can take a moment to unwind during your exciting city break.

• Le Select: The mosaic floors and wicker chairs of Le Select in bustling Montparnasse offers a truly Parisian experience, plus a list of famous former coffee-drinkers including Picasso  

• Le Baron Rouge: This hip wine bar in the 12th arrondissement is full of makeshift wine crate tables and local workers stopping for a tipple 

• Café des Deux Moulins: Made famous by 2001 French film, Amelie, this café is known for its neighbourhood charm, hearty food and move-still decor

• Josephine Chez Dumonet: An oldie but goodie, this popular bistro features classic French dishes such as beof bourguignon and duck confit amid a nostalgic 19^th century setting