Paris presents itself as the utmost authority in haute cuisine, but just how accurate is this, really? There's no doubt that the city is famous for its excellent eateries and prestigious culinary schools, but is that it? Other cities have great restaurants too, and some also boast equally prominent institutions. What separates Paris from the rest of them? Well, there's still the city's appreciation for all sorts of cuisines, its openness to taste something new, and its reverence for centuries-old culinary traditions. Whether you agree with it or not, Paris certainly has every right to consider itself a vital voice in the food industry.
A Michelin-Approved City
Did you know that Paris ranks high on the list of cities with the biggest number of
Michelin-starred restaurants? As of its 2025 guide, the city currently has around 123 Michelin-starred eateries, second only to Tokyo, which currently has 170. This alone proves that Paris truly lives up to its reputation for haute cuisine, making for a formidable argument for its claim as the food capital. In comparison, New York City, which is also touted as a food capital, only has around 72 as of this writing. It's not even close!
Paris has The World's Best Chefs
From Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire to Frédéric Anton and Anne-Sophie Pic, Paris boasts some of the finest chefs in the world. Not only have these prominent figures chosen to work in the city, but many of them have even opened up their own restaurants, too. Naturally, they add to the prestige that Paris enjoys as a popular foodie destination, sharing their excellence and expertise for the rest of the world to enjoy. At the same time, Paris is and has always been the perfect platform for emerging gourmet chefs to get their start. Rising talents like Alice Arnoux, Chizuko Kimura, Adrien Cachot, and Manon Fleury have also set up their own hotspots in Paris.
The Most Adventurous Cuisine
Culinary excellence certainly plays a huge part in why Paris is renowned as a food capital, but the local cuisine deserves recognition, too. And in that regard, the French also don't get enough credit for how adventurous their cuisine is. Who would've thought that snails (escargot) and frog legs (cuisses de grenouille) would actually taste good, let alone be considered haute cuisine? Though such dishes have become the butt of every joke made at French food's expense, there's no denying that only the French are brave enough to discover what else could be delicious out there.
Most Prestigious Culinary Schools
More than just its bustling gourmet industry, Paris upholds its prestige by teaching culinary excellence to every generation. The iconic Le Cordon Bleu, Ecole Ducasse, La Cuisine Paris, and School Ritz-Escoffier are just some of the most prestigious culinary schools on the planet, and they happen to be located in Paris. When a chef says that they learned their craft in any of these institutions, it often means that they truly know their stuff! And beyond producing some of the best chefs working in the industry today, these schools also go with the times, never afraid to evolve their teachings through innovation and creativity.
Source: Le Cordon Bleu
A Diverse Food Scene
Diversity is one of Paris's many strengths, and this also applies to its culinary scene. France's unique traditional dishes are certainly out there, but they're not the only ones you can enjoy in Paris. The city puts as much recognition on Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Lebanese, Thai, and Latin-American cuisines as it does on French food. And that's not even all of it! Venture off into the quietest corners throughout
Paris's many neighborhoods and you'll find hidden gems that serve Filipino delicacies, South African dishes, Middle-Eastern snacks, Javanese entrees, and more.
Tradition Still Reigns Supreme
Innovation and evolution are all well and good, but if you don't know how to look back, you could never go forward! Paris understands the value in this, which is why tradition still reigns supreme here. And this has benefitted the city's culinary industry more than they'd like to recognize! Some of the best places to eat in Paris are those old-world cafes, bistros, and brasseries that still serve the same dishes, delicacies, and desserts for decades, for some, even centuries. Not only do they offer France's flavors at their purest, but they also prove that good food will remain delicious no matter the era!
Innovation Meets Tradition
Through the city’s respect and reverence to tradition, Paris is more than able to innovate and evolve its culinary scene. The French capital boasts countless gastropubs and modern bistros that go so far as to apply new takes on classic cuisines. This unique brand of innovation and fearlessness keeps Paris ahead of the pack, further solidifying its influence on the rest of the culinary world. Oftentimes, chefs become even more adventurous when they work here, with locals and tourists alike being more open to taste something new. There's truly no other foodie destination quite like it anywhere else.
The Vibes Matter Too!
Perhaps what truly separates Paris from other “food capitals” is that it turns the simple act of eating into a memorable experience. Most of the best restaurants in the city know that simply serving good food isn't enough to make an impact. They also provide the perfect atmosphere and vibes for an entire culinary experience their customers will never forget. Why do you think it's practically a must to dine in a classic cafe in Paris? More than just a hot cup of coffee, that romantic ambiance and vintage-like mood is quintessentially Parisian, an aspiration for the rest of the world.
It’s high time to figure out what makes Paris the prestigious food capital it is today. From its best restaurants and prestigious culinary schools to its dedication to haute cuisine, the French capital truly is the ultimate foodie destination.
