The best croque-monsieur/madame in Paris

Emblem of the Parisian café, the croque-monsieur – and its charming “madame” version with a fried egg – continues to captivate food lovers on the go and holds a steady spot on the menus of our favorite bistros. A resolutely addictive delight, it’s now embraced by luxury hotels and reinterpreted in couture, nostalgic, and even veggie versions. Driven by a sense of duty, the Do It In Paris editorial team has made it their favorite subject of study, unveiling the ranking of this famous grilled ham and cheese sandwich (hold the béchamel, please!). Up for the challenge of trying them all?

The Dumant family (Les Marches, Aux Bons Crus) is at it again! Neighboring their Crus de Bourgogne, Chardonnay offers a cheeky menu in a classic bistro atmosphere, where one can choose to settle on the benches, high tables, or even the bar, all in a wildly Parisian ambiance. A must-try: the truffle croque-monsieur, generously stuffed with Prince de Paris ham and accompanied by a lovely salad (€21). A memorable treat.

Chardonnay Comptoir, 3 rue Bachaumont, Paris 2nd, 01 40 20 08 74. From Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00–23:00, Monday 12:00–14:30 and 19:30–23:00.

All of Paris gathers behind the retro storefront of this legendary spot on rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a stone's throw from Louboutin. There’s a palpable buzz and a crowd eager to dine at the 5th restaurant of Elodie and Jean-François Piège. This atmospheric spot offers an unforgettable croque-monsieur (€17) or croque-madame (€18) ideally toasted, golden, and buttery, served on a beautiful, retro-colored plate. That’s life.

À L'Épi d'Or, 25 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Paris 1st, 01 42 36 38 12, Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 18:00 to 23:00.

There are plenty of good reasons to sample Italian chic within the walls of the Bulgari Hôtel Paris; here’s another one! Head to The Bar, a modern, luxurious space with lacquered walls, plush leather armchairs, marble tables, and a spectacular counter. The House's elegance is reflected even in its snack menu, with a five-star croque-monsieur where the secret lies in the excellence of its ingredients. The recipe? Two slices of whole-grain sandwich bread encasing 60 g of cooked ham and 60 g of 18-month-aged comté. It’s toasted without added fat and served golden brown with perfect fries (€32). Magnifico!

Bulgari Hôtel Paris, 30 avenue George V, Paris 8th. 01 81 72 10 00.

This is the Do It Team’s go-to. On rue de Bretagne, spot the terrace with blue awnings: you’re at Barbouille, where Anne-Laure and her stellar team will welcome you royally. While we admit to a nearly weekly passion for their croque-madame (€13.80), throughout the season you’ll find a devilish croque montagnard prepared by the chef with a mix of cream and Emmental, country ham, and sandwich bread topped with two slices of raclette cheese (€14.50), served with the obligatory fries-and-salad combo. A little bomb!

Barbouille, 13 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3rd, 01 49 96 58 76. Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 2:00, Saturday from 8:00 to 2:00, and Sunday from 9:00 to 2:00.

Following Rosie in the Bastille neighborhood, little sister Rosie Lou brings a heavy dose of cool to boulevard Bonne Nouvelle with its ultra-fresh decor and sunny menu at budget-friendly prices, a tribute to Basque cuisine. A super chill spot that extends the vacation vibe with a high-end truffle croque: Thierry Breton bread, summer truffle mornay sauce, 18-month comté, artisanal bone-in ham, free-range fried egg, salad, and twice-cooked fries (€15).

Brasserie Rosie Lou, 31 boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, Paris 2nd. Open Sunday to Thursday from 12:00 to 14:30 and 19:00 to 22:30. Friday and Saturday until 23:00.

French do it better is the motto at Brasserie Bellanger, a trendy table in the Faubourg that revives the Parisian brasserie’s glory in a cool decor with marble tables, designer globe lights, tile friezes, floral wallpaper, red velvet benches, pop walls, and extravagant bouquets. Dig into a veggie croque that will delight even charcuterie lovers: Thierry Breton sandwich bread, AOP comté and morbier, cheddar, onion compote in white wine, and red onions, all served with a mesclun salad.

Brasserie Bellanger, 140 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 10th. 09 54 00 99 65 Open daily, service from 12:00 to 14:30 and from 19:00.

In the Marché des Enfants Rouges, The Butcher of Paris offers a gargantuan version tucked into an airy organic Léonie bread, filled with crème fraîche, old-style mustard, Cantal ham, and 16-month AOP comté. The only catch: it’s €22 on-site with a crunchy salad and soy sauce and grapeseed oil vinaigrette (€18 to go, without the salad).

The Butcher of Paris, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris 3rd, Wednesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 22:30, Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Also discover 3 sweet treats to satisfy sugar cravings and Suelo, the glamorous new Spanish dining spot.