What Food To Try in Dijon and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Dijon for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Dijon cafes and restaurants
$14.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $12.01
$65.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $65.51
$10.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $10.92
What to Try in Dijon
Must-try Dishes
Oeufs en Meurette - Eggs in Red Wine Sauce - Poached eggs in a rich sauce made from Burgundy wine, lardons, and mushrooms, served with toasted bread. Locals enjoy this hearty dish for brunch, often savoring it in cozy bistros.Jambon Persillé - Parsley Ham - A savory gelée made with diced ham, herbs, and garlic, set in a flavorful broth. Usually found at charcuteries, it’s a popular cold dish served as an appetizer during family gatherings.
Boeuf Bourguignon - Beef Burgundy - Tender beef braised with red wine, pearl onions, and mushrooms, creating a comforting stew. Commonly enjoyed for dinner, it’s a staple in homes and restaurants alike, historically served on special occasions.
Coq au Vin - Chicken in Wine - Chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, lardons, and herbs, resulting in a rich, savory dish. This classic is often shared during family dinners, reflecting a significant part of Burgundian tradition.
Gougère - Cheese Puff - A light pastry made with choux dough and cheese, usually gruyère, creating a deliciously airy snack. Often found at cocktail parties and festive gatherings, locals love to pop these bite-sized treats before meals, especially with a glass of wine.
Escargots de Bourgogne - Burgundy Snails - Snails cooked in a garlic and parsley butter, served in their shells for a rich, garlicky burst. Typically enjoyed as an appetizer, many locals may misorder them thinking they’re just a fancy dish but are actually quite common here.
Tarte Tatin de Pommes - Upside-Down Apple Tart - Caramelized apples baked under pastry and flipped when served, creating a sweet, rich flavor profile. This is a warming dessert for autumn, when local apples are at their freshest—perfect alongside hearty meals.
Desserts & Drinks
Crème de Cassis - Crème de Cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) - A sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants, often enjoyed in a kir when mixed with white wine. It's a local favorite in summer, especially during picnics along the Canal de Bourgogne.Chocolat Chaud - Chocolat Chaud (French hot chocolate) - Decadent hot chocolate made with rich dark chocolate melted into steaming milk. Locals sip this delightful drink after a stroll through the cold streets, often accompanied by a pain au chocolat on chilly mornings.
Vins de Bourgogne - Bourgogne Wines (Burgundy wines) - The famous wines of the region, ranging from full-bodied reds to crisp whites, are beautifully paired with local cheeses. Local wine bars and restaurants serve these in generous glasses during leisurely lunches or romantic dinners.
Gougère - Gougère (cheese puffs) - Savory pastries made from choux pastry and filled with cheese, often served warm as an aperitif. They're a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, enjoyed while sipping a glass of wine.
Verveine - Verveine (verbena infusion) - A fragrant herbal tea made from verbena leaves, often enjoyed after a meal for its soothing properties. It's found in local cafés and usually served steaming hot, typically during the evening to help with digestion.
Food and Groceries in Dijon
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.24 |
| Bananas | $2.18 |
| Oranges | $2.73 |
| Potatoes | $1.64 |
| Apples | $2 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.95 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.18 |
| Imported Beer | $3.28 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.46 |
| Milk 1L | $0.98 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $19.11 |
| Chicken | $9.46 |
| Cigarettes | $10.92 |
| Rice | $3.86 |
| Local Cheese | $14.56 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
As markets open at dawn, the scent of fresh bread wafts through the narrow alleys of Dijon, drawing early risers and passersby alike. It's an everyday ritual here, where locals queue patiently outside bakeries, ready to grab a pain au chocolat or a baguette to fuel their day. You can feel that breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s part of a social fabric that stitches the community together.
Food cost varies quite a bit in Dijon. For a filling lunch in one of the bustling bistros in the old quarter, you're likely to fork out about €15 to €25 for a plat du jour, a generous plate that often features seasonal ingredients. Wander over to the more tourist-heavy areas, and similar meals might push €30 or more, particularly if you’re eyeing something special. (Yesterday, I paid €11 for a simple but delightful croque-monsieur at a local café tucked away from the crowds.)
Meal timing patterns here differ significantly from many other cities. You’ll find that lunch is typically served from noon to 2 PM, while dinner doesn’t get going until after 7 PM. Those who arrive too early might find themselves in awkward silence—as I did once, waiting for an hour before anyone else showed up for an early dinner! On weekends, though, expect a bustling atmosphere as families gather later into the evening.
Payment customs are generally straightforward; you'll often find cash (euros) still holds sway, especially in smaller eateries. That being said, restaurants in popular areas may accept cards more readily. Tipping is customary but not overly generous; usually, rounding up or leaving a couple of euros is appreciated. As someone who has occasionally forgotten to ask for the bill and ended up with a long wait, it's worth mentioning that in more laid-back spots, you may have to go to the counter yourself to settle up.
One authentic local eating habit to observe is the leisurely enjoyment of meals. Friends will chat over coffee long after they’ve finished eating, savoring every moment. This can be frustrating for the occasional rushed visitor who assumes they’ll pop in for a quick bite. Oh, and before I forget, if you’re aiming to dine at a popular restaurant, making a reservation is the way to go, especially on weekends when locals flock for dinner.
As autumn approaches and Dijon’s harvest season hits its stride, restaurants will begin to showcase heartier, root vegetable-based dishes, shifting the local palate to something cozy and warm. You know, it’s fascinating how these seasonal transitions influence not just eating habits but the very essence of local cuisine. It keeps you engaged and ever-curious about what’s popping up next on your plate.
Food cost varies quite a bit in Dijon. For a filling lunch in one of the bustling bistros in the old quarter, you're likely to fork out about €15 to €25 for a plat du jour, a generous plate that often features seasonal ingredients. Wander over to the more tourist-heavy areas, and similar meals might push €30 or more, particularly if you’re eyeing something special. (Yesterday, I paid €11 for a simple but delightful croque-monsieur at a local café tucked away from the crowds.)
Meal timing patterns here differ significantly from many other cities. You’ll find that lunch is typically served from noon to 2 PM, while dinner doesn’t get going until after 7 PM. Those who arrive too early might find themselves in awkward silence—as I did once, waiting for an hour before anyone else showed up for an early dinner! On weekends, though, expect a bustling atmosphere as families gather later into the evening.
Payment customs are generally straightforward; you'll often find cash (euros) still holds sway, especially in smaller eateries. That being said, restaurants in popular areas may accept cards more readily. Tipping is customary but not overly generous; usually, rounding up or leaving a couple of euros is appreciated. As someone who has occasionally forgotten to ask for the bill and ended up with a long wait, it's worth mentioning that in more laid-back spots, you may have to go to the counter yourself to settle up.
One authentic local eating habit to observe is the leisurely enjoyment of meals. Friends will chat over coffee long after they’ve finished eating, savoring every moment. This can be frustrating for the occasional rushed visitor who assumes they’ll pop in for a quick bite. Oh, and before I forget, if you’re aiming to dine at a popular restaurant, making a reservation is the way to go, especially on weekends when locals flock for dinner.
As autumn approaches and Dijon’s harvest season hits its stride, restaurants will begin to showcase heartier, root vegetable-based dishes, shifting the local palate to something cozy and warm. You know, it’s fascinating how these seasonal transitions influence not just eating habits but the very essence of local cuisine. It keeps you engaged and ever-curious about what’s popping up next on your plate.