The Best French Cookbooks, According to Chefs

Welcome to Reading Lists, comprehensive book guides from the Strategist designed to make you an expert (or at least a fascinating dinner-party companion) in hyperspecific or newsworthy topics, like North Korea or wine. Here, we surveyed French and French-trained chefs to find the essential French cookbooks. Each chef sent us a list of favorite French cookbooks, from their most-referenced encyclopedias to the newer cookbooks that are inspiring their dishes now. We included all titles that were recommended by two or more chefs. However, since most of these highly trained, professional chefs use these cookbooks for reference or inspiration rather than for step-by-step recipes, we’ve also included a few honorable mentions that are better suited for home cooks. So whether you’re an aspiring chef who’s dreaming of your own Michelin star or an occasionally fancy diner who wants to feel more confident ordering at a French restaurant, there’s a French cookbook here for you.