Emily Cooper did not just bring marketing drama to Paris; she sparked full-blown food envy across screens worldwide. From flaky pastries snatched between meetings to candlelit dinners that feel impossibly chic, Emily in Paris makes French food look romantic, aspirational, and slightly unreal. The craving intensifies every time Gabriel comes to the frame, particularly with his Michelin-star ambitions and restaurant scenes that change sauces, plating, and slow cooking into quiet moments of temptation. His kitchen makes viewers desire buttery omelettes, steaks, and wine-filled evenings.
The show changes everyday café staples to indulgent rituals, where a croissant feels like self-care and a simple omelette feels lofty. What truly makes these dishes special is not about complexity; it is the mood, the romance, and how effortlessly they inspire you to recreate a piece of Paris at home.
The good news? You do not need a Parisian kitchen or culinary expertise to recreate that magic in your home. These recipes are inspired instantly by the show’s most iconic food moments, like things Emily eats, photographs, or gushes about. Cook these French cuisines at home, pour yourself a glass of wine, play some French jazz, and suddenly your kitchen feels like a Left Bank apartment.
Croissant
In Emily in Paris, the croissant is more than breakfast; it’s a Parisian ritual. Often seen in Emily’s hurried mornings, this flaky pastry has the effortless charm of French café life, particularly near Gabriel’s Michelin-star dreams. Crisp from the outside and buttery-soft from inside, a croissant feels indulgent but simple. At home, you can recreate it by using store-bought puff pastry, good-quality butter, and some patience. The aroma alone takes you to a cobbled Paris street, where even a rushed bite feels chic, enjoyable, and extremely luxurious.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Steak Frites With Café Butter Sauce
Few dishes seem as effortlessly Parisian in Emily in Paris as steak frites, which is often seen during Emily’s café lunches or casual work dinners. At home, pan-fry a juicy steak with butter, garlic, and thyme, and pair it with some crispy golden fries. The magic is in the butter sauce, which is simple, glossy, and indulgent and can be spooned generously over the meat. It tastes bold and comforting, like something Emily would order while discussing marketing ideas over wine. They are easy to make, extremely satisfying, and ideal for recreating that relaxed Paris café vibe at home.
Croque Monsieur (Parisian Grilled Ham & Cheese)
This classic sandwich completely matches Emily’s quick Paris lunches in between the meetings. Layers of buttery bread, nutty Gruyère cheese, and ham are grilled until they turn crisp, then loaded with a creamy béchamel and more cheese. The result is a rich, gooey, and extremely indulgent sandwich that is exactly the kind of food Emily falls for while exploring the Parisian cafés. It is surprisingly easy to make, feels luxurious, like something enjoyed standing by at a corner café or shared during a casual office lunch with colleagues.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is the slower, more romantic side of Emily in Paris, particularly her countryside escapes and love for traditional French cooking. Thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers are layered with herbs and olive oil, then baked slowly. The flavours melt together to something rustic, full of colours, and soulful. It’s light yet comforting, making it ideal for evening meals. This dish feels thoughtful and creative, much like how Emily learns to balance work, love, and culture.
Crêpes With Chocolate & Orange Zest
Crêpes are basically a character in themselves in Emily in Paris, which are enjoyed as street food during Emily’s wanderings. At home, thin crêpes filled with some melted chocolate and a hint of orange zest can recreate that moment completely. The texture is soft and delicate without being too heavy. Every bite feels playful and fun, like a Parisian dessert after dinner. Easy to make, extremely customisable as per preference, and having French charm, this dish is perfect for sweet-tooth moments.
(Image credit: Freepik)
French Yoghurt Cake
This no-fussy, home-style cake displays the quieter, more personal moments of Emily in Paris, when life slows down beyond fashion and drama. Prepared using a yoghurt cup as the measuring tool, it is extremely simple and elegant. Light, moist, and a bit sweet, this cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. The real charm lies in its simplicity, proving that French baking does not need to be tough to feel chic and satisfying.