15 of the Best Unique Dining Experiences in Paris, According to Viator Travelers

Don’t know where to begin eating your way around Paris? Take the guesswork out of your Paris culinary exploration by joining a walking tour focusing on the best local eateries. You’ll sample cheese, wine, crepes, oysters, and more, including delicacies you wouldn’t know to ask for when traveling independently. Taking an introductory tour shortly after arriving will also help you identify some of the most unique dining spots in Paris you can bookmark to visit later.

What one reviewer said: “This was a fabulous way to experience some of the amazing food and wine of the region. Our host, Ryan, did a great job teaching us about the food and culture. I would highly recommend this tour to others.” Kelly_T, November 2025

Whether you’re on your honeymoon or just want to make the most of a sunny day, a pre-packed picnic for you to enjoy in a public park or on the banks of the River Seine adds a personal touch to your itinerary. Your picnic basket will contain a bottle of wine, a baguette, cheese and meats, fruit and salad ingredients, and some fresh flowers. This is a romantic Paris dining experience you won’t want to miss.

What one reviewer said: “This picnic was the most romantic way to spend the afternoon on the first day in Paris. I surprised my girlfriend and she was in awe of everything. We opted for the vegetarian course and there (was) so much wonderful food. We were even given a little to-go container. The lemony drink was so refreshing in the summer too, but we were in the shade which was amazing.” Kayla_H, August 2025

Paris is a big city, so if you’re really interested in getting to know its culinary culture, it’s better to focus on specific neighborhoods rather than trying to “do” the whole place. The artistic, hilltop Montmartre neighborhood is a great place to sample Parisian delicacies on a food and wine walking tour. You’ll see many beautiful sights as you embark on this Paris gourmet dining experience, including the Basilica of Sacré Coeur and the famous (or infamous) Moulin Rouge.

What one reviewer said: “Manon did an incredible job and food/drinks were amazing! Such a lovely day touring Montmartre and seeing the key sights while enjoying French culture and cuisine. A must do experience!” Chris_B, November 2025

You can learn a lot about a city by shopping at its traditional markets and chatting with the local vendors. On a food tour of Paris’ historic Le Marais district, you’ll visit the Marché des Enfants Rouges, a covered market dating back to the early 17th century, among other places. That’s older than the modern state of France itself, and there’s plenty of French tradition on display, but these days, you can find all kinds of food here, including Moroccan, Italian, and Lebanese fare.

What one reviewer said: “We really enjoyed our food tour with Pierre! He provided some history and interesting information about the area, and we sampled some delicious food, including a variety of cheeses, macarons, chocolate, cream puffs and (escargot). Highly recommend!” Jeff_H, August 2025

End a day of sightseeing in Paris with a relaxing dinner cruise on the Seine River. This particular cruise offers live music and views of the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower as you tuck into a 4-course meal. Choose from a couple of different menus to suit your preferences, and know that kids’ meals are available, too. Whatever your preferences, a river cruise is a perfect way to tuck into classic French fare as you see the sights of Paris.

What one reviewer said: “Our Seine dinner cruise was [an] amazing experience! We celebrated my husband's birthday with our friends! Food was delicious, service great! Our table located nicely in the end of the boat with gorgeous view of Paris at night! Unforgettable experience!” Svetlana_B, November 2025

Take your Parisian culinary adventures to new depths in an 18th-century, former-royal wine cellar. Although most French wine is made out in the countryside, if you don’t have time to head to Burgundy or Bordeaux, a wine-tasting experience in the heart of the capital is ideal. Sample rich reds and refreshing whites during this tasting and educational experience. Three glasses of wine are included, so keep your afternoon plans flexible!

What one reviewer said: “This was an absolutely wonderful wine tour. Our host was so welcoming throughout. He spent a half hour more with our group after the tour was “officially” over to answer our questions. I would recommend this to anyone/everyone.” Ken_B, August 2025

Let them eat … macarons. OK, that’s not quite what Marie Antoinette is reported to have said, but that was the sentiment. While you can always stop by one of Paris’ pâtisseries and pick out some macarons, it's even more fun to learn to make them yourself in a small-group macaron-making class with a pastry chef. Armed with these skills, you might just find you’re everyone’s new best friend when you return home. A French culinary experience not to be missed.

What one reviewer said: “The chef was knowledgeable and professional; she explained everything with clarity and patience. My daughter and I had an experience that I will cherish for a long time. Thank you for making it great!” Jennifer_M, November 2025

The street-side crepe vendors in Paris make crepe-making look so easy. There’s a knack to making these French pancakes so thin and crispy, but you can learn the tricks of the trade during one of the best cooking classes in Paris learning how to make crepes. And, of course, indulge in the fruits of your labor when you sit down to eat your creations in the creperie afterward, as the lesson is held at lunchtime.

What one reviewer said: “If I could give this experience a 150 I would. This may have been the best experience we had. Fun, history, delicious—and did I say fun? I can’t rave enough.” Sherry_H, October 2025

Baguettes, croissants, pains au chocolat—it's no secret that Parisian bakers excel in carb-heavy, buttery delights. Start the day right with a morning baking class, where you'll learn to make these treats alongside an experienced Parisian baker. There’s something magical about seeing neatly curled raw croissants fluff up into crispy golden pillows (and something even more magical about tucking into a fresh pastry). Dunk your creations in a bowl of chocolat chaud afterward for a truly French breakfast.

What one reviewer said: “David was our guide and (he) did an outstanding job. We were able to go behind the scenes of a top rated bakery and prepare baguettes, croissants and financiers. The group was only eight people, so we were all able to get hands-on experience. The quality of the food was the best!” M_B, November 2025

This is hardly one of those hidden gem restaurants in Paris, as it’s located in the city's most iconic landmark. But did you know you can also dine in the Eiffel Tower? Paris' answer to rooftop dining. Lunch at Madame Brasserie means you’ll dine on the first floor—187 feet (57 meters) up—to gorgeous views of Paris and some of the tower’s structures. And, given that it's run by French molecular gastronomist Thierry Marx, you’re in for one of Paris’ top dining experiences.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience and good seating location. Service was wonderful and good choice of food and wine. Love it.” RICO_S, October 2025

Croissants, check. Macarons, crepes, and baguettes—check, check, and check. It seems the only essential ingredient missing so far is French cheese. Learn more about French fromage during a guided cheese and wine pairing activity in the Latin Quarter. Sample four cheeses from different regions of France and learn which French wines to match best with each cheese. After your tasting, be sure to leave time to explore the Latin Quarter, home to sites such as Notre Dame and Shakespeare and Company.

What one reviewer said: “This was a great experience. Our host was so knowledgeable and I learned a lot about French wines, as well as the pairings with cheese. It was exactly what I was looking for!” Clare_D, November 2025

Paris’ Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood is famous for its chocolatiers, so get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth on a walking tour of the area. As well as chocolate, you’ll sample a variety of other sweet treats, including eclairs, truffles (the sweet variety, not the fungus), and macarons. You might want to add a biking tour of Paris to the itinerary to do even more sightseeing—or to burn off your sugar rush.

What one reviewer said: “This was a wonderful tour! We were lucky enough to have the tour be just my partner and I with our guide, Émeline. Émeline was great, she shared some history of the area and taught us all about how the different treats were made and brought to France. (...) Make sure you come hungry and ready for lots of chocolate!” Valerie_N, August 2025

You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Moulin Rouge is a pop culture invention thanks to its larger-than-life depiction in Baz Luhrmann's film, but it’s actually a real cabaret theater in Paris’ Montmartre neighborhood that dates back to the 19th century. It's one of the more unusual restaurants in Paris. Enjoy a dazzling show at the historic theater, complete with a 3-course French dinner. With round-trip transfers from central Paris, you won’t need to worry about getting a taxi after, either.

What one reviewer said: “Great experience. The others at our table were a joy to be with, and it was a great show. Dinner was good and there was a good choice of wine. Take the full dinner option.” Rod_M, October 2025

When you’re ready to take your Paris culinary exploration beyond the city on a day trip, head to the Loire Valley, south of the capital. The region is famous for its beautiful châteaux and its wine, and you’ll combine the two on this castle and wine day tour. Visit the Château de Chambord and the Château de Chenonceau, take advantage of free time in the town of Blois to find some lunch, and sample local wines in one of the châteaux.

What one reviewer said: “Wonderful guide who explained everything so well and kept us engaged. Very very comfortable bus. Loved the castles which has been my childhood dream. Wine tasting was too good.” Padmini_R, November 2025

For fans of sparkling white wine, spending time in the Champagne region is surely a highlight of any trip to France. Head east of Paris on a day-long (or multi-day) tour of Champagne’s vineyards, family-run wineries, and big-name estates, such as Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot. Make a festive toast to the region's gorgeous scenery, and soak up that alcohol with a delicious lunch at one of the wineries, too.

What one reviewer said: “Chloé was a wonderful host! Small group was very easy. All the champagne houses were very hospitable. Lunch and pairings were perfection!” Megan_P, October 2025