Île de la Cité: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots – A Tasty Tour
Île de la Cité, often called the heart of Paris, is that pretty small island in the Seine, that boasts landmarks like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. But, it isn’t just monuments; it also has like, quite a few fantastic spots to grab a bite or sip a drink. So, you want some awesome eateries to add to your visit? I have compiled five of what I reckon are the very best places to chow down and have drinks. Keep reading; I hope you are ready to have your mouth watering! Read our full review: Île de la Cité Food Full Review and Details
1. Le Consulat: French Charm Personified
First up is that cozy bistro, Le Consulat, that’s located actually a bit off Île de la Cité but still near. Honestly, it feels like you’ve just stepped into a postcard from Paris’s past, because, you know, with its old-world decor and that like really authentic French vibe. What I enjoyed very much about this place is the food; they dish up what I’d describe as simple, yet truly very satisfying French dishes. You’re looking at steak frites or maybe a classic croque monsieur, and you have to enjoy it all, of course, with that good glass of local wine. In some respects, Le Consulat isn’t just a place where you eat, you know, it’s that chance to soak up Paris’s truly enchanting atmosphere. As I was saying, the outdoor seating is super inviting – I’d advise people to grab a table if one’s free and watch the world go by as you nibble. It’s almost too cute for words!
Le Consulat is great basically for like a relaxing lunch, that could turn easily into dinner, too. The waitstaff are normally friendly and quite helpful. You might find people call it a ‘tourist trap’, and maybe slightly at times, but in a way I believe it does maintain an air of authenticity, unlike, your average modern chain spots that are springing up almost daily. So, to experience that feeling, definitely worth checking out!
Atmosphere: Charming, historic, quintessential Parisian bistro
Must-Try: Steak frites, croque monsieur, house wine
Price Range: €€ (Mid-range)
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Le Consulat Reservation)
2. Berthillon: The Ice Cream Dream
Okay, no trip to Île de la Cité is truly complete, is it, without sampling the ice cream at Berthillon? And yes, so you can find other vendors that carry this iconic product, very widely spread, but going straight to their main shop very close by is like, that pilgrimage every ice cream lover should make. They make all their ice cream with all natural stuff and some are just really so out-of-this-world fantastic. Is that passionfruit sorbet your kinda thing, or are you more into a classic like chocolate? In that case, they have everything to basically tickle your taste buds.
Actually, a little tip: you will see big lines, almost daily. So, get ready to potentially wait – though in my view, worth it. You know, as I was saying, and what I feel to be quite important, that you actually just take the ice cream and go stroll along the Seine. I’d recommend that you do that, actually. Trust me. So, it really doesn’t get more Paris than that.
Specialty: Artisanal Ice Cream & Sorbets
Flavors: Passion fruit, Chocolate, Caramel, Pistachio
Price Range: € (Budget-friendly)
See Prices, Availability & More Information (Berthillon Information)
3. Au Bougnat: Traditional French Cuisine
Actually, want some seriously traditional French fare in a really, really comfy setting? Therefore, this could easily be one of your spots. In a way it serves dishes like escargots and coq au vin; so you know it’s got like, that truly authentic feel. So, I actually remember a certain visit during a chilly evening and warming up in the inviting ambiance here made for like, a superb evening.
Okay, some people suggest this is slightly touristy but look, in some respects, that food speaks for very itself. Honestly, you’ve got dishes packed very much with flavor and those portions that mean you won’t walk out hungry! The waiters basically offer a friendly service and you are able to find a decent value for your money overall, too. As a matter of fact, it is somewhere to come if, you know, you just want a dependable and proper French meal.
Cuisine: Classic French
Signature Dishes: Escargots, Coq au Vin
Price Range: €€ (Mid-Range)
Find a Table & See What’s Cooking (Au Bougnat Availability)
4. Cave la Bourgogne: A Wine Lover’s Haven
Naturally, for all the wine enthusiasts, Cave la Bourgogne actually serves as the perfect spot to enjoy. Okay, their selections seem really enormous – obviously, many you’d anticipate given the name from the Burgundy region, along with actually quite a few other choice bottles also. Furthermore, what improves all that wine? Arguably that will be the boards of charcuterie and cheese, they offer! This place turns very popular with some of the local crowd; you know this place is authentic.
Basically, here, you are actually grabbing the opportunity to actually taste great wines while enjoying Paris’ very warm atmosphere. We are like, absolutely, totally, thoroughly into those smaller little wine bars! I, for one, feel it adds so incredibly much to a trip!
Type: Wine Bar
Highlights: Extensive Wine Selection, Cheese & Charcuterie Boards
Price Range: €€ (Mid-Range)
Book Your Spot & Raise a Glass (Cave la Bourgogne Reservations)
5. Paul: Quick Bites with Parisian Flair
Finally, for something extremely easy and convenient, Paul might be where it’s really at, arguably. Paul, okay, yes, it’s a chain, so it can’t really give off the smaller, neighborhood vibe, but is basically a bakery that can often make something pretty satisfying when needing a quick treat. It actually serves great sandwiches, salads and truly lovely pastries. Moreover, you can easily spot it around the island; so like, actually a good option if you’re craving just something fast without losing the quality you are getting. The great thing is that they always have fresh ingredients. Honestly, the macarons just have such a wonderful flavor. The thing with Paul is that, while extremely popular, like I pointed out, with shops all over, they maintain a standard that has remained solid for, really, generations. This one would be pretty awesome if, you know, you have children with you too, because what I find is they always have so very much to choose.
So, look, not super mind-blowing, maybe. Even though, a dependable and actually pretty scrumptious little place if you’re not hunting something super sophisticated. A dependable, satisfying quick bite.
Type: Bakery & Cafe Chain
Best For: Quick Bites, Pastries, Sandwiches
Price Range: € (Budget-Friendly)
Pop In & Enjoy a Parisian Pastry (Paul Locations & Info)
