Paris is synonymous with culinary greatness, home to legends like Alain Ducasse and the renowned Larousse Gastronomique. This city is the birthplace of exquisite sauces and cooking techniques that chefs around the world cherish. Thanks to my well-traveled foodie friends, I was guided to some iconic restaurants where I indulged in classic Parisian dishes. However, a word of caution: if you’re a vegetarian, navigating the Parisian menu might be challenging. Vegetables often come down to potatoes prepared in various ways—often fried or roasted in lard. Plus, traditional French cuisine features ingredients that some may find unappealing.

On my first night in Paris, I visited Chez Savy, located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées. Established in 1923, this quaint bistro features cozy seating, white tablecloths, and steel luggage racks that evoke a nostalgic ambiance. Chez Savy is famous for its foie gras, lentil soup, and andouillette sausage. My friend and I opted for bone marrow—slow-roasted bones with soft, jammy marrow served with toast—alongside escargots (snails) prepared with parsley and butter, oysters, rillettes, beef tartare, and duck breast medallions. And of course, plenty of wine! Their portions are generous, with a carafe of wine providing more than a bottle at a lower cost. This nearly century-old establishment is regarded as one of the smallest yet most celebrated Parisian brasseries, making reservations a must.

The French are known for their adventurous palates, which explains the popularity of snails. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Romans were the first to recognize the culinary value of escargot, preparing them with milk and wine. During the Renaissance, escargots became a staple at royal banquets in France, symbolizing sophistication and fine dining. At Chez Savy, you can savor the renowned escargots à la Bourguignonne from the Burgundy region, cooked in garlic and parsley butter—simply divine.

The next day, I finally had the chance to indulge in one of my favorite dishes at Au Pied de Cochon, a restaurant steeped in history. A short 30-minute walk from the Louvre (a brief distance by Parisian standards), Au Pied de Cochon opened its doors in 1947 as the first restaurant to offer round-the-clock service and continues to operate 24/7.

While the French often pair their meals with delicious potatoes roasted in lard or crispy French fries, I broke tradition and opted for a bean salad—one of only three vegetarian options available. This was followed by oysters, frog’s legs, and the most delectable Baba au Rum: a rum-soaked cake served with cream and a bottle of spiced rum for drenching the cake.

Now, before you wrinkle your nose, consider that frog’s legs are a delicacy akin to a more flavorful version of chicken. In fact, the Oberoi Grand Hotel in former Calcutta once served frog legs and escargots in its French restaurant. France is among many countries that indulge in this dish, believed to have been popularized by French monks during Lent, when meat was off-limits. By the 12th century, frogs were categorized alongside fish, allowing monks to indulge guilt-free.

Au Pied de Cochon exudes old-world charm, featuring wooden furniture, white tablecloths, liveried waiters, and intimate seating. Reservations are essential, so ensure you’re ready to feast when you arrive.

My final meal took place at Chez Andre, established in 1936 in the upscale “Golden Triangle.” The entrance welcomes you with a stunning seafood display, while the zinc bar, bistro tables, and waitresses in black dresses transport you to another era. The restaurant buzzed with energy on a Sunday evening, tables set closely together as eager patrons squeezed in, all anticipating a delightful meal.

We indulged in a beautifully flavored crab and avocado tartare (inspired by our neighboring table), langoustines (what we call prawns in India), oysters, bone marrow, duck confit, and grilled duck medallions. It was the perfect conclusion to my trip.

These historic restaurants are Parisian landmarks that serve classic French dishes. The staff were exceptionally friendly, a refreshing contrast to the often-stereotypical Parisian snobbery. My only advice? Always make a reservation and be prepared for a buttery feast.

The antidote to all that butter, wine, and indulgence is simple: keep walking. Explore every museum, wander through the charming streets, and savor these culinary gems without hesitation.