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Food Lovers Guide to Paris
Let's face it. Finding the best of the fabled cuisine in Paris can be difficult for us Americans. We're thrown off by the language, the numerous terms for eateries, and the French themselves, who love to pretend they don't speak English.
That's why Patricia Wells's updated guide, now in its fourth edition, is a hit. With detailed information on 450 restaurants, Wells takes readers by the hand and demystifies the culture so well known for its luscious food and demanding gourmands. Sidebars abound: she dissects breads, foie gras, and oysters--and even gives the cultural background on why the French may drink wine in the morning (to kill worms, of course), as well as discussing the pros and cons of eating the rinds of cheeses. Also listed are the best bakeries, cafés, and specialty shops, as well as 50 recipes to try at home.
If there is a criticism to be made of this sturdy and informative book, it's of the writing of this International Herald Tribune critic, which is sometimes riddled with stock descriptions and clichés. Yet readers are likely to forgive her this occasional foible, as Wells's interesting details and enthusiasm are enough to send devout Italophiles, even, to Paris--where they can sink their teeth into those crusty baguettes. --Melissa Rossi
Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
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About the author
Patricia Wells
54 books50 followersPatricia Wells (born 5 November 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a cookbook author and teacher who divides her time between Paris and Provence. Her book Patricia Wells at Home in Provence (1996) won the James Beard Award for Best International Cookbook. Wells is the only American and the only woman to be a restaurant critic for a major French publication, L'Express (1988–1991). She was also a restaurant critic for the International Herald Tribune from 1980 until 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 9, 2015
Great reference book for me, as I am traveling to Paris in a few weeks and LOVE to eat!!! The author has great tips, do's and don'ts, and lists her favorites. Highly recommend!
March 15, 2014
Well, definitely not a book to read when you are hungry...or maybe, why not, the perfect book to read when you're hungry! I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway.
This is a really well-organized guide, by type of food purveyor and then broken down into neighborhoods, with price info, etc. Throughout the book there are many sidebars of info that can be useful while actually in Paris, and plenty that's fun to know even if a trip to Paris isn't in the works.
Sure, I wish there were more recipes - tho I appreciate those that were included, and in particular am looking forward to making the asparagus with whipped ricotta (I am a cheese-maker and asparagus is in season here now!) and the almond cake. Some of the recipes were a little disappointing - as in, a certain type of cheese on a certain type of bread...but looking at it as an example is maybe better than thinking of that as a recipe.
We'll be in Paris at some point in the fall of 2015, so I will definitely be checking some of these places out!
This is a really well-organized guide, by type of food purveyor and then broken down into neighborhoods, with price info, etc. Throughout the book there are many sidebars of info that can be useful while actually in Paris, and plenty that's fun to know even if a trip to Paris isn't in the works.
Sure, I wish there were more recipes - tho I appreciate those that were included, and in particular am looking forward to making the asparagus with whipped ricotta (I am a cheese-maker and asparagus is in season here now!) and the almond cake. Some of the recipes were a little disappointing - as in, a certain type of cheese on a certain type of bread...but looking at it as an example is maybe better than thinking of that as a recipe.
We'll be in Paris at some point in the fall of 2015, so I will definitely be checking some of these places out!
July 17, 2019
This book has a lot of repeat info. Many of the same chain stores are listed in cafes, bakeries and pastries sections. Many restaurants listed here are also no longer in business. In addition, I find her write up on places lacking insight. The markets section is useful but I’m wondering how updated the info is. The food glossary seems useful but you can find that in a good tour book or phrase book. I don’t find the book informative especially if you’ve been to Paris many times. Many of the good restaurants/cafes I’ve been to are not even listed here. It would seem the book was put together lazily and haphazardly. Very disappointed! I want my money back!
July 11, 2014
Reviews restaurants, cafes, chocolate shops, bakeries, pastry shops and markets. There is also a wonderful food glossary and some nice photos. Her purpose is to guide you to good food rather than bargains so many are priced on the high side, still an amazing amount of info and the glossary would be very valuable even to someone who has French. Her descriptions of the dishes are mouth-watering and she also includes a nice selection of recipes (which appear in the text near the review of the place that makes that dish).
January 2, 2014
I recieved this as an early read via netgalley. This book made me BEG my husband to consider a trip to Paris! I wish I had access to such a detailed guide with personalized suggestions and glorious descriptions when I had moved to Germany many, many years ago. It covers so much more than just food, it explains cultural differences and allows the vacationer to have a truly well rounded idea of what they can expect.
June 18, 2014
Pure candy! Delightful descriptions by Arrondissement. And recipes too. Nice attention to the sorts of dishes that are distinctive of French cooking: game, truffles, huitres, duck and such. Helpful glossary in back. Update: I have now been to several of her suggestions and they all worked out well. Just my own 2 centimes: I wouldn't be too picky about getting oysters from those tiny places with 5 or 6 tables, since Paris is covered in good oyster bars.
August 27, 2014
Excellent resource, even if the reader has never been to Paris and has no plans to travel there anytime in the near future. The recipes that I tried from the book were delicious, the behind-the-scenes stories about the various eateries and their owners were very interesting. I liked that there was a soupçon of history added to the mix. I am adding this book to my Wish List of books that I would like to own a copy of.
June 30, 2017
Brought with me when I went on my trip to France. In addition to reviews of the different restaurants and where to eat, I wish I had glanced at the section of the differences in food names before lunch one day. Andouille Sausage in the States is a food I enjoy. In Paris, it's tripe .....which I really didn't. I looked it up after getting back to the Air BNB and was happy to know that I tried something new and I hadn't lost my mind.
October 3, 2014
A very thorough and delightful guide to dining in Paris. I love how it is divided by type of establishment. If you want to find a chocolate shop in the 8th Arr., just jump to the chocolate shops section. Love also all the practical information included with each review so you know if you're going to break the bank or not or where to dine on a Sunday. Don't read this while hungry.
January 27, 2015
What a great travel resource as well as fun reading from home! She describes restaurants so well, using specific and evocative language. Great resource also for food shopping, kitchenware stores, etc. I like the fact that there are regular updates to the book's app and Kindle version, so you're notified when key details like contact info for a restaurant have changed.
November 13, 2008
This was my primary tour guide through Paris. Not only does it list restaurants to eat at but also bakeries, cheese shops and specialty shops you don't want to miss such as Dehllerin for their copper cookware unchanged in appearance it is right off of a postcard!
December 17, 2007
the best cookbook writer! ex-pat american, knows everything about france and french food.
August 10, 2008
Even if you never go to Paris, Patricia Wells' food guides are good reads. Next to Julia Child, Wells is my second favorite food guru of all things French.
June 11, 2009
One never stops reading this book. It is the definitive guide on where to eat well in the city of light.
June 4, 2010
The recipes in the book was the hidden gem. Too much restaurant choices in it for a vacationer's trip to Paris.
July 12, 2010
More pre-trip research... bought used on amazon, now lives on my cookbook shelf - for the recipies
November 14, 2013
This was my guide on my first ever visit to Paris in 1990.
May 25, 2014
I used this in Paris it was most helpful! Emily and I actually went to a couple of the recommended places!
February 10, 2015
Lots of great places listed all by arrondisements.
August 21, 2014
Wonderful guide - a big help to us, particularly in August when so many restaurants are closed.
August 30, 2014
Interesting, but not quite what I was hoping in the restaurant price ranges.
August 29, 2015
A great refresh on this classic guide to eating in one of my favourite cities
January 15, 2015
It's great to have an updated version to prep for my next trip to Paris. This helps you pick and choose based on your tastes and budget.
December 26, 2015
Patricia Wells is not only a great cookbook writer, she is also a fine guide. I always enjoy her writing.
August 27, 2019
The book to take to Paris, especially for food lovers. Great advice for shopping for food, cookware, and ans specialty items. The restaurant reviews are fine, but the insiders' guide to great bakeries, cheese shops, confectioners shops, and cookware stores is what sets this book apart from other guides. Rent an apartment on AirB&B or VRBO, through this book in your bag, and enjoy a foodie paradise vacation.
March 28, 2025
Used this book on two separate visits to Paris in the 1990s. Love all her recommendations I tried, from bistros to bakeries to cafes.
Will probably buy the latest version in print if I ever go again.
Will probably buy the latest version in print if I ever go again.
August 28, 2018
Fun little travel guide with recipes and reviews of restaurants and bistros. Definitely not a book to read when you're hungry, though. Haha.
May 9, 2024
This is a good reference for those going to Paris or have gone to Paris.
December 12, 2023
I mainly read this book for the cultural insights, which were excellent. The specific restaurant listings were very interesting, but I'm sure as with all such books they will become outdated more quickly than the more general information. But more valuable were the descriptions of dishes and cultural trends, etiquette, etc. If you would like to understand French dining beyond what is on the plate, this is a great book.
January 11, 2016
This will be invaluable as we plan where to eat in Paris. I intend to buy it, so we have a guide for the trips to come. It's well-organized and easy to find the type of food you wish. My only suggestion for improvement is to have a map of all the arrondisements right in the book. However, this absence did help me learn the neighborhoods a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews