Paris Food Experiences You Should Not Miss

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How Dining with Locals Through Eatwith Works

Eatwith is the world’s largest community of local hosts offering unique culinary experiences. 

More than just a dining platform, it connects travellers with passionate local chefs and home cooks who are eager to share their love of cooking.

The concept is simple: instead of dining in a restaurant, travellers can join intimate meals in local homes, cooking classes, and food tours that provide a window into the local culture and food traditions.

Eatwith experiences go beyond the meal itself—they’re about cultural exchange, storytelling, and creating authentic connections.

My Eatwith Experience

On a rainy December night in Paris, with the city buzzing with excitement from the grand reopening of Notre Dame, I found myself climbing the stairs to Catherine’s apartment near Ile Saint Louis for an Eatwith experience.

The contrast between the damp chill outside and the warm, inviting atmosphere inside was immediate and welcoming.

Catherine, our gracious host, greeted us with a radiant smile, ushering us into her cozy living room where the scent of something delicious filled the air. As we sipped on white wine and nibbled on appetizers, I couldn’t help but notice the table setting—a beautiful combination of gold and pink that seemed to perfectly match my style.

Our small group consisted of my husband, myself, and Mary, a delightful traveller from Ireland who was visiting Paris to practice her French. Throughout the evening, Mary bravely attempted to converse in French, much to Catherine’s delight.

Our host, born and raised in a small medieval village about an hour north of Paris, has lived her entire adult life in Paris. She shared stories of her love of cooking passed down by her father, her favourite places to travel and practice Buddism and her favourite Parisian pastimes – visiting the local markets and reading in beautiful gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg.

Now for the food. My advice, come hungry because you will be treated to a delightful 5-course dinner. Starting with a velvety cream of cauliflower soup that warmed us to our cores. For the main course, my husband, Mary and Catherine devoured crispy fried rice topped with braised leeks and seared scallops.

The cheese plate that followed, a tradition in France to be served after the main course, was a testament to France’s dairy prowess. You know what they say, live in France and you can eat a different type of cheese every day of the year! Lastly, we finished with a rich chestnut cake that embodied the essence of winter and was a recipe Catherine enjoyed as a child.

As the night wore on, the rain outside seemed to fade away, replaced by the warmth of new friendships and the joy of shared experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner with a local experience, and will now become my ritual travel experience to do one every trip!

Alternative Eatwith Foodie Experiences in Paris

After having such a positive experience, I got a little curious and looked for other food experiences in Paris with Eatwith.

I’ve selected a few that I think you’re going to love! I’ve bookmarked these as my favourites for a future trip to Paris, which if you know me, is bound to happen very soon.

A Gastronomic Dinner with a MasterChef

MasterChef France winner Jean-Yves hosts a 4-course fusion dinner in a Le Marais wine cellar, featuring innovative French-Asian dishes. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening of slow-cooked duck, creative seafood preparations, and award-winning homemade macarons.

French Picnic with Wine Pairing in Paris

Patricia offers a luxe private Parisian picnic experience with gourmet French cuisine, wine pairings, and personalized local insights, allowing guests to enjoy it in a picture-perfect location of their choice.

Soufflé Cooking Class and Brasserie Lunch

Françoise, a French chef, offers an intimate cooking class in her Parisian home where guests learn to make a classic cheese soufflé, enjoy champagne and cheese while cooking, and savour a 3-course brasserie-style lunch, complete with recipes.

6-course French Pastry and Chocolates Marathon

Michelle, a trained pastry chef and gastronomic guide, offers a five-star food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Près in the 6th arrondissement, featuring a 6-course dessert tasting menu that explores various French pastries, bread, and chocolates while sharing insider knowledge and fun facts about Parisian culinary history.

Final Thoughts About Paris Food Experiences

Experiences like those offered by Eatwith aren’t just meals – they’re windows into the heart of a culture. Sitting at a table, sharing food and stories with locals, feels far more personal than ticking off another landmark on your itinerary.

For the slow traveller, these experiences aren’t extras – they’re the heart of the trip. They prove that the most profound discoveries happen not through our eyes, but through our shared human experiences.

Slow travel isn’t about how much you see; it’s about how deeply you connect. When you opt for an intimate dining experience, a hands-on cooking class, or a guided food tour with someone who knows the city intimately, you’re not just feeding your appetite—you’re creating moments that linger long after your trip. These memories become the real souvenirs.

In a world obsessed with rushing, these experiences remind us that the richest rewards come from slowing down. Sharing a laugh with a Parisian chef, learning the secrets of a family recipe, and swapping stories over a glass of wine become the memories you hold onto.

For slow travellers, these aren’t extras—they’re the essence of the journey, proving that the most meaningful discoveries happen through connection, not just sightseeing. Each shared meal becomes a bridge between cultures, each conversation a small act of global understanding. We need more of that understanding, now more than ever.