A Paris Travel Guide

Favorite cheese shops, restaurants and more!

Bonjour from Paris! I’ve been here for the past week on a press trip with Staub, and in moments like these I truly can’t believe this is my job. I love Paris so much, maybe more than NYC (don’t tell her) and there’s no better place to be for cheese. There’s a cheese shop on almost every other block, brimming with gorgeous unpasteurized beauties. I wanted to put together a little travel guide for you with favorite places I’ve found, although this is only scratching the surface.

First, a note about Staub. I’ve loved their pans since my early days of cooking, and it was such a cool experience to see how they’re made. We took a trip to the factory on Wednesday and got to witness the production process from start to finish. Each cast-iron enameled pan is made from recycled metal, including old railroad tracks, iron scraps and the pans that didn’t make the cut the first time around. These are melted down into a molten liquid, formed into sand molds, shaken out, cleaned and dried, and sprayed with three layers of enamel - the last two layers being one of the signature 20 something colors. Enamel is actually glass (I had no idea) so these pans promote browning and caramelization while being resistant to chipping and scratches. I’m a nerd for a good assembly line, it was amazing to see how sustainable each Staub item really is. Here are some photos!

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PARIS - A TRAVEL GUIDE

I shared a travel guide to Paris back in 2023, so this is my master list with new spots included. There’s so much more to see and I could spend another month here easily. I stayed at Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in the 9th Arr. and I loved it so much. The staff is so friendly and the rooms are chic and comfortable. I also recommend The Hoxton around the corner.

CHEESE SHOPS!!!

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with the cheese shops in Paris. It’s what they do best. Here are some favorites in no particular order!

• Barthélémy (6th Arr) - Quaint shop with a beautiful display and funky tile floors

• Ratafia (11th Arr) - Gorgeous cheese shop with great wine selection

• Chez Alexandre (6th Arr) - Modern vibes with an amazing selection

• Frescolet (9th Arr. / Pigalle) - More of a minimal interior, very helpful staff!

• La Ferme Saint-Aubin (Île Saint-Louis) - An old school, classic shop on the island of Saint-Louis

• La Grande Épicerie de Paris (6th Arr) - This is a massive gourmet grocery store but the cheese section is UNREAL

• Laurent Dubois - There are a few locations in Paris, I loved their selection

• C.O.W (Latin Quarter) - One of the only cheese shops in Paris that sells a wide range of international cheese

• Le 17.45 (Multiple Locations) - A build-your-own cheese board restaurant. A must!

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Tableaux: I met Tom, the owner of Tableaux, on Instagram a few years back and we finally hung out in person! He opened an amazingly successful catering business with stunning cheese boards, hand-held bites and grazing tables. Tom mentioned that he opened his shop after feeling inspired by my first book, and since then, this decorative style of cheese boards has taken off Paris. If you know France, they are very traditional about their cheese. Usually it’s not paired with much and served after the meal. Now, younger folks are skipping the traditional French dinner parties and hosting “apéro dînatoire.” This consists of a variety of small dishes, appetizers, and finger foods that are hearty enough to replace dinner. Did I indirectly influence the cheese culture in France?? If so, I think I can retire.

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RESTAURANTS I LOVED

• Caractère de Cochon (Le Marais) - The only items on the menu are ham sandwiches, but you can select from a variety of French, Spanish or Italian smoked and cooked hams, a variety of sheep and cow’s milk cheese, and it’s served on the freshest baguette with butter. Best sandwich I’ve had in a while.

• Chez Georges (9th Arr) - French bistro with incredible food and intimate seating

• Racines (9th Arr) - Cozy French bistro located in the covered passages

• Brasserie Des Prés (Latin Quarter) - Beautiful decor and tasty French food

• Gargouille (Pigalle) - Delicious Mediterranean food with a local vibe

• Mokonuts (11th Arr) - Imaginative lunch, homemade cookies and feels like someone’s home kitchen in the best way

• Vivant 2 (9th Arr) - Great food and wine with a cozy atmosphere

• Gros Bao (Canal Saint-Martin) - Great Chinese food / bad buns in a hip, young area of town

• La Coupole (6th Arr) - Classic French brasserie and well-renowned restaurant

• Mon Crème (2nd Arr) - Beautiful decor, fresh salads and tasty burgers

• Lou Lou (Latin Quarter) - Cute space and good Australian brunch

• Breizh Cafe (2nd Arr) - If you’re looking for some classic French crepes, this is the spot!

• Monbleu (2nd Arr) - Cheese dishes and sharing plates, plus craft beer and wine, in a modern space at an upscale fromagerie

• Le Comptoir Général (Canal Saint-Martin) - Rustic-chic vibe and a leafy terrace serving classic fish dishes, plus cocktails

• Pomelo Bistrot (2nd Arr) - Chic interiors and delicious Italian food

• La Grivoiserie (6th Arr) - Small, local farm to table restaurant with a rotating daily menu

• Kodawari Ramen (Latin Quarter) - Incredible ramen that transports you to Japan

• Taverna - Excellent Greek food

• La Fontaine de Mars - Colorful and authentic French restaurant right by the Eiffel Tower

• Experimental Cocktail Club (2nd Arr) - This wasn’t a restaurant, but probably one of the coolest cocktail bar experiences. The bartenders will make custom cocktails based on your preferences, and write down each cocktail recipe for you to keep! Ran by the same company as my hotel.

PLACES I LOVED

Things to do, and an interactive Paris list on Google Maps are available for paid Extra Sharp subscribers!