re: Rome or Paris?

For food? Paris. I don't think Rome is a particularly great food town relative to other cities in Italy/Europe. From neighborhood joints to Michelin starred places, I'd rather eat in Paris.

ETA: if you've not been to Europe, I think Paris is safer and easier to navigate relative to Rome. It's also generally less chaotic, so I'd say you'll have a better experience there as a relative newbie.