must visit food places paris

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The 38 Essential Restaurants in Paris

Classic boeuf bourguignon at a century-old bistro, chicken yassa and other West Africa flavors at the Hotel Ritz, tofu croquettes at the city’s hottest vegan restaurant, and more of Paris’s best meals right now

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Paris has reclaimed its status as one of the world’s favorite cities to eat. The French capital is bustling with a brilliant constellation of restaurants these days, including a bevy of openings that show off how deliciously cosmopolitan it’s become: Menkicchi is maybe the best ramen shop in town, while young French Malian chef Mory Sacko cooks stunningly original dishes at Mosuke. Plus there’s an inventive and diverse array of casual dining options, like the affordable Café du Coin, excellent Montmartre bistro Le Maquis, and Parcelles, an outstanding bistrot a vins in the Marais. There’s also been a renaissance of Paris’s long-established gastronomic landscape, with traditional bistros, brasseries, and stylish restaurants serving classic French cooking made famous by chef Auguste Escoffier.

Updated, January 2024:

A new generation of young chefs bristling with talent are delighting visitors and locals with intriguing new takes on contemporary French bistro cooking, creating meals that are seasonal, local, and sustainable. People like Clément Vergeat at Tracé and Maxime Bouttier at Géosmine are bringing the precision and technical excellence of haute cuisine to this more casual style of cooking, blurring the boundary between bistros and fine dining. Vegetables play an ever larger role on the menus of these restaurants, where seafood is often favored over meat as well.

The still very good Eels makes way for the outstanding Tracé, which has become the talk of the town, and Géosmine replaces Les Parisiennes to showcase the rising star of Bouttier.

We update this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing Paris dining scene. The guide is organized by arrondissement, spiraling out from the First.

Alexander Lobrano is a Paris restaurant expert and author of Hungry for Paris, Hungry for France , and his gastronomic coming-of-age story My Place at the Table . He blogs about restaurants and writes often for the New York Times , the Wall Street Journal , Saveur , and other publications.

Tracé Restaurant

Located near the Comedie Francaise in the heart of Paris, chef Clément Vergeat’s highly praised new restaurant generates a low-lit, monastic atmosphere with a minimalist decor of gray chairs and bare wood tables. The small, quiet space creates a setting that allows you to concentrate on the intricate, original, and very subtle dishes that compose the chef’s regularly changing tasting menu. The two memorable dishes stuck out from a recent meal: The first was a raw langoustine steamed in seaweed vapor and topped with a nearly transparent ribbon of squid cured to resemble the Italian fatback known as Lardo di Colonnata. The othe was roasted pigeon with fermented strawberry puree, turnips, beets, and other winter vegetables. Located in the First Arrondissement.

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Young chef Eugénie Béziat’s debut as the chef of Espadon, the Hotel Ritz’s headliner restaurant, represents a daring departure from the conventions of luxury hotel restaurants in Paris. Instead of foie gras and truffles, Béziat’s very personal cooking references the flavors and produce she knows from her childhood in West Africa, even as she shows off her supreme mastery of French culinary technique. The chef’s signature dish is her refined take on chicken yassa, which combines French and Senegalese flavors in an heirloom fowl from Houdan in the Yvelines.  Located in the 1st arrondissement.

Right in the heart of the city, midway between the Opéra Garnier and the Louvre, you’ll find a cluster of Japanese and other Asian restaurants along Rue Sainte-Anne and adjoining streets. Stop by the very popular Menkicchi for some gyoza and a bowl of some of the city’s best ramen. The regulars love the Le Speciale ramen, which comes with handmade noodles in rich pork bouillon, a marinated egg, a slice of pork breast, and seaweed. Located in the 1st arrondissement .

This friendly wine bar and bistro is the perfect place to find excellent French comfort food and a great bottle of wine without the hassle of booking three months in advance. Scottish wine merchant and longtime Paris expat Tim Johnston founded the restaurant; today, his daughter Margaux runs the dining room while her French partner, Romain Roudeau, runs the kitchen. The pair orchestrate a Gallic gastronomic experience that lives up to their motto: “We always deliver the goods.” The menu follows the seasons, but the kitchen displays its style with dishes like celery soup with cockles, chives with whipped cream, sauteed wild mushroom with egg yolk and prosciutto cream, duckling filet with Swiss chard and chestnuts, and scallops with leek, baby potatoes, and parsley cream. Located in the 1st arrondissement .

Hidden on a small side street on the edge of Les Halles in the heart of Paris, this intimate restaurant sports contemporary decor of cutout wooden paneling and an open kitchen. It’s become one of the most sought-after reservations in the city for the superb contemporary French cooking of young chef Thomas Meyer, the former sous chef to Anne-Sophie Pic at her three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Valence. Meyer presents his cooking in a tasting-menu format that showcases his perfectly tuned creativity, love of fresh seasonal produce, and culinary loyalty to his native Jura in the east of France. The menus evolve regularly, but standouts of a recent meal included a grilled cepe mushroom with meadowsweet-flavored sabayon and a sauce of deeply reduced mushroom jus and white miso; sea bream with kale in Granny Smith apple juice with a gelee of lovage; roast pigeon in a sauce of its own gizzards with green cardamom and citrus; and an intriguing dessert of rice pudding wrapped in rice roll with mirabelle plums stewed with vin jaune. Located in the First Arrondissement.

Au Pied de Cochon

Channel your inner Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern by ordering the Tentation de Saint-Antoine (the Temptation of Saint Anthony), served at this famous brasserie in Les Halles that’s been open nonstop — 24/7 — since it opened in 1947. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of charcutiers, and this plate includes a muzzle, ears, breaded pig’s foot, and a tail with lashings of bearnaise sauce. This lively place satisfies less assertively carnivore appetites, too, with trays of oysters and other shellfish, and dishes like its famous onion soup and beautifully made sole meuniere.  Located in the First Arrondissement.

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La Bourse et la Vie

Chef Daniel Rose’s second Paris restaurant has become one of the city’s best bistros. He delivers superb versions of the rock-of-ages French dishes that people yearn to eat. His superb foie gras de canard comes to the table perched on a fresh artichoke heart with a dribble of aspic-like shallot vinaigrette on the side, a brilliant detail. Don’t miss the collier d’agneau provencal (braised lamb neck Provençal style) either. Located in the Second Arrondissement.

From the moment it opened in 2021, this bistro à vins in the Marais has been packed to the gills by a crowd who love propriétaire Sarah Michielsen’s hospitality, sommelier Bastin Fidelin’s wine list, and the delicious cosmopolitan modern bistro cooking of chef Julien Chevallier. The chalkboard menu evolves constantly but runs to dishes like baby clams steamed with herbs and shallots in white wine, vitello tonnato, braised beef cheek in breadcrumbs with beef jus and baby vegetables, and tiramisu with toasted hazelnuts. This stylish comfort food is exactly what Paris is hungry for right now, especially paired with charming service and a great selection of wines by the glass. Located in the 3rd arrondissement .

L'Épicerie du Breizh Café

Brittany-born Bertrand Larcher’s brilliant creperies are found everywhere from Cancale to Tokyo. In Paris, multiple locations star first-rate Breton produce, and his outpost in the Marais is a terrific choice for a meal of galettes and crepes. Go for the galette stuffed with smoked herring and potato, followed by the matcha, white chocolate, and strawberry crepe.  Located in the 3rd arrondissement .

Young chef Martin Maumet has created one of the best restaurants on the Left Bank with his nervy, vivid, and inventive French cooking. A meal in the minimalist, gallery-like space begins with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and then segues into a suite of Asian-accented contemporary French dishes that showcase vegetables and seafood. The menu evolves constantly, but options might include Sardinian gnocchi with mussels in herbaceous shellfish bouillon, free-range heirloom chicken with carrots, and Iberian pork with roasted root vegetables and chimichurri sauce. Desserts are often made with vegetables, as in the butternut squash ice cream with chestnuts, pistachios, and yuzu.  Located in the 6th arrondissement .

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Huîtrerie Régis

This minuscule, white-painted, no-reservations raw bar in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a pearl, and it serves the best bivalves in Paris. The owners get them shipped daily from pedigreed producers in the Marennes d’Oléron, Normandy, and Brittany on France’s Atlantic coast. Start with some smoked scallops, tuck into a dozen oysters, and finish up with the runny chocolate tart. Located in the Sixth Arrondissement.

Joséphine Chez Dumonet

With its lace curtains, cut-glass room dividers, and bentwood chairs, this century-old bistro is why you put up with all those terrible hours in economy class to get to Paris. The boeuf bourguignon is the best in the city. The dish is a testament to Gallic genius, culling a flavor-rich sauce from the juices of slowly simmering meat. You must book in advance, and don’t miss the Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert either.  Located in the 6th arrondissement .

Arnaud Nicolas

With excellent handmade pates, sausages, and terrines, award-winning charcutier and chef Arnaud Nicolas has revived an ancient branch of French gastronomy. The space, on a leafy avenue in the silk-stocking 7th arrondissement, is decorated with exposed stone walls, a beamed ceiling, and battleship-gray moldings. Roasts and meat pies, Gallic pleasures that date back at least to the Middle Ages, figure as first courses, before an evolving menu filled with seasonal produce. Nicolas shows off his style with turbot cooked with cep mushrooms, salmon coulibiac for two, beef cheek braised with carrots in red wine, veal sweetbreads with girolles mushrooms, and a luscious chocolate soufflé.  Located in the 7th arrondissement .

Chez L'Ami Jean

Chef Stéphane Jego’s heaving Left Bank bistro is perpetually packed. Like so few other Parisian chefs, Jego knows how to deliver beautiful, traditional French bistro food, modernized with tweaks so subtle most people won’t even notice. He’s barely touched the 1930s space since taking it over nearly two decades ago from a Basque rugby pub. The earthy dishes, often inspired by southwestern French farmhouse food, are so deeply satisfying you won’t mind the occasionally slow service or boisterous regulars. The menu includes Parmesan soup with cabbage and bonito flakes, roasted pigeon with thyme and garlic, roast lamb with smoked oregano, and light and fluffy rice pudding. Located in the Seventh Arrondissement.

David Toutain

After working with Alain Passard and Marc Veyrat, David Toutain first wowed Paris at Agapé Substance in Saint-Germain. Now he has his own place, and his constantly changing tasting menus (which range from 70 to 250 euros) deliver some of the boldest and most interesting food in Paris. Think dishes like seared foie gras in baked potato bouillon with black truffles; a monochromatic white composition of cuttlefish with yuba; and nearly translucent Parmesan gnocchi, seasoned with the juice extracted from cooking the cheese at very low temperatures for hours. Located in the Seventh Arrondissement.

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Golden poppy.

Slaying a slew of negative local stereotypes about American food, the return of one of their own is proving to French diners that there’s actually some spectacularly good food in the United States. Chef Dominique Crenn moved from France to San Francisco in 1988, trained with Jeremiah Tower, and became the first female chef in the country to earn three Michelin stars at her restaurant L’Atelier Crenn. Now she’s opened Golden Poppy, named for the official flower of her adopted state, as a very personal homage to California cooking, all presented in trippy, through-the-looking-glass Victorian conservatory decor done by trendy designer Martin Brudnizki. The small-plates menu runs to dishes like Parker House rolls with shiso-miso sauce, egg-yolk jam, and rice cream; griddled corn tacos with grilled conch; and gem lettuce wraps of aged sea bream, mint, coriander, and Korean condiments. Don’t miss the coconut beignets with pineapple for dessert. Located in the Ninth Arrondissement.

Raviolis Nord Establissements

The small dining room may have bare-bones decor, but you’re here for the homemade jiaozi (small Beijing-style dumplings), which are probably the best meal you’ll find in Paris for a fiver. Served grilled or boiled in orders of 10, they’re stuffed with your choice of pork and green cabbage; mushrooms, beef, and celery; egg, chives, and shrimp; or tofu, mushrooms, and green cabbage. Located in the 10th Arrondissement.

Faubourg Daimant

Often acclaimed as the best vegan restaurant in Paris, Faubourg Daimant aspires to deliver high-level gastronomy regardless of its animal-free restrictions. Dishes show off the kitchen’s precise technical skills and culinary imagination, including items like carrots glazed with barbecue sauce and tofu croquettes meant to resemble pig’s trotters. The tiled dining room is a beautiful place for a meal, and there’s also a pleasant courtyard for outdoor dining when the weather agrees.  Located in the 10th arrondissement .

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The 15 Essential Vegan Restaurants in Paris

The neighborhood near the Gare du Nord train station is nondescript, and this tiny bistro à vins packs its clients in like sardines. No one minds the humdrum location or the crowd, though, because the restaurant serves some of the best and most reasonably priced French comfort food in Paris. Chef Thomas Brachet’s chalkboard menu changes daily but always offers an irresistible mix of contemporary dishes — like a salad of green beans, apricots, speck, and fresh almonds, or John Dory meuniere with vegetable accras (beignets) — and traditional options, which may include langoustines with house-made mayonnaise, or the best sausage and potato puree in Paris. The stuffed cabbage and rice pudding with cinnamon and orange shouldn’t be missed either. Be sure to book a few days ahead of time.  Located in the 10th arrondissement .

Café les Deux Gares

With charmingly quirky railroad themed decor by trendy British interior designer Luke Hall, this hotel restaurant is conveniently situated between the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l’Est stations. But Café Les Deux Gares serves such bright, original, flavorful contemporary French cooking that it’s well worth a visit even if you don’t have a train to catch. Chef Jonathan Schweitzer’s chalkboard menu evolves according to what’s best at the market, expressing his culinary imagination with dishes like smoked scallops with raw cream, chives, and herb oil; line-caught red tuna with cherries, nasturtium leaves, and elderflower vinegar; and lovage sorbet with meringue and cucumber ribbons. Located in the 10th Arrondissement.

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The carefully studied interior of this handsome modern bistro — olive-green banquettes, globe lamps, dark wood tables, stenciled tile floors, and custom-made ceramic tableware — is a perfect reflection of the casually stylish Oberkampf quarter of the 11th arrondissement. Japanese-born chef Ryuya Ono serves an intriguingly creative menu of refined dishes with potent flavors. The menu evolves constantly but dishes express the chef’s exact and cosmopolitan style: suave haddock velouté with trout roe and smoked and charred potatoes; tuna sashimi lightly dressed with Stracciatella and translucent slices of cucumber and yellow peach; and a juicy suckling pig shoulder in punchy clam jus.  Located in the 11th arrondissement .

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Young chef Maxime Bouttier first got noticed for his cooking at Mensae in the arty Belleville district of northeastern Paris. Now he’s gone out on his own with a stylish restaurant in a loft-like white duplex in a former textile factory in the 11th. At Géosmine (“odor of the soil,” as in a freshly plowed field), Bouttier works to enunciate the natural flavors and textures of produce. On a recent menu, artichokes barigoule (braised in white wine and herbs) were wrapped in fine ribbons of lardo di Colonnata (fatback) to create a contrast of earthy tastes and textures, while green asparagus was slathered with pistachio cream and chickweed to similar effect. Don’t miss the baked-to-order cake of chocolate, vanilla, praline, and fleur de sel. At dinner, Géosmine serves a prix fixe menu, while lunch is a la carte.  Located in the 11th arrondissement .

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Restaurant le Tagine

Paris has dozens of North African restaurants serving couscous and tagines, but what sets this cheerful Moroccan restaurant apart is the outstanding quality of its produce, making it a favorite among Parisian chefs. The couscous is made with fresh seasonal vegetables and succulent baby lamb from the Pyrenees. The kitchen also bakes bread and North African pastries in-house, while the wine list features an interesting selection of mostly natural wines. The atmosphere is vivid but avoids cartoonish indulgence, with mosaic-topped tables, lanterns, and candles.  Located in the 11th arrondissement .

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Aux Bons Crus

The tongue-in-cheek decor nods to les routiers, the roadside restaurants once frequented by truck drivers — think red-and-white checkered tablecloths, plastic bread baskets, and moleskin banquettes. Deals like a solid two-course meal for 16 euros, including wine, have kept this jaunty bistro packed since it opened. The menu changes constantly but you can expect dishes like celery remoulade with crabmeat, steak au poivre, stuffed cabbage, beef braised with carrots, and chocolate mousse. Located in the 11th Arrondissement.

Given how hard it is to score a reservation at chef Bertrand Grébaut’s relaxed modern bistro, you’ll probably come to the table expecting a meal that will induce instant rapture. But that’s not Grébaut’s style. Instead, his cooking is “innocent, spontaneous, and balanced,” in the chef’s own words, which translates to superbly delicate, subtle dishes like mushrooms with oyster and foie gras bouillon, or seared tuna with raspberries and tomato water. Service is friendly and easygoing, and the loft-like space is airy.  Located in the 11th arrondissement .

16 Hot and Essential Restaurants in Paris

Chef Bertrand Grébaut’s seafood bar is perennially one of the hottest places in Paris. It does not take reservations, so if you want to beat the line, try to go right when it opens, at 7 p.m., or late, after 10 p.m. The menu changes daily, but offers dishes like smoked shrimp with roasted red pepper and white beans, tuna tartare, ceviche, oysters, crab fritters, and more. It also boasts terrific platters of raw seafood like clams, shrimp, sea snails, and other delights.  Located in the 11th arrondissement .

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Le 6 Paul Bert

Le Paul Bert, one of the best-known bistros in Paris, successfully caters to the Gallic gastronomic stereotypes of tourists with traditional French bistro cooking. The restaurant’s edgy little sibling, Le 6 Paul Bert, is very different, offering inventive cooking in a contemporary French bistro. This popular, lively restaurant, outfitted with a marble counter and red tables, is helmed by Pauline Séné, who emerged as one of the most talented female up-and-comers in Paris after a stint at (now closed) Fripon in Ménilmontant. In regularly changing menus, Séné proclaims her love of vegetables, fresh textures, and cosmopolitan flavors with dishes like yellow pollack with ajo blanco, zucchini, fennel, and apple; dill gnocchi with smoked herring; pigeon with creamed corn, prunes, and harissa; and brownies with miso caramel and peanuts. The 26 euro lunch menu is one of the best buys in town.  Located in the 11th arrondissement.

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Café du Coin

Paris is filled with cafes du coin, or corner cafes, but very few of them serve such good food at such reasonable prices all day long. Run by trendsetting restaurateur Florent Ciccoli, this cheerful, popular place in the super bobo 11th arrondissement changes its chalkboard menu daily, but you’ll likely find dishes like freshly baked pizzettes, caillette (a caul fat-wrapped, herb-filled sausage garnished with pickled mustard seeds on a bed of potato puree), and blood sausage with roasted corn and guindillas (pickled green peppers from Basque country). Don’t miss the lemon tart for dessert.  Located in the 11th arrondissement.

The talented couple Omar Koreitem and Moko Hirayama run this friendly cafe-bakery, the place to head for a casual but outstanding lunch or snack. French Lebanese chef Koreitem creates the savory dishes, such as bonito with spring tabbouleh, while Japanese chef Hirayama is a superb baker, serving up fennel, pickled lemon, and almond cookies, and flourless chocolate layer cake with coffee-mascarpone cream. Open from 8:45 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s deservedly one of the most popular places in eastern Paris. Located in the 11th Arrondissement.

At his bistro that looks like an Edward Hopper painting near the Bastille, chef Christophe Philippe serves the best chocolate mousse in Paris. It’s made from the sublime chocolate produced by Italian Claudio Corallo on the tiny African islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. Unctuous, funky, deep, this dark fluff will leave you with a craving you’ll never escape.  Located in the 12th arrondissement.

Tucked away in the largest of Paris’s Asian neighborhoods (with a community hailing from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos), this busy Vietnamese restaurant is run by chef Te Ve Pin. Come here for an excellent bo bun composed of freshly made nem (deep-fried spring rolls) and sauteed beef on a bed of rice noodles with an umami-rich sauce. The namesake pho is very good, too, but the pho satay with beef, garlic, and peanuts is what the regulars rightly order.  Located in the 13th arrondissement

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Chef Mory Sacko has become a star of French gastronomy for the originality of his intriguing African French Japanese cooking in Montparnasse. The son of Malian immigrants to France, he grew up in the suburbs eating his mother’s African dishes and American fast food. After a job at a big Paris luxury hotel, he worked with chef Thierry Marx (who has achieved two Michelin stars), a Japanophile who taught Sacko to love Japanese ingredients and techniques. Expect dishes like lobster in miso sauce with smoked pepper and lacto-fermented tomato, sole seasoned with togarashi shichimi, and lovage cooked inside a banana leaf and served with a side of attieke, a couscous-like preparation of dried fermented cassava pulp. The name of the restaurant derives from the names of the chef and one of his heroes, Yasuke, an emancipated Mozambican slave who became a samurai in 16th-century Kyoto.  Located in the 14th arrondissement.

It’s quiet, hard-working, limelight-shunning chefs like David Rathgeber who make Paris such an enduringly great food city. He took over this locally famous restaurant — previously helmed by a flamboyant chef named Lulu who charmed the likes of late President François Mitterrand and other celebrities — and has made it one of the city’s best bistros. It’s well worth the trek to the quiet 14th arrondissement for his deft take on traditional dishes like pork-knuckle rillettes with foie gras and a superb cassoulet. The menu also offers lighter fare, including cuttlefish carbonara and sea bream tartare with green tomato and coriander jus. The creme caramel is nothing short of epic.  Located in the 14th arrondissement.

This intimate, casually elegant Michelin-starred restaurant in eastern Paris is regularly recommended by Paris food writers for a special night out that doesn’t break the bank. Canadian chef Noam Gedalof cooks suave, inventive French cuisine and his wife, sommelier Etheliya Hananova, runs a wine list that features well-priced, lesser-known bottles from around the world. The menu evolves regularly according to Gedalof’s latest inspiration and the seasons, but don’t miss dishes like sea bream tartare with buttermilk vinaigrette; risotto with beurre blanc, butter-poached lobster, and caviar; organic Corsican veal chop; and chocolate soufflé for two.  Located in the 16th arrondissement.

Founded in 1872 by Albert Prunier, this restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe has always epitomized Parisian chic and the city’s avid love of the best quality seafood, including the caviar that Prunier started producing on farms in the Aquitaine region in 1921. Most recently owned by the late Pierre Bergé, cofounder of the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house, Prunier’s new proprietors hired chef Yannick Alleno, who earned three Michelin stars at Pavillon Ledoyen, to reboot the restaurant’s menu. Seated among the landmarked art-deco decor, be sure to try dishes like the Oeuf Christian Dior, a coddled egg on a bed of ham aspic in caviar-speckled cream; langoustines carpaccio with geranium and caviar; and the sole meuniere. Located in the 16th Arrondissement.

Located in the tranquil 18th arrondissement far from the crowds of tourists around Sacré-Coeur and the Place du Tertre, this laidback neighborhood bistro pulls a discerning crowd of locals and word-of-mouth customers from other parts of Paris for the excellent bistro cooking of Paul Boudier and Albert Touton. Many of the dishes have a Southern French or Italian accent, including superb house-made pastas, ceviche with shavings of poutargue (bottarga), and pork belly cooked in cider with roasted fennel.  Located in the 18th arrondissement.

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A working-class neighborhood on the northeastern edge of Paris (and the birthplace of Édith Piaf), Belleville is one of the most interesting food neighborhoods in Paris . There, brother-and-sister team Léa and Louis-Marie Fleuriot run this very affordable modern bistro in a former corner cafe. While she works the kitchen, he runs the dining room, and together they offer the kind of market-driven cooking that exemplifies the area. The petroleum-blue facade has big picture windows, which let light in on the indigo, zinc-topped service bar, open kitchen, and wooden tables laid with cloth napkins and Opinel knives. The chalkboard menu changes daily but runs to dishes like mussels in creamy, saffron-spiked bisque, haddock in coriander court bouillon with mushrooms and potato puree, and egg-rich, caramel sauce-lashed creme caramel.  Located in the 19th arrondissement.

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When Paris chefs want to unwind they head for this little wine bar in Belleville where Argentine-born self-taught chef Raquel Carena serves up some of the most deeply satisfying food in Paris. The chalkboard menu changes constantly, but Carena loves offal and fish, and her palate favors tart and sweet-and-sour flavors, as seen in dishes like mackerel tartare with smoked vinegar, tuna steak with black cherries, and rabbit and mushroom ragout with red wine sauce. The bohemian soul of rapidly gentrifying Belleville has taken refuge here.  Located in the 20th arrondissement.

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The 40 best restaurants in Paris right now

From bistros and brasseries to Michelin fare – and everything in between – our local editors rank the best restaurants in Paris right now

Sure, you’re in Paris to go to the Louvré, climb the Eiffel Tower and get a selfie outside La Maison Rose, but let’s be honest, you’re also here to eat. And eat you will. This vast city has every kind of restaurant imaginable (at every kind of price point), and with so much on offer, it can be hard to know your bistros from your brasseries – and have the faintest where to begin. 

Well, luckily enough, the team over at Time Out Paris actually specialise in this sort of thing. They spend all day every day trying out food spots, and every year, they rank the best restaurants in the city. On our list, you’ll find seasonal tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants alongside proper jambon-beurre for less than €5. You’ll find French classics and the best döner kebab in the city. Whatever your tastes (and budget), here are the best restaurants in Paris right now. 

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This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Paris . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

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Best Paris restaurants in 2024

1.  Le Clarence

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Haute cuisine
• Champs-Elysées
• price 4 of 4
• Recommended

Le Clarence is more than just a meal; it's an extraordinary journey to a parallel world, full of crystal chandeliers and neoclassical paintings. It's the kind of place you imagine important figures from history might have dined once, taking place in a luxurious private mansion, overflowing with wood panelling, mouldings and velvet. Chef Christophe Pelé serves up an incredible seasonal menu  – we loved the tempura shrimp, the baby eels and grilled red mullet with bone marrow. This is an unforgettable sensory experience in twenty-or-so dishes, paired with several bottles of natural wine. Once you’ve finished eating, end your evening cosying up by the fireplace in the restaurant’s private hideaway bar with a glass of wine (or three).

2.  Le Doyenné

James Edward Henry and Shaun Kelly escaped to the countryside in the renovated outbuildings of a chateau in Essonne to create an exquisite restaurant in a beautiful setting. The delicate dishes at Le Doyenné include veal steak – perfectly grilled on the wood fire – with sides to share around the table, like purslane and grilled green beans and cabbage salad. The kitchen garden provides most of the vegetables and herbs, and small local farms supply the meat. The setting will make sure your soul feels just as nourished.

3.  Le Servan

• price 3 of 4

The Levha sisters, Katia and Tatiana, have been lighting up their corner spot on Rue Saint-Maur since 2014. The setting is drop-dead gorgeous: ceiling mouldings, a vintage fresco, and a bouquet of flowers on the massive brass bar. The cuisine, which hops freely between France and Asia, is boldly innovative and very now: check out the grilled sweetbreads boosted by phrik phao (spicy Thai sauce). Oh, and the carefully selected wines are grea too, heavy on Burgundy reds and whites.

4.  Clamato

At the helm of this cool bar mixing wood, glass, concrete, and steel, Bertrand Grébaut (of Septime) is your captain on a voyage of seafood. The menu changes based on the day's catch (which is always sustainably sourced). The delicious dishes include spicy Oléron cuttlefish and mullet ceviche with butternut squash. Just watch out: the bill can rise as quickly as the tide. And that’s quick.

5.  Restaurant Passerini

Giovanni Passerini has got to be the best Italian chefs in Paris. Hell, we reckon he's one of the top chefs in the city full stop. His modern trattoria is a beaut with a terrazzo floor, white walls, and sleek light fixtures. Passerini 's menu is a perfect balance of classic Italian comfort food (think duck ragu tagliatelle and ricotta-spinach ravioli with sage butter) and insanely good gourmet dishes, like the two-course pigeon, which might just have you dreaming about it for weeks after you've paid the (admittedly steep) bill.

6.  Septime

• price 2 of 4

Septime hasn't aged a bit since it opened in 2011. This is fine dining in a London pub-type setting; think weathered wood tables, blackened steel and dim lighting. Another thing that hasn’t changed? Bertrand Grébaut's Michelin-starred cuisine, which remains fresh, innovative and delicious (and features a seven-course menu that knows how to build up to a crescendo). It changes every three weeks, but previous highlights include little gem with a micro-thin slice of bacon, pearly scallops paired with bone marrow, and an incredible grilled sweetbread and harissa dish served with a couscous broth. To fully appreciate these dishes, the expertly curated wine pairings are practically a must. Trust us.

7.  Les Enfants du Marché

Looking for a starched-tablecloth meal with genteel service and some friendly vegetarian options? Yeah, this isn’t the place. At this Parisian market counter, you eat standing up in the open air (it does get chilly in winter), with jovial Michael Grosman as your endearing host and sommelier. He was named the ‘Best Host in Paris’ at the Time Out Food and Drink Awards (we like him). The bold and meaty plates from Japanese chef Shunta Suzuki are just as satisfying as they are pricey, from the charcuterie offerings to the iconic Groix mussels in a gorgonzola sauce.

8.  Le Mermoz

A typical 8th district brasserie setting, Le Mermoz looks like something out of the 60s, with bistro-style furniture, a mosaic floor and opaline chandeliers. Its impeccable contemporary cuisine is the brainchild of the gifted Californian chef Thomas Graham and his brilliant team (awarded a prize at the Time Out Paris Food and Drink Awards). Think mackerel nestled in a zucchini flower, roasted lamb medallions with chanterelle mushrooms and wild blueberries, and samphire risotto with sheep's milk yoghurt. The wine list, curated by Robin Gurgui, is in perfect harmony with these exceptional dishes, featuring a load of natural wines. It's a feast of creativity, skill, pure joy and deliciousness.

9.  Le Chateaubriand

Opaline lighting, a marbled counter, and basket-woven service;  Châteaubriand invented the codes of bistronomy in 2006 and has been breaking boundaries ever since. From its kitchen, the iconic chef Iñaki Aizpitarte always strays from the mainstream. It's a true author's cuisine; vibrant, energetic, and almost punk. Sometimes you miss the mark a bit, sometimes it hits the bull's-eye. But however it turns out, everything he sends out is innovative, fresh and exciting.

10.  Les Arlots

• SoPi (South Pigalle)

This bistro may have officially opened in 2016 and not cost much, but it has an old soul. It sort of feels like the kind of place where figures from history have sat, and where your favourite author may have enjoyed some snails back in the 80s. Of course, Les Alorts serves its iconic sausage and mash, unbeatable at the top of the bistro pantheon, but everything else on the menu is finely crafted and perfectly executed. Take our word for it: this is the best bistro in Paris.

11.  Mokonuts

At first glance, Mokonuts appears to be a modest coffee shop, where you can unexpectedly enjoy a top-notch cookie baked by the brilliant Japanese firefly Moko Hirayama. And you certainly will, but you’ll also probably have the best lunch of your life if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot. Mokonuts’ Franco-Lebanese head chef Omar Koreitem creates dishes that will blow your mind, from scallops crudo to cavatelli and cuttlefish puttanesca. Mokonuts is one of our most beloved restaurants at Time Out, year after year.

12.  Vantre

This timeless Parisian bistro setting is hiding something special. You might think it’s all just steak and fries, but you’ll be blown away by the beautifully crafted plates of the Japanese chef Masaki Nagao (formerly of Clarence) with his crispy sardine tempura and pearly hake drizzled in chorizo sauce. The experience wouldn't be complete without sommelier Marco Pelletier (formerly of Bristol), who manages the small room and one of the most beautiful wine cellars in Paris with some extremely rare bottles. To top it off? Even with its Michelin star, the prices are pretty reasonable. Vantre  is immune to inflation.

13.  Eels

• Poissonnière

Chef Adrien Ferrand cuts through the noise of the Parisian restaurant scene by doing things a little differently. Eels is a cosy little bistro in Poissonnière, where every single dish is crafted with impeccable technique. Plates here are presented beautifully with precise little touches, like the raw scallops with turnip ravioli, or the guinea fowl with grilled cuttlefish, green beans and padrón peppers. There’s no trickery here; Eels is just a great restaurant.

14.  Racines

Dark wood bistro furniture, 19th-century bourgeois paintings and Belle Epoque tiling make this dream of a Parisian tavern what it is, nestled away in the Passage des Panoramas. Sardinian chef Simone Tondo cooks from an open kitchen so you can watch the action unfold, and the food is proper Italian grub. Think old, reassuring Italian classics, passed down from Tondo’s nonna. Simple, delicious. Just watch that bill  – Racines is pricey.

15.  Le Tagine

• Folie-Méricourt

Le Tagine gets its character from openwork lanterns, zelliges and pleated fabrics on the ceiling. The radiant owner Marie-Josée Mimoun sources the crème de la crème of products to cook some seriously good food, including literally the best couscous in the world  – yes, we went there  –  with spices from Thiercelin, suckling lamb from the Pyrenees and olive oil from a local store. Plus Mimoun was one of the first to switch to an all-natural wine list (a win in our books). 

16.  Brutos

Okay, so the name sounds a little scary, but trust us, this place is actually chill AF. Opened by the French-Brazilian couple Ninon Lecomte and Lucas Baur de Campos, the service here is friendly AF, and the setting insanely cosy. The dishes are definitely meaty but still delicate, like the cloud-like mashed potato crowned with bone marrow, served with perhaps the softest and most tender flame-grilled rib you’ve ever tasted. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, it would be a crime not to order Bruto ’s roast chicken.

17.  Sur Mer

In charge of this tiny tiled galley is Olive Davoux, a Belgian-Ugandan who used to work at L'Ecailler du Bistrot, and who delights diners with a menu of small plates inspired by the day's (artisanal) catch. Dive in to Sur Mer head-first to taste the likes of black mullet ceviche and Basque country lean carpaccio, and don't forget the well-shucked oyster baskets (Monsieur Jean-Paul's Utah Beach and Cadoret family's specials). Unreal.

18.  Abri Soba

While we continue to mourn the closure of the beloved Abri by chef Katsuaki Okiyama, we find solace in his second location, an izakaya dedicated to soba noodles in the beautiful Montmartre. The decor at Abri Soba is all wooden walls and concrete floors, and the noodles will blow you away. The buckwheat noodles are to be slurped in a hot or cold broth, and are undoubtedly the best soba noodles in Paris. In the evenings, there are some sharp additions to the menu: clams cooked in sake steam, pork roll salad with miso, and the legendary karaage chicken. Extra kudos are awarded for the short but well-thought-out wine list.

19.  CheZaline

This old-school horse butcher shop  – with its chicken tile, stainless steel hooks, and golden horse head  –  hides the best sandwich shop in Paris. Here you’ll find around 20 enticing options in small plastic baskets (€5-8.50) on the mini marble counter; highlights include classics like the Prince de Paris ham and the original chicken pot-au-feu (meat and veg) with dill and mayo, as well as veggie options like the butternut squash, tapenade and feta.

20.  Le Dauphin

The chefs at Le Dauphin experiment with creative tapas in a modern and clean-looking space, full of glass and Carrara marble. The restaurant was designed by legendary architect Rem Koolhaas, and its now the kind of place where fashionable people snack on small plates and snap Instagram pics, but in a good way. The dishes are focused on high-quality ingredients in their purest form, like mussels marinières and the trademark sea snails, served with a little jar of mayo. Heads up: at lunchtime, Le Dauphin has a special set menu for €20, and it's great.

21.  Café du Coin

Café du Coin is a charming, old-fashioned bistro, complete with brass-rimmed counter, formica tables, and belle époque cement tiles. And while it might have a name as common as they come for a French dive bar, you’d be foolish to dismiss it. Created by chef Florent Ciccoli (previously of Jones, Cheval d'Or, and Recoin), this neighborhood watering hole in the 11th arrondissement is buzzing from morning coffee to dinner time. Our recommendation? Their affordable lunch menu, featuring irresistible bistro plates like the Mont d'Or cheese cordon bleu. And for drinks, Café du Coin has got you covered with plenty of natural wines to choose from and small pizzettes to munch on. It’s our go-to spot.

22.  Le Saint Sebastien

This place is more Parisian than the Eiffel Tower – old zinc bar, Formica tables and globe lights – providing the perfect backdrop for some refined bistronomy. Le Saint Sebastien chef Christopher Edwards delivers a bold, daring and flavorful cuisine. And to complement these impressive dishes, the brilliant  propriétaire  Daniela Lavadenz has curated one of the city's finest wine lists.

23.  Dilia

Since 2015, the Tuscan chef Michele Farnesi – who worked at legendary Paris restaurants Rino and Heimat – has been making his mark in the quirky dining room of this small address in Ménilmontant, which is more like an osteria than a palace. Dilia ’s five-course meal takes diners on a lively journey through the Italian terroirs with precise and spirited cooking. Highlights include the Venetian-style pasta and the opaline mullet with hollandaise sauce and sea urchin (and of course the all-Italian wine list).

24.  Grande Brasserie

Grande Brasserie was brought back to life in 2022 by director Adrien Spanu – and elected the same year as Paris’s best restaurant at the Time Out Paris Food and Drink Awards. Spanu was on a mission to restore the heritage of this Parisian landmark, which shows in the decor: '20s mosaics, post-war frescoes, and starched tablecloths. This all makes for a cosy space to enjoy the timeless cuisine from chef Grégoire Simon. Make sure to try his world-class deviled eggs (at a high price).

25.  Frenchie

Get stuck into small plates and big glasses (the wine list is as thick as a summer novel) at number 6 on the well-polished Rue du Nil, Frenchie our favourite address from French chef Grégory Marchand. The venue is small – you'll be elbow to elbow with the mostly English-speaking clientele – but worth it for the scotch eggs and kimchi aioli, veal sweetbread nuggets and salsify tagliatelle with yellow wine slalom. Plus, it's the perfect spot to come alone, as you'll no doubt end up chatting with everyone at the bar.

26.  Quinsou

• Rennes-Sèvres

Antonin Bonnet, the talented and reserved chef from Cévennes, is impervious to trends. He focuses instead on high-quality ingredients, and serves up his outstanding dishes in the rather minimal dining room here at Quinsou. It's expensive, but worth every cent. Try the lobster with pickled beets, Vendée monkfish with sake, or veal sweetbreads from Anne-Laure Jolivet's farm with black truffle cream. It's pure talent on a plate.

27.  Aux Lyonnaise

Founded all the way back in 1890, this old-school establishment fell into the hands of pioneering, always-lively chef Alain Ducasse at the beginning of this century. These days it still ticks all the boxes of a Balzac-era brasserie, full of mirrors, sculptures, opals and floral pottery. Aux Lyonnaise 's kitchen is exotically traditional: chicken liver cake, veal blanquette, sweetbreads and brains, trout and fermented cabbage. Yum. 

28.  Le Maquis

Behind a deep red storefront lies La Maquis : a sleek, minimalist, deeply fashionable food spot, its chairs, tables and benches slotting perfectly into a snug space. From this unassuming base, two chefs formerly of brasserie institution Le Châteaubriand have launched a culinary offensive that has conquered the surrounding neighbourhood. The affordable lunch menu features only bombshell plates that combine disarming simplicity and watchmaker precision.

29.  Gare au Gorille

After top-notch culinary science? Few places do it better than Batignolles. A few steps from Saint-Lazare station, Marc Cordonnier (formerly of art-food hub Ze Kitchen Galerie) and super sommelier Louis Langevin have taken up residence in a discreet, stylish white address. The market-inspired menu leans heavily towards Asia (like the hake with Paimpol beans and Thai broth) and changes almost daily, but balance and creativity are always on point. Oh, and Gare au Gorille have got the best natural wine list in the neighbourhood.

30.  Narro

Just a few strides away from the crowds of the Place de la Contrescarpe, Japanese chef Kazuma Chikuda serves up his delicate cuisine in a haven of tasteful kilim armchairs. Mind-blowing leek tartlet, Granny Smith gel and cabbage-stuffed veg with yellow wine emulsion. The menu changes all the time, but the delight stays the same. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, on weekdays or on Sundays, it’s always time for Narro .

31.  Le Bar des Prés

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Bars and pubs
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés

An izakaya with the luxurious twists and flair one would expect of celeb chef Cyril Lignac, Le Bar des Prés has chic marble tables, trendy wicker lighting and plush peacock banquettes. Here you can indulge in Japanese cuisine with a hint of southern France. Try their scrumptious crab meat and avocado galette with a Madras curry kick, or maybe splurge on the pricey but perfectly executed marinated sea urchins and sushi. And, while you’re at it, don't forget to quench your thirst with one of the expertly crafted cocktails.

32.  AVE Pizza Romana

The premier outpost of Roman-style pizza (which boasts a thinner crust than its Neapolitan cousin) in Paris also has plenty of style. With AVE ’s bar made of white bricks, bare walls, mirrored ceiling and trendy servers, the finest dishes are the delightfully simple margherita (made with buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil) and parma rossa (22-month aged Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil). And from noon to 1pm, Tuesday to Friday, they’re sold at affordable prices (from €6 to €10).

33.  Clown Bar

Under a ceiling of century-old Circassian ceramics, this venerable bistro – once the favourite haunt of the performers from the nearby Cirque d’Hiver – serves up an exciting, contemporary cuisine without any unnecessary frills or gimmicks. Korean chef Jung Yonghoon delights his patrons with a dazzling array of small, perfectly balanced dishes. And as the star attraction, the bistro boasts one of the finest selections of natural wines in Paris.

34.  Bonne Aventure

Just a couple of strides from the Paul-Bert market, tiled bistro Bonne Aventure stands out as one of the area’s best lunch spots. On flea market days, the chalkboard menu offers comforting dishes such as stuffed cabbage or sausage and mash. Wash it down with some sulphite-free wine before heading back to the flea market. In the evening, the menu shifts to punchy tapas. In short, no matter what time it is, Bonne Aventure is a treat.

35.  Bistrot des Tournelles

A big advocate of retro gastronomy, restauranteur Édouard Vermynck has transformed the site of the old Gaspard de la Nuit into something from a hundred years ago. Adorned with vintage framed photos, antique mirrors and a hand-painted sign on the storefront, Bistrot des Tournelles ’ menu keeps the theme with timeless, household French dishes. Artisanal andouillette with a bushel of excellent matchstick fries, roast chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes, cordon-bleu with fries... nostalgia has never tasted so good.

36.  Le Cadoret

An exceptionally cool, icy blue retro joint, Le Cadoret rules its corner of Belleville from the first morning croissant all the way to the last post-dinner digestif. Chef Léa Fleuriot serves up old-school dishes, sometimes with a twist of herbs, condiments or spices, like the pot-au-feu made with tender beef paleron and fermented soy paste sauce. As for Louis-Marie, the man behind the bottles, he uncorks carefully selected natural wines and sakes.

37.  Lolo Bistrot

Loïc Minel and Christophe Juville are back with a flatshare vibe in Lolo Bistrot , a London-style restaurant just a few pedals away from their main spot, Lolo Cave à Manger. Around a massive heater and flashy neon sign, tuck into spicy tapas like scotch egg merguez-vermouth, temaki with scallops and horseradish and agnolotti with wild garlic. This gastronomy is wild in its inspiration, unyielding in its intentions, and artistic in its plating. And for the wine, trust Lolo to find some bottles you haven't had yet!

38.  Pantobaguette

The five-strong crew who run Pantobaguette  know how to both party hard and serve up some delicious grub. In a funky and festive space, Antonin Girard (who trained at snug, alfresco eatery Lolo) dishes out crazily good Japanese-inspired plates. We're talking marinated egg with wasabi mayo, extra-large mussels with peppers, and even CBD-infused cookies. To wash it all down, they've got a great selection of natural wines in white, orange and red – plus treats for your ears from the resident DJ.

39.  Double Dragon

In a high-ceilinged room with a domino counter and neon dragon, the Levha sisters – Tatiana and Katia – blend their Filipino roots with global influences in sharp, precise and unexpected ways. Try the fried bao filled with Comté cheese and dipped in XO mayo or the South American-infused clams in fiery chipotle and chilli broth. This unique, quirky and endearing spot is also staffed by an ultra-friendly team and boasts a soundtrack with a penchant for turn-of-the-century hip-hop. Long live Double Dragon .

40.  Ozlem

The döner kebab's honour is restored! At Ozlem , you won’t find frozen fries or sketchy meat. The team at this Turkish canteen work tirelessly to prepare the ultimate kebab, using a mix of veal and turkey that marinates for hours before being skewered and grilled. It's served in a homemade dürüm (wheat wrap) filled with sliced red onions, a touch of sumac, and parsley. Crispy, tender and perfectly seasoned, this kebab’s an absolute killer.

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The 27 Best Restaurants in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Sara Lieberman

In the capital of haute cuisine, hard-and-fast kitchen etiquette, and bustling bistros, the Parisian dining landscape has evolved radically over the years to highlight a kaleidoscope of quality food experiences, influences, flavors, and atmospheres. On a given day, dining out in Paris today might mean throwing back a piping hot pita stuffed with beef bourguignon for lunch and following it up with a multi-course tasting menu with cinematic presentation.  From the classics that shouldn't be missed to the newer and notable food destinations, our list of the best restaurants in Paris highlights meals that stand out among the masses.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here .

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Substance Arrow

For the sleepy 16th arrondissement, Substance is a refreshing jolt right from the door. Expect a relaxed, but exacting, foodie crowd in the evenings; these are diners who are either well-versed in chef Matthias Marc's resume (a Top Chef candidate), champagne connoisseurs, or locals of Western Paris. The biggest draw here is the champagne selection, with more than 180 cuvées from both well-known houses and small producers; Substance, named for a top-end bubbly, is the only restaurant in Paris serving the Jacques Selosse Initial Brut cuvée. For food, you might find potato emulsions with trout eggs and pickled onions, goat cheese and beetroot cannelloni, and lots of plant-based dishes (be sure to specify any food allergies or intolerances right when you get the menu). From start to finish, dishes are refined and modern, predicated on the seasonality and local-sourcing that diners have come to expect from the best French restaurants.

Clover Grill Arrow

A modern French steakhouse that’s as well suited for a business lunch as for a lengthy meal among friends, Clover Grill, from award-winning chef Jean-François Piège, is an elegant spot popular among the fashion and media crowd. The chef found a location with a big enough space to fit a custom meat cabinet as well as two dining rooms. Beef is the obvious star of the show here—filet, prime rib, or as a burger—but don’t overlook the elevated starters, such as tomato tartare with basil and straciatella, or a gravlax of wild sea bass with lemon and dill. There’s divine braised shrimp and local fish, served with a choice of sauces. Go light or go all in, but whatever you do order the churros for dessert, which you’ll dream about long after you’ve left the restaurant.

Épicure Arrow

There's no mistaking it, this is a triple-Michelin-starred restaurant with the white tablecloths, immaculate service, chic decor, and culinary muscle to prove it. The dining room is vast and widely spaced—the best tables are those in front of the window that overlooks the hotel's ( Le Bristol ) interior garden. Music is hushed, as are conversations, which allows you to focus on a meal experience that borders on religious. Lean into the fussy Frenchiness of it—though you'll hardly be thinking about the decor once Eric Frechon's first dish is placed before you.

Allard Arrow

Allard is among the last-of-its-kind classic gourmet (if ever there were an apt if antiquated word) bistros you come back to again and again. "Here, beauty is both in the room and on the plate," says Mimi Thorisson. "The duck with green olives is utterly satisfying." Frogs' legs, poached turbot, and duck foie gras are prepared as they should be and without unnecessary or unwanted flourish.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Devra Ferst

La Tour d'Argent   Arrow

This Seine-facing beacon of French dining was built as an inn in the 16th century, and it wasn't until the 19th century that it became the restaurant as we know it today. If ever there was a place to leave your meal up to the chef, it's at La Tour d'Argent. Or if surprises aren't your thing, opt for the several course tasting menu which includes signature dishes from the restaurant's long history that have been updated by the chef Yannick Franques, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France who took over the kitchen three years ago, in addition to the chef's own recipes. If you're into duck, that's a longstanding draw for diners since the late 1800. (If meat doesn't inspire you, everything from fish to plant-based dishes are balanced and sublime.) With 300,000 bottles in the wine cave and 15,000 different references, this is absolutely the destination for wine lovers. On the way to the elevator, pay attention to the photographs and newspaper clippings of all the world-renowned personalities, from JFK to Angelina Jolie, who have dined at the restaurant.

Benoit Paris Arrow

Like a time capsule to your first trip to Europe, dishes from this classic bistro, which first opened in 1912, look like still life images from the Time-Life "Foods of the World" series. Think escargots bathing in butter, garlic, and parsley (and the warm baguette with which you sop every last drop up), cassoulet, pâté en croûte, Scottish salmon with Béarnaise sauce, seared scallops with leeks, a perfect cheese course, and even crêpes Suzette, if you can believe.

Le 52 Arrow

A hangout for 10th arrondissement locals and other Right Bankers who love the accessibility of the neo-brasserie format that Charles Compagnon helped pioneer. These are diners that are serious not only about food but also a high good-times quotient and the comfort of knowing the servers. The menu changes at least once a month and it's that endless variety that keeps them—and the occasional out-of-towner—returning. In addition to more classic cuts of meat and fish, you might also find sardines, mackerel, root veggies like Jerusalem artichokes, and poultry, which can make for an affordable but no less interesting meal.

Septime Arrow

Meals in this warm yet pared-back Scando-inspired space start with exquisite, creative, plant- and vegetable-focused dishes that change every two weeks. But despite the ambition of the food, this is fine dining without the pomp and circumstance or cult-of-chef arrogance. Grébaut is a master at coaxing out the flavors in every ingredient and playing on texture; it isn't uncommon to have a mix of raw and cooked (in a variety of methods) on the same plate.

Breizh Café Arrow

Breizh offers, quite simply, the best Breton-style crêpe in Paris. And while not gratuitously tricky, the menu includes more original flavor combinations, beyond the usual egg, ham, and cheese. To wit: smoked herring with Saint Malo potatoes; smoked salmon with ikura salmon roe, crème fraîche, and dill; poached peaches, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream, and fresh mint; rolled crêpe with white chocolate mousse and matcha tea, with strawberries; and a brown sugar with Bordier salted butter, classically done with top-shelf ingredients.

Tekés Arrow

Tekés is perhaps the most unique of the restaurants from Chef Assaf Granit and his team. For one, there are two ways to enter—from the street or via the calm, cobblestone-covered courtyard for Klay, the posh fitness club that the restaurant is associated with. But the real reason to go is for the menu, which is entirely vegetarian. Talk about a menu that's so bright and flavorful! The name means "ceremony" in Hebrew so you better believe the food is both a celebration of food and the best introduction to vegetarian cooking in the city for even the most carnivorous of diners. Most dishes are cooked over charcoal and embers, a nod to ancestral cooking in Jerusalem, and include a fluffy Challah-like bread made with olive oil from east Jerusalem and sea salt, cold and hot mezze (a highlight: the grilled courgette with cinnamon labneh), and mains such as the vegetarian “chicken liver”. The latter is cooked without butter and made with caramelized onions and mushrooms. Everything is meant to be shared, and the portions are generous.

L'Ami Jean Arrow

Stéphane Jego is among the visionaries of the early bistronomy movement, which in this case simply means the environment is anything but stuffy, the food is hearty (think American hearty, not your usual French hearty), the ambience is rollicking, and the food has the technique and presentation of fine-dining establishments without the exorbitant prices. And good thing because the food is absolutely the star of the show and far more refined, adventurous, and surprising than the space would lead you to believe it will be. A few sample dishes: Parmesan soup with cabbage and bonito flakes; roasted pigeon with thyme and garlic; pork belly and lentils; and a rice pudding, the chef's signature dessert.

La Coupole Arrow

A living memorial to Paris' Art Deco legacy, La Coupole has seen more than its fair share of Parisian who's who. Patti Smith played guitar on the terrace. Henry Miller came for breakfast. Jane Birkin used to lunch here, as did Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and James Joyce. The menu includes typical French brasserie food, with a particularly strong seafood emphasis. Order a side of buttery whelks or winkles with one of the seafood platters, which are as delicious as they are photogenic.

Bouche Arrow

Set up in a former kebab joint, Bouche is a bit of an outlier for this section of the 11th arrondissement-20th arrondissement border. The small plates and natural wine bar stands out for its slightly Brutalist interior (exposed textured stone, picture windows, vintage furnishings, and sparse decor–the kind of details more common in Berlin than Paris), and a menu of seasonal dishes that change every two weeks. You might find skate fish steamed in a Thai bouillon with lime, garlic, and chile pepper on the menu alongside an octopus okonomiyaki coated with lardo, spelt-beetroot risotto with a cream of dill, or a veal tartare with Jerusalem artichoke chips and tarragon. Sunday is the only day Bouche is open for lunch and it's one of the most sought-after reservations in Paris. Expect a shorter menu with brunchier additions: get the fried egg with smoked ham, aged mimolette cheese, and spicy mayo on an English muffin. 

Bistrot Paul Bert Arrow

There’s no escaping a food coma following a meal here. This is a gut-busting traditional French meal at its finest—from the seasonal plump white asparagus and the Côte de Boeuf for two (served medium-rare only with the most perfect French fries) to their signature praline-buttercream-filled Paris-Brest pastry or big-as-your-head steaming-hot soufflé. There’s tartare, too, of course, plus a yellow-as-the-sun egg served with shaved black truffles. During lunch, the $25 two-course prix fixe is a steal; you can do a formule at dinner, too, or order a là carte.

Les Enfants du Marché Arrow

This is a stools-only, silverware-in-buckets, blackboard-menu kind of joint serving seasonal small plates out of an open-kitchen vendor stand inside Paris's oldest covered market, Marché des Enfants Rouge . But what it lacks in deco refinement, it more than makes up for it on the plate. Owner Michael Grosman and chef Shunta Susuki offer variations on dishes including a ceviche, a soup of the moment, and a few other "regulars" such as oysters and a selection of finely sliced charcuterie. Expect heartier fare, too, like crispy fish croquettes with a red pepper dipping sauce, grilled octopus  smothered in chimichurri, and a perfectly pink skirt steak served with creamy mashed potatoes and greens. In general, the prices are high for the setting, but that's part of the appeal: high-class, neo-bistro cuisine in a rough-and-tumble joint. 

L’Avant Comptoir Arrow

The idea behind this quirky standing-room only joint is to load up on the first-class finger food. While the menu does occasionally change, you’ll almost always find the likes of ham croquettes, fried Parmesan cheese puffs, boudin noir macarons, and artichoke and cured ham waffles on offer.

Pierre Sang Arrow

Each dish is creative, unexpected, and full of diverse flavors—some totally new to Parisian tastes (especially the Korean touches the chef and his team are likely to fold into the mix). A sauté of pork and white beans in a tomato sauce topped with anchovies and radishes is both comforting and umami-filled with just the right note of acidity. Dishes are artfully plated and always so fresh.

Mokonuts Arrow

Omar, who’s responsible for the savory dishes, got his start at Daniel in New York City , while Moko, a one-time lawyer, dreamt of making macarons at Ladurée. Together, they’ve created something wholly their own. Despite only serving lunch, they actually don’t do a prix-fixe option. But shortly after you take your first bite—of their famous zaatar-spiced labne; of Moko’s oddball flavored cookies; of Omar’s daily dish—you still feel as if you’re getting a deal. While the lunch menu changes daily, the Middle Eastern-skewed dishes plated on raw ceramics may include fish topped with artichokes and crushed potatoes or moist chicken served with fresh greens.

The Lebanese diaspora in Paris is well-documented, and while there are a plethora of casual Lebanese restaurants, few are as well-known, and as stylish, as Liza. Don't be surprised to dine alongside Lebanese visitors, or locals with Lebanese heritage: It's a veritable destination that draws big groups—its spacious; something of a rarity in Paris. Pair Lebanese wines and arak or homemade orange blossom lemonade with the mezze. Think black-lemon labneh, codfish hummus, and riz au lait (rice pudding) developed with the help of L'Ami Jean chef Stéphane Jego. Everything is meant to be shared, so go for the mixed plates if you can't decide. Don't leave without trying the grilled halloumi, served with sesame-coated tomato jam.

La Dame de Pic Arrow

Anne-Sophie Pic's hyperseasonal cooking is both bold and delicate. Japanese flavors and ingredients inflect many of her dishes; on one visit, there were baked carrots with hazelnut and Nikka Black whiskey foam; blue mackerel marinated in the salts of smoked Lapsang Souchong tea, served with celery risotto and brightened with bergamot; and Wellington style veal with anchovy filets, Swiss chard from Provence and English Stilton. And for dessert, a highlight: a whole pear with cocoa pebbles and candied pear, mint cream, and chestnut cream.

Vivant 2 Arrow

Originally opened in 2011 by the young and incredibly talented Pierre Touitou, Vivant 2 is now a showcase for chef Léo Dauvergne to hold court from his small kitchen behind the long marble bar. The lighting goes from soft to moody in the span of the first service, which encourages more of the schmoozing you had already casually begun to engage in with your neighbors. By the time it fills up, the space feels intimate, even a little steamy. But that's why it's magical. The liveliness starts slow and measured, reaching a crescendo by 9:30 p.m., at which point the team is moving to the music as they slice, dice, stir, and serve. Shareable, seasonal dishes define the menu here, and go big on seafood and meat (sometimes, paired together as with the beef tongue, Breton sea urchin, and black truffle dish during the winter). But there are enough veggie-forward options to satisfy all tastes. One recurring dish to look out for is the melt-in-your-mouth onion with juniper and Taggiasca olives.

Le Baratin Arrow

On the surface, the food could be considered typical. But once the, say, joue de boeuf (beef cheek) arrives and immediately melts in your mouth, you'll understand what all of the fuss is about. Since there isn’t much in the way of atmosphere, Le Baratin is best reserved for those who can appreciate simple, authentic dining experiences. It’s fairly quiet, too, so if you’re after good conversation over an excellent meal—be it with the parents, that college friend you haven’t seen in a decade, or a co-worker—this is a safe and solid choice.

ÅKE - Table & Vin Arrow

This restaurant just off Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10th arrondissement, feels like a breath of fresh air. It's a shared, seasonal-plates spot with a limited selection, so we're going to go ahead and suggest you just order the whole menu (if you're not alone, of course). From mixed-mushroom gnocchi in a parsley jus, to pork shoulder with soy dressing, you'll only want more of everything. Do not, under any circumstances, skip chef Linda Granebring's pavlova—meringue paired with cream, caramel, and candied ginger—if it's on offer. Even if you think you're not into something (like, say, meringue) Granebring will change your mind.

Le Chardenoux Arrow

This newly restored Belle Epoque-era dining room in a trendy corner of the 11th arrondissement attracts well-heeled locals who know they're also about to throw down for a memorable meal. Prior to celebrity chef Cyril Lignac taking over the restaurant in 2014, it was predominantly seafood-focused; nowadays, the cocktail bar itself is so inviting that you could easily come for a cocktail and not even eat. That said, there's poké, crispy sushi, and meats like satay-marinated chicken and a very good hamburger (the bun alone is worth the calories); highlights are the mussels gratin and the avocado-covered crab served atop a crusty cracker. Don't skip dessert, because Monsieur Lignac is known for his pastries; while some may say his Baba au Rhum is the best in Paris, he also knows how to keep things simple, like with a bowl of naturally sweet strawberries topped with meringue crumbles and vanilla cream.

yam'Tcha Arrow

It can be challenging to book a table here ever since the chef was featured on her own Netflix episode of “Chef’s Table” —often requiring a month advance even for lunch. But a true harmony of Asian ingredients and French cooking methods make Yam'tcha worth planning around; there is a sort of unifying that goes on at Adeline Grattard’s Michelin-starred (and much-loved) table. You might be served Chanterella Mushroom with oca potatoes and sweet chives in chili fuyu broth, a Stilton and Morello cherry steamed bao bun, or shrimp chips alongside pork wonton soup. The only thing left to decide is whether to go for the wine or tea pairing.

Miznon Arrow

The idea here is Israeli food with a French twist. Generally, everything comes in or with the softest, most plump pita you’ll taste outside Israel. There’s a ton of vegetarian options, too, whether it’s their famous whole-roasted cauliflower, simple baked sweet potato, or ratatouille. Whether you stuff it inside one of those piping hot pitas or go carb-free, the choice is yours—and you can never go wrong.

Le Rigmarole Arrow

One of the most unique tasting menus in town can be found on a quiet street in the 11th arrondissement—the same neighborhood where all of the city's most epoch-defining neo bistros and contemporary restaurants, such as Le Châteaubriand and Septime, have gotten their start—in a blink-and-you-miss-it space. There is warm, dim lighting and a smattering of simple wood tables but the best seats for solo diners or duos are those right at the long counter where the chef-couple Robert Compagnon and Jessica Yang (who met working for Guy Savoy in Paris) preside over an open kitchen with a binchotan grill. The menu des chefs might read like a shopping list–pigeon, oysters, salmon, mackerel, endive, leek–but these are the ingredients that will be grilled and served one at a time. Among the non-grilled dishes, there may be fresh pastas, tartare, and almost always a butternut beignet.

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The 37 best restaurants in Paris right now

By Eleanor Aldridge

From romantic restaurants to Michelin-star spots, these are the best restaurants in Paris to book, according to our editors and trusted Parisian foodies. Below, you'll find the Paris restaurants everyone's talking about right now, as well as the old classics we keep going back to for classic steak frites, fine dining, Vietnamese cooking and more.

How we choose the best restaurants in Paris

Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a  Condé Nast Traveller  journalist who knows the destination and has eaten at that restaurant. When choosing restaurants, our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We're always looking for stand-out dishes, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve.

Dish to order: rutabaga and pink radishes

Take the sought-after roving chef Manon Fleury, a predominantly woman-led team, a plant-focused culinary ethos, and an earthy and bright interior, and you have Datil – the talented young chef’s first restaurant, located in the north Marais. Fleury has always given locally sourced produce the starring role in her cooking, treating meat and fish as condiments. But here, dishes are more than just the sum of their sustainable parts; they come out of the semi-open kitchen-like artistic compositions meant for reflection. The menu shifts seasonally, but standouts have included rutabaga and pink radishes layered with garlic cream, almond, harissa, and thinly sliced scallops, as well as a celery and mushroom consommé-congee mashup sprinkled with a few comestible flowers. Lindsey Tramuta

Address: Datil, 13 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris, France Website: datil-restaurant.fr

2. Marsan par Hélène Darroze

Dish to order: Gilthead bream with Colonnata back fat, Paris cep and black truffle

The smart Left Bank address – a short-ish walk over the river from many other restaurants here – hasn’t changed, nor have its regulars. But Marsan by Hélène Darroze (who has three Michelin stars for her London outpost at The Connaught Hotel ) is relatively new, opening in 2019 as a fresh incarnation. The name is a tribute to her home region of Landes, and there’s no doubting the sincerity of her attachment to the southwest and its flavours. The tasting menu served at the chef’s table (get your hair done – they’re looking at you too) name-checks Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Périgord, as well as her brother and grandfather. Tiny appetisers might include beautifully crafted crisps of chicken skin packing a foie-gras flavour bomb or miniature goat’s cheese pastries, light as air. A starter of sea urchin, caviar and cauliflower is disarmingly creamy; gilthead bream with Colonnata back fat, Paris cep and black truffle is a major savoury mouthful; robustly thyme-scented baby lamb from the Pyrenees is a restrained showstopper. Frequent tableside drizzling and grating means you must concentrate a bit, but why wouldn’t you? In contrast with the smart, mushroom-toned design that mops up any clanking of bespoke ceramics, the food is distinctive, thrilling and vitally French.

Address: Marsan par Hélène Darroze, 4 Rue d'Assas, 75006 Paris Website: marsanhelenedarroze.com

3. Le Cadoret

Dish to order: Île flottante, crème caramel

The holy grail: classic French food, not too fancy, brilliantly well prepared and super value. Le Cadoret, opened in 2017 by chef Léa Fleuriot and her brother Louis-Marie, is a neighbourhood bistro with mirrors, terrazzo floors and a relaxed atmosphere, which its young owners have cleverly refreshed with a jolly blue awning, craft beers and an all-natural wine list (Loire- and Jura-heavy, and there’s quince liqueur from Domaine Binner in Alsace). The food, at a glance, might seem classic, but there is great skill in cooking a wonderful blanquette de veau or turning out an elegant tête de veau. Starters such as potato, fermented cabbage and haddock or homemade boudin noir are produce-led and delicate, and retro puddings (île flottante, crème caramel) are subtle, not sticky. The corner site is a short walk from Pyrenées Métro, with Parc des Buttes-Chaumont close to the north for a hilly walk after lunch.

Address: 1 Rue Pradier, 75019 Paris Website: facebook.com

4. Lolo Bistrot

Dish to order: Nduja scotch egg

Behind a minimal, wood-clad facade on a narrow, quintessentially Parisian street in the 9th, Christophe Juville and Loïc Minel have built on the success of their no-reservations wine bar with a seriously cool, neon-lit bistro. The short menu from chef Zac Gannat mixes fun and finesse in equal measure. A nduja scotch egg might lead to a pecorino-heavy veal tartare or sole in seaweed butter, with plats generally topping out at a reasonable €30. For dessert, flavour combinations get daring with their knockout caramel and stilton tartelette. Add in a smashing natural wine list (look out for Domaine du Petit Oratoire’s Jajatoès, an elegantly natural Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Viognier blend), and it’s easy to linger long into the evening, even if you’re perched on a stool overlooking the open kitchen. Outside, tables tightly squeezed onto the pavement in summer are all part of Lolo’s charm. Book ahead – and be sure not to confuse the restaurant with the original Lolo cave à manger , a 10-minute walk away.

Address: 53 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009 Paris Website: instagram.com

Dish to order: Giant veal chop alla Milanese

Simone Tondo took over this beautiful restaurant – a tiled, glazed corner inside one of Paris’s 19th-century arcades – a decade after its inauguration as an influential néo-bistro and champion of natural wines. The plates are still ultra-seasonal and the wines juicy and low-intervention, but the flavours have turned towards the south, thanks to Tondo’s Sardinian origins and his admiration for Nonna’s recipes. Lunch and dinner, seven days a week, are chalked up on the blackboard: start with sublime finocchiona – homemade cured sausage with fennel seeds – and vitello tonnato, or the creamiest burrata, then choose between a giant veal chop alla Milanese, a piece of perfectly cooked fish, and masterful pasta. There’s no wine list as such, rather the kind ministrations of Stephanie Crockford, who runs the front of house and pours interesting regional Italians by the glass. Racines is a piece of Paris history and perennially popular; note that it only takes 20 minutes to walk here from the Gare du Nord.

Address: 8 passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris Website: racinesparis.com

Dish to order: the raviolis de gambas entiers

Thibault Sombardier’s table d’hôte, hidden on an unassuming residential street in the 19th near Jourdain, is rather special. Don’t let the low-key atmosphere throw you off: this is far more than a neighbourhood bistro. The simple decor – bare wood tables, spindle-backed chairs and big picture windows – only serves to let the plates shine. Ingredients are always front and centre, the seafood exceptional: razor clams swim in a buttery sauce spiked with chilli and topped with a pine nut breadcrumb; scallops sing atop a risotto de fregola accompanied by unexpected florets of romanesco; prawn dumplings (the raviolis de gambas entiers), each encasing a whole prawn, meet basil, freshly podded peas and a delicate bisque. Foams are used judiciously as a finishing veil, never technique for the sake of technique, while on the side, there are thick slabs of crusty sourdough to tear up and dredge through every last pool of sauce. Course after course, colours pop against handmade glazed ceramics. It’s fair to say Mensae is a bit of a closely guarded local favourite. Come at lunch for the excellent-value formule, when the atmosphere is at its most relaxed.

Address: 23 rue Melingue, 75019 Paris Website: instagram.com

7. Early June

Dish to order: The recommendation of the day

The young owners of this wine bar and shop, a former wig emporium next to the Canal Saint-Martin, work hard to create a light and, in their words, joyful atmosphere. Like its more venerable vinous neighbour, Le Verre Volé, their natural wine list will have even the most ardent orange wine fans in raptures. –In the kitchen, Camille Machet and Victor Vautier host travelling chefs for several weeks or months, many launching much-lauded solo ventures across Europe. Depending on when you drop by, you could find yourself coinciding with the two-month residency of Swedish chef Joel Aronsson (ex-Fäviken) or sampling dishes imagined by Vietnamese-born Túbo Logier, who made a splash with his oyster agnolotti before going on to open Aster in Brussels. Sometimes, Early June acts as a staging ground for new projects; at others, it’s a space for chefs to experiment and let their creativity run free. Reservations are only taken for groups of four or more, so either turn up promptly for the first service at 6pm or after 8pm for the second. The bar itself is airy, with an open kitchen and concrete floors, as well as a few spots on the pavement to nab in, ahem, early June.

Address: 19 rue Jean Poulmarch, 75010 Paris Website: early-june.fr

Dish to order: Spider-crab bisque

Inside an ancient gabled shell of a building, incongruous amid streets dotted with tower blocks, this thoroughly enjoyable spot resembles an art installation (the offspring of Rachel Whiteread and Antony Gormley, perhaps) or a brickie’s dream after too many Pernods. Chef Sota Atsumi trained under Michelin-starred gods Joël Robuchon and Michel Troisgros before cooking at tiny, cool Vivant, then Clown Bar, where his duck pithivier with date and yuzu became emblematic of the bistronomie of the 2010s. Maison sees him turning away from shouty casual dining towards a more elevated experience, marked by warm, communicative service and a vividly seasonal, produce-led tasting menu. Lunch might kick off with intense, warming spider-crab bisque, then raw tuna with raw cream, kiwi and a bright turnip-top emulsion. Theatrical moments involving a pigeon dish in two episodes never feel overworked but rather generous and thrilling. Wines from the Alsace, Jura and Loire are listed alongside sensitive Burgundies and oxidative vins de voile. Single diners can eat at a counter facing the open kitchen under industrial pipes painted Pinot Noir red. Lunch is niftily paced and well priced, too. Maison is where the heart of contemporary Paris dining is right now.

Address: 3 rue Saint-Hubert, 75011 Paris Website: maison-sota.com

9. PavYllon

Dish to order: Comté cheese soufflé

Yannick Alléno's Pavyllon celebrates the chef’s relaxed re-imagination of French fine dining, breaking down the distance between the kitchen and diners with an experimental approach that’s as likely to draw on Japanese techniques as Italian ingredients. The prices aren't as eye-watering as at his two-Michelin star sushi counter, L'Abysse, also in the Pavillon Ledoyen just off theChamps-Elysées, yet casual here still means cushioned chairs, exquisite glassware and counter seating to see the full theatrics in a kitchen awarded a Michelin star. Here's an indulgent way to round off a morning taking in the Petit Palais' latest exhibition. Delicate breadsticks dipped in artichoke sauce combine rustic France with an elevated Parisian flair and successfully set the tone, as does the Duval-Leroy Champagne from Vertus. The silky textured steamed Comté cheese soufflé leaves an indelible impression, as does the rich pigeon breast, artfully placed on a baguette slice. Creative twists on exalted French classics abound: black pudding and piglet rib; brill ‘millefeuille’; a spinach and smoked-cod-roe sandwich; sole chaud-froid with black truffle. Try the Château-Chalon, a yellow wine from the Jura in eastern France – a lighter consistency than sherry but the same thrilling kick – and the salted-caramel ice cream with Amarena cherries and roasted hazelnuts oozing out of a metal contraption and decorated at the table. Rosalyn Wikeley

Address : 8 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris Website : yannick-alleno.com

10. Septime

Dish to order: the tasting menu, with wine pairings

You simply can’t talk about the best restaurants in Paris without talking about Septime. It’s the one-Michelin-star that redefined the criteria back in 2014 – and has been near booked-out ever since. They did away with the pomp and circumstance of fine dining, switching white tablecloths for rough wooden two-tops and big Bordeauxs for natural wines, picking up an additional green star for their responsible, local-led sourcing and commitment to sustainable farming along the way. Lunch is five courses, supper is seven, each with a revelatory course-by-course wine pairing that might take you on a journey from the hallowed terroir of the Côtes de Nuits all the way to the slopes of Mount Etna. Each dish centres on just a few ingredients: meaty, barely seared tuna alongside a confit egg yolk; juniper-smoked beetroot enlivened by fermented red currants; asparagus bathed in a creamy nettle sabayon; scallops delicately balanced by slivers of kimchi. Each plate is only revealed as it’s brought to the table, the adventure unfolding over several hours. The only downside is that reservations open exactly 21 days ahead and go quickly. If you don’t manage to snag a table, you can still get a little taste of the Septime magic in their always-crowded  cave across the road, where drinkers spill out onto the street with glasses of orange wine and pét nat come rain or shine.

Address : 80 rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris Website : septime-charonne.fr

Jahnavi Bhatt

Anna Prendergast

Connor Sturges

Olivia Morelli

11. Le Truffaut

Dish to order: the tartare à l’anchois

A mention of Batignolles, the 17th arrondissement’s bougie almost-village, gets an instant nod of approval from every Parisian. Yet most visitors tend to barely give the  quartier a second thought. It’s a shame, as spots like Le Truffaut are well worth the exploration. This is the newer, bigger sibling to Le Jourdain in the 20th and is run by the same young, energetic team who decided to take their winning combination of reasonable prices and superb cooking across the city. Le Truffaut is a buzzy, light-filled space, dominated by the clinking of glasses and laughter of good friends, but what really keeps folks coming back is the food. They’ve developed a treat of a menu featuring plenty of French classics (oeufs mayonnaise, chou farci, mousse au chocolat and so on) as well as elegant modern reinventions. Steak tartare gets a bold anchovy kick, and shoestring fries, a beautifully crunchy nest of kadaïf adds contrast to a petit pois velouté and sweet potato makes its way into the crème brulée for dessert. Dinner is incredible value at just €37 (£33) for three courses, although it’s a shame not to add on a dozen oysters in season. For drinks, the wine list is short but well-chosen, heavy on the Loire, Savoie and Rhône.

Address : 89 rue Truffaut, 75017 Paris Website : restaurantletruffaut.com

12. EchizenSOBA TOGO

Dish to order: The seasonal soba dish alongside rice flour-coated fillets of mackerel

You may find your voice reduced to a whisper and discover an intense desire to meditate upon entering EchizenSOBA TOGO. The demure restaurant, hidden away on a side street off the Tuileries gardens, resembles a Japanese temple, with all-white décor and a long wooden communal table. Echizen specialises in soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles), handmade and hand-pulled in-house. As you slurp the broth from your brutalist ceramic bowl, pause occasionally, observing your fellow diners, each in a private reverie.

Address: 33 rue Saint-Roch, 75001, Paris Website: facebook.com

13. Pantobaguette

Dish to order: Fermented eggs with trout roe, samphire, and furikake

At Pantobaguette, conviviality is a promise and great food is a guarantee. Founded by a group of friends, Paul, Anto, Tom, Barth, and Gauthier (hence the name), this Franco-Japanese fusion tapas restaurant has an atmosphere all its own. Neon lights stud Pantobaguette’s walls and glow over the corner bar. Funky music wafts from a hidden record player (the chef also runs a record label), and waiters joyfully dance and swivel around their customers, pausing to recommend dishes and pair wines (and, sometimes, their favourite local spots around neighbourhood-y Jules Joffrin). The menu is unfailingly fun, running the gamut from takoyaki and elderflower tempura to sashimi with pickled strawberries and fennel. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner; come at lunch for their midi-only sando specials.

Address: 16 rue Eugène Sue, 75018, Paris Website: pantobaguette.fr

14. Les Enfants du Marché

Dish to order:  moules de Camargue

You’ll find Michael Grosman's no-reservations and previously daytime-only counter-only spot among organic veg stalls, florists and to-go bento stands inside the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in the city. It’s a bit of an industry favourite – and the food is far more serious than the hip but draughty setting might imply. Pull up a stool and get ordering. Seafood should be first on the agenda, the sauce the highlight of their signature Camargue mussels à la marinière in a silky gorgonzola emulsion. Utterly magnificent red prawns come raw with caviar and a splash of cream, while razor clams find harmony with asparagus, pickled mustard grains and lime zest. Heading away from the ocean, you might find elegantly plated and oh-so-pink duck breast with a red wine reduction or an entire Mont d’Or, baked to molten perfection. At least a bottle (or two) of natural wine alongside is de rigeur. Market dining has never been so chic.

Address : 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris Website : wixsite.com

15. Bistrot des Tournelles

Dish to order: poulette des Landes à la crème

Look no further if you’re searching for proof that traditional French cooking is in again. Few spots have been more talked about this year than Bistrot des Tournelles, a beautifully revived bistro tucked away just to the south of Place des Vosges. It’s the brainchild of Édouard Vermynck (ex-L’Entrée des Artistes) who has paired the wines of his home region, Beaujolais, with a menu of vintage classics. Behind the lacy curtains, the crowd might be cool, but dishes are big on nostalgia. Some, like the croque-monsieur with Prince de Paris, arguably the best ham in the country, need no introduction. The beautiful jambon also pops up in their cordon bleu, a French childhood favourite of breaded chicken stuffed with ham and cheese (here, a lovely comté). That’s before you get to the true big hitters: the poulette des Landes in a creamy sauce with morilles and the onglet with a sauce à l'échalote. Each comes with the side of your choice, mash, spinach or crisp, salty fries. For dessert, there are just three choices: chocolate mousse, crème brulée and tarte tatin. Could you ask for more?

Address: 6 rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris Website: bistrotdestournelles.com

Dish to order: Summer roll “of the moment” with homemade nước mắm (fish sauce)

If Paris is a jewel box, Banoi is the tiny, beautiful gem within. Helmed by chef My-Ly Pham, Banoi is a homage to Pham’s Vietnamese family and roots (bà nôi, which means ‘grandmother’ in Vietnamese) and just so happens to be one of Paris’ best Vietnamese restaurants. You can tell each dish is made with warmth, love, and know-how; every menu item is one of My-Ly’s favourites, each served to her during her many trips to Southeast Asia with her grandmother. Vietnamese banh-mi tartlets, Chinese five-spice ribs, and Thai Tom Yum coconut soup are excellent, inventive dishes that transport you to another place… However, the most delicious, unforgettable dish is Banoi’s speciality: Vietnamese summer rolls (rouleaux in French), which pay particular honour to My-Ly’s grandmother.

Address: 129 rue Amelot, 75011, Paris Website: banoi.fr

The best classic restaurants in Paris

17. Le Servan

Dish to order: Paris Brest

Born in the Philippines and raised in Paris , sisters Tatiana and Katia Levha opened Le Servan in 2014 to much acclaim. And judging by the roaring mid-week lunch trade, the smart neighbourhood restaurant is as popular as ever. Having trained in the Michelin-starred kitchens of l'Astrance and l'Arpège, Tatiana focuses on refined small plates, infusing sustainably sourced French ingredients with flavours from Southeast Asia. The creative and unfussy menu changes frequently, but seafood always plays a big role; expect to find combinations like pan-fried scallops with spinach, bone marrow, smoked vinegar or raw langoustines with a vin jaune cream. They’re renowned for serving veal brain, often spiked with unexpected flavour combinations such as chilli, Tahitian lime, or gochujang butter. There’s a choice of French cheeses or a handful of desserts for afters, but the Paris Brest – a choux pastry ring filled with nutty praline cream – is a regular. Reservations are only possible via email or phone. Qin Xie

Address: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris Website: instagram.com

18. Salon de Thé de la Grande Mosquée de Paris

Dish to order: Mint tea and baklava

There’s nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon in this hidden tearoom and cafe in the 5th arrondissement. In a courtyard at the Grand Mosque, this tile-covered, sun-dappled oasis is complete with singing birds and friendly waiters (so friendly, in fact, that you’ll forget you’re in Paris). It’s located just opposite the botanical gardens and the National Museum of Natural History, so this is a great pit stop after a day of soaking up some culture. Order a selection of couscous and tagines for lunch, or opt for a shot of sweet mint tea with sugary baklava. Charlotte Davey

Address: 2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005 Paris Website: mosqueedeparis.net

19. Bouillon République

Dish to order: the giant profiterole with glace au lait et chocolat chaud

In an enormous two-floor, wood-panelled dining room off Place de la République, a slice of Parisian history comes to life. Waistcoated servers weave between tables, their trays laden with onion soup, bœuf bourguignon and enormous profiteroles drowning in chocolate sauce. Bouillon République, along with its smaller sibling Bouillon Pigalle, reimagines the rowdy, warm and affordable atmosphere of the 19th-century bouillon with aplomb. Except rather than a pastiche, this dining culture is very much alive, with queues for tables snaking along the street and reservations vanishing weeks ahead. Little surprise when a meal here is one of the cheapest (and most fun) you can find in Paris. Just come hungry. For little more than €20 (about £17.50), you can put away three courses and a glass of wine. They do old-school dishes the best: œufs en meurette (eggs poached in red wine); steak tartare with a mountain of fries; comforting enamelware bowls of saucisse purée (sausage and mash). Bring plenty of friends to order rosé by the three-litre jeroboam.

Address : 39 boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris Website : bouillonlesite.com

20. Parcelles

Dish to order: gnocchis with beurre de sauge

Sarah Michielson and Bastien Fidelin have painstakingly restored this Marais bistro, preserving the character of its original interior – mosaic floors, old stone walls – by adding little more than grand, gold-framed mirrors and crisp white tablecloths. Fidelin’s passion for wine is just as much of a draw as the food, the cellar holding rare and cult bottles spanning Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to Ganevat. Dishes are fittingly elegant and beautifully presented: perhaps a meticulously assembled pâté en croûte to start, their version of vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal in a caper and pickle sauce) or veal sweetbreads in a rich jus to follow. Unusually for Paris, there are also some stand-outs for non-meat eaters, including delicate gnocchi in sage butter. Expect to spend around €30-40 (about £26-£35) a plat and be seriously tempted to go big on the wine list.

Address: 13 rue Chapon, 75003 Paris Website: parcelles-paris.fr

Dish to order: Mackerel with daikon, cream and shiso

With a lineup of Lillet bottles in front of a mirrored bar and rustic wooden tables covered with gingham, Buffet couldn’t appear a more classic French bistro if it tried. But when it comes to the food, the €37 five-course tasting menu is anything but. Wine-wise, it’s natural and organic all the way, but you can bet the flavours are no less daring. Qin Xie

Address: 8 rue de la Main d'Or 75011 Paris Website: restaurantbuffet.fr

22. La Coupole

Dish to order: Seafood platter

La Coupole is part of Montparnasse's artistic legacy, and dining here remains an experience. Even though it has lost its bohemian spirit, it remains a Parisian landmark, equally fitting as a backdrop for Chanel afterparties as long, lavish family lunches. In general, the food is so-so (although the oysters and other seafood are superb), but the setting is a treat. There's an undeniable whiff of glamour to the vast Art Deco interior, attracting Parisians and tourists and ensuring a lively atmosphere. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : 102 boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris Website : lacoupole-paris.com

23. Le Train Bleu

Dish to order: the blanquette de veau

Le Train Bleu is a genuine Parisian landmark. A historic railway restaurant built above Gare du Lyon for the Universal Exhibition in 1901, its glittering, frescoed interior is rivalled only by Versailles’ hall of mirrors. You’d expect such pomp and circumstance to yield poor cooking and faux authenticity, yet thanks to the culinary genius of Michel Rostang, Le Train Bleu is once again une très bonne adresse. A meal here is not cheap (count on at least €70 a head for food) but it’s the stuff Parisian memories are made of, chandeliers sparkling overhead as you’re sequestered in a midnight-blue leather booth. The menu is somewhere between French haute cuisine (think pigeon and foie gras mousse or cod with black truffles) and refined traditional cooking. There’s something particularly decadent about tucking into a roast leg of lamb or blanquette de veau, served at the table in a cast-iron pot, in this setting. Lounges hidden off to the side of the main dining rooms and stairs leading up from the station itself keep the restaurant’s original purpose ever-present.

Address : Gare de Lyon (Hall 1), place Louis-Armand, 75012 Paris Website : le-train-bleu.com

24. Le Grand Bain

Dish to order: Lardo-draped gougères

Bristol -born chef Edward Delling-Williams, previously of London stalwart St John, met French sommelier Edouard Lax when working at similarly nose-to-tail Paris spot Au Passage. These days, he might be more focused on his Normandy bistro, The Presbytere, but this tumble-down tapas joint in a Belleville side alley remains one of the city’s must-visit neo-bistros (one that inadvertently influenced Salon and Levan in London’s similarly up-and-coming south). The food may be more serious than the double act behind the venture, but the menu is fun, too: tomahawk lamb chops served with nduja and chard; endive leaves for dunking in a scamorza fondue; cheesy gougères draped with melted lardo; and a swirl of porchetta with ceps. The vegetables, sourced from organic underground farm La Caverne in the 18th arrondissement, are among the best, used in dishes such as fresh peas with Korean gochujang-paste mayonnaise and technicolour carrots dressed with nuts. Come for the cheesecake, but return to try the pastries from Le Petit Grain, its sister bakery down the road. Tabitha Joyce

Address: 14 Rue Dénoyez, 75020 Paris Website: legrandbainparis.com

25. Aux Bons Crus

Dish to order: L’entrecôte béarnaise

Les Routiers restaurants are more commonly found among the rolling hills of the French countryside; the label was invented for lorry drivers to distinguish the roadside restaurants that offered truly gourmet meals at accessible prices. Today, Aux Bons Crus is one of a rare few Parisian establishments to display the iconic sign proudly. You won’t find many hauliers here in the hip 11th, but you will find a hearty meal, charmingly old-fashioned red-check tablecloths and welcoming, down-to-earth service. Especially after a long day of sightseeing, there’s no better combination than the frisée aux lardons with a poached egg to start, followed by a slab of entrecôte that begs to be smothered with their deliciously unctuous béarnaise. Desserts are equally decadent: milles-feuilles, rum babas and crêpes suzette.

Address: 54 rue Godefroy Cavaignac, 75011 Paris Website: auxbonscrus.fr

26. Le Chateaubriand

Dish to order: The tasting menu

Basque-born chef Iñaki Aizpitarte has been called a revolutionary and is something of a celebrity these days, making it almost miraculous that he is still cooking at this time-worn local bistro whose spartan decor has remained unchanged for decades. Lunch (€65), on Fridays only, is a simpler, more conventional affair than dinner (€95), which is when Aizpitarte lets his imagination run riot, with smeared avocado sauces, beetroot foams, and everything deconstructed to within an inch of its life. This is the kind of avant-garde stuff that provokes involuntary gasps when it is placed before diners. Ingredients may come from Japan , Morocco or Spain , but the dishes are grounded in classic French techniques. The wine list is particularly good, with many bottles available at sister spot Le Dauphin, a mirror-lined tapas bar a few doors down. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris Website : lechateaubriand.net

Dish to order: Iberian ham croqueta

Taxi lovers, beware! You won’t be getting to Amagat by car. At the far end of an alleyway tucked up against the walls of Père Lachaise Cemetery sits Amagat (which translates to “hidden” in Catalan), a Spanish oasis inspired by Catalunya’s bodegas and taverns. Once you stumble upon the hidden eatery, be prepared for an excellent array of tapas, each dish a modern departure from their classic Spanish and Catalan ancestors. Start with marinated anchovies and a plate of jamón ibérico, then move onto clams with a zippy salsa verde or a rich, earthy dish of confit pig cheeks and morcilla (blood sausage). Whether you sit at the marble countertop and watch the restaurant’s talented chefs work their magic or have a more intimate evening amidst candlelight in the gorgeous green courtyard, Amagat will surely delight. The wait for a table can be long, so reservations are highly recommended.

Address: 23 Villa Riberolle, 75020, Paris Website: amagatparis.fr

Dish to order: Côte de boeuf (for two)

Deliciously tucked away in the 16th arrondissement, L’Ogre is a meat-lover’s triumph. Foie gras or smoky bone marrow are followed by enormous cuts of perfectly pink côte de boeuf, wagyu or black angus to share, sliced at the table and served on wooden boards with the fluffiest, crunchiest chips. The whole setup is delightfully French; vintage wine bottles line up along the central zinc bar, wonky candles drip onto red-and-white-checked tablecloths, and a fumoir cigar room is tucked away at the back. If you’re here for supper, try to bag a table beside the window – you’ll end up with a ringside seat for the Eiffel Tower’s hourly light show. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address: 1 Avenue de Versailles, 75016 Paris, France Website: restaurantlogre.fr

29. Amarante

Dish to order: foie gras

Christophe Philippe’s Amarante celebrates French cooking as it should be: ingredient-focused, rich and traditional. He knows his audience. If you like your meat lean, use of butter restrained and steak well-done, his website warns, this isn’t the bistro for you. Luckily for those of us whose eyes sparkle at the mention of foie gras and fraise de veau (part of the calf’s intestinal membrane), that means there’s a slightly higher chance of bagging one of Amarante’s 21 red leather seats. Not all dishes are big on offal, but all are big on flavour. You might savour a tender beef cheek with sweet, fresh peas, roast chicken with celeriac or pigeon and boudin noir (black pudding). Follow their suggestions for a unique bottle to match your choices, and you won’t be disappointed. You can walk off lunch, or dinner, with a stroll around the neighbouring Port de l'Arsenal.

Address: 4 rue Biscornet, 75012 Paris Website: amarante.paris

30. Robert et Louise

Dish to order: leg of lamb

It would be easy to walk straight past Robert et Louise’s unassuming entrance on the Marais’s Rue Vieille du Temple if it wasn’t for the smell of wood-fired meat wafting from the red gingham curtains. This restaurant has been here for more than 60 years, and although the eponymous Robert and Louise have moved on, their daughter Pascale and her husband still run the show. Inside, copper pans hang from wonky shelves above a huge stone fireplace in the centre, and mismatched wooden tables become communal at busy times. This restaurant might be featured in every travel guide going, but it remains low-key, rustic French cooking at its best; start with a plate of garlicky snails before beef rib, entrecôte, lamb leg or veal, grilled and salted over a smouldering wood fire. Portions are hearty – and reasonably affordable for the Marais location. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address: 64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris Website: robertetlouise.com

31. Brasserie Martin

Dish to order: poulet rôti à la broche

The Nouvelle Garde group have hit it out of the park again with this boisterous brasserie at the heart of the 11th. What could appear to be style over substance is just great branding: everything is homemade, from the mayo to the choux pastry in their Paris-Brest, and ingredients sourced directly from their network of producers. Spit-roasted meats are their signature, turning the ultimate post-market French indulgence – a poulet rôti (roast chicken) in a rich, salty and herby jus – into a restaurant experience. There’s also roast pork with dauphinois potatoes and lamb with flageolet beans, all to share, and Champagne to sip from cut-glass vintage-inspired saucers while you wait. If you’d prefer to stay with the time-honoured entrée-plat formula, start cold with taramasalata and crispy toasts or their cognac-laced terrine de campagne. There’s always a vegetarian main, as well as brasserie stalwarts such as choucroute garnie and a simply grilled fish of the day. Homemade ice cream or lemon sorbet, and perhaps a shot of limoncello, bring the meal to a refreshing close.

Address: 24 rue Saint-Ambroise, 75011 Paris Website: nouvellegardegroupe.com

32. Crêperie Breizh

Dish to order: Galette jambon cru (prosciutto from the Aldudes Valley, sunny-side-up egg, and Comté cheese) and a glass of dry cider

Usually, croissants, coq au vin, and Calvados hoard the spotlight when one thinks about French cuisine, but at Breizh Café, the humble galette steals the show. A Parisian favourite with an ever-growing number of locations on either side of the Seine, Breizh (the Breton word for the French region Bretagne, or Brittany) is the reference for savoury Breton galettes, made with buckwheat flour (and naturally gluten-free!). Each restaurant has its own unique menu, but you can expect crunchy-edged classics such as ham, egg and Comté alongside Japanese-inspired combos featuring wakamé or shiitaké mushrooms (Breizh Café also have an outpost in Tokyo). Pair your dish with any of Breizh’s excellent ciders, sold either by glass or bottle and save room for pudding – a sweet crêpe made with organic wheat flour from Brittany.

Address: 109 rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003, Paris (in the Marais) Website: breizhcafe.com

33. Le Collier de la Reine

Dish to order: oysters and a dry martini

Lupin fans, you read that right: this restaurant takes its name from the scandalous theft of a diamond necklace by Countess de la Motte in 1786, which later inspired the novel by Alexandre Dumas. That’s where the history lesson ends. Le Collier de la Reine is the latest invention from the Savoir Vivre group (also behind Déviant and Vivant), and this restaurant-meets-seafood bar is a spot to see and be seen. Perch at the bar or take a booth in the restaurant proper, where mirrors and stainless steel set the tone. The vibe is cool, not cosy; icy shellfish platters are the order of the day. Fruits de mer change with the seasons, but you can’t go wrong with incontournables like crab, langoustines, oysters , clams and sea urchins. To wash them down, a menu of natural wines meets an unexpectedly good cocktail list, featuring a solid vodka martini and negroni as well as a more adventurous tequila, nduja and smoked salt combo for the brave. There are some heavier, meatier plats, too – including a veal schnitzel and côte de boeuf – but the seafood is the reason to come.

Address: 57 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris Website: instagram.com

34. Nonos at Hôtel de Crillon

Dish to order: roast of the day

Nonos is tucked away in one of Paris’ most romantic spots, Hôtel de Crillon. The interior is palatial, and an ornate hallway leads guests into the hotel’s newest culinary experience. The atmosphere immediately shifts upon entering Nonos – low lighting, mid-century touches and pops of red are the names of the game here. Michelin-starred chef Paul Pairet is at the helm. With a French-style grill at the heart of his menu, Pairet focuses on creating an informal atmosphere accompanied by creative yet classic dishes. We start with Pairet’s take on Tzatziki paired with fresh focaccia and cheese soufflé that melts in your mouth. We indulge in the roast of the day, which is rich in flavour from the Teriyaki marinade and perfectly cooked. Pudding is a tart raspberry soufflé that I like to think of as a fluffy cloud of tastiness. When you’re done, be sure to head out and walk down to the Seine to take in the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower at night.

Address: 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France Website: Nonos & Comestibles

35. La Poule Au Pot

Dish to order: Charolais beef fillet

It is said that the previous owner of this Les Halles institution anointed star chef Jean-François Piège as his successor, having snubbed every other approach. So it was that much-garlanded Piège, who runs a handful of restaurants in the area with his wife Elodie, took on the historic doll’s-house-like building, ripping out the café curtains and old wallpaper, giving it all a good scrub and polishing the little brass plaques that name-drop all the music stars who have nibbled the baba au rhum here (Motörhead, Tricky, Nu Shooz). But for the most part, La Poule au Pot feels exactly as it always did, preserved for the nation, and the menu of cuisine bourgeoise, plated up family-style, is intact, if elevated in terms of both produce and pricing. Classic onion soup is served daily, even in a heatwave, and snails, frogs’ legs and bone marrow make consistent appearances. Big-hitting mains include Charolais beef fillet and fabulous poached chicken; puddings are flawless, generous, old-school treats. La Poule au Pot is comfortingly beyond cool, yet only retro on paper, thanks to the dynamism of team Piège.

Address: 9 rue Vauvilliers, 75001 Paris Website: lapouleaupot.fr

36. Le Bistro Paul Bert

Dish to order: Scallops followed by steak au poivre

Rue Paul Bert will always be one of the most talked-about restaurant streets in Paris, home to Sylvain Sendra's fantastic, if tiny, bistro Le Temps au Temps; the retro-funky Unico, in a preserved 1970s butcher's shop; and Bistrot Paul Bert, the pick of the bunch. The fact that it was once a butcher's shop and then a bar (judging by the motley floorings and tiles, it has seen various other incarnations in its long lifetime) only adds to the atmosphere. The presentation of dishes is ultra-simple, but a kitchen so obviously on top of its game and so well served by its suppliers can get away with it. The milk-fed pork, for instance, is slow-cooked with apricots, prunes and almonds until spoon-tender and served with meltingly soft fried potatoes; steaks come swimming in a pool of pepper sauce, a mountain of golden fries on the side; and the signature dessert is the Paris-Brest, a colossal ring of choux pastry with a rich, praline-cream filling. The three-course lunch for €24 is one of the city's great dining bargains. Next door is the BPB's sister seafood restaurant, the equally seductive, though necessarily pricier, L'Ecailler du Bistrot. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris Website: instagram.com

Dish to order : the agneau de lait to share

Elmer, just like the fictional elephant of the same name, is rather remarkable. Modern French dining is done differently here, with sharp yet truly warm service, super-pretty plating and a spotlight-lit dining room decorated with little more than a few accents of yellow-and-grey geometric tiling. It couldn’t feel further from the nearby chaos of Place de la République. Chef Simon Horwitz, who arrived at Elmer after stints at Pierre Gagnaire and adventures in Melbourne, Kyoto and Lima, changes the menu regularly. Expect clean, fresh flavours and plenty of artistry. At lunch, the entrée-plat-dessert combo is a must. You might begin with a delicate beetroot ravioli, move on to skate wing meunière and finish with a citrusy financier crowned by a caramel tuile and paired with a lemon-tarragon sorbet. In the evening, meat takes centre stage. A duck heart tart is a perfect opener before the beautifully roasted agneau de lait (milk-fed suckling lamb), served to share between two. It’s also well worth sneaking in a cheese course before dessert. If you want to go all-out, you can privatise the table du chef with friends; bespoke menus start at €75 (about £65).

Address : 30 rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 75003 Paris Website : elmer-restaurant.fr

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9 Legendary Paris Restaurants That Live Up to the Hype

Here's which iconic Paris restaurants are worth including in your itinerary.

Vicki Denig is a freelance wine and travel journalist who divides her time between New York and Paris. She is a certified wine specialist who has worked in the wine trade since 2013.

It's no secret that Paris is full of spectacular places to dine. As much as we love exploring new-to-the-scene Paris restaurants, sometimes traditional French comfort food is exactly what the doctor ordered, and where better to get your fill than at one of the city's most classic establishments? We've put together a list of the most iconic places to eat in the City of Lights. Don't worry if you can't hit all of these Paris restaurants in one visit; keep this list handy for repeat visits. Because as Audrey Hepburn famously said: Paris is always a good idea.

La Tour d'Argent

One of the oldest restaurants in Paris, La Tour d'Argent's roots date back to 1582, when it first operated as an inn. Over the centuries, the restaurant became a favorite of nobles, royals, and wealthy individuals alike. Although the meal will still cost you, the experience promises to be unforgettable. Best known for its stunning views of Notre Dame and Ile Saint-Louis (as well as its Bible-like wine list), this classic French favorite overseen by Michelin-starred chef Philippe Labbé is simply unmissable. 19 Quai de la Tournelle

Le Train Bleu

While dining in train stations generally evokes memories of takeaway containers and cardboard coffee cups, a visit to Le Train Bleu couldn't be more elegant. First opened in 1901, this former Buffet de la Gare hosted artists, actresses, and clothing designers alike, from Coco Chanel to Salvador Dali. Today, the restaurant's stunning interior features sparkling chandeliers and intricately painted ceilings, as well as massive windows overlooking the swarms of train-bound travelers in the station below. À la carte and set menus are available for all three meals of the day; we can't think of a better way to instantly upgrade a travel day. Pl. Louis-Armand

Le Café de la Paix

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Paris' famous opera house (and constructed by the very same architect, Charles Garnier), this breathtaking Right Bank restaurant has been an absolute must-visit since its opening in 1862. Expect classic favorites such as foie gras, côte de veau, and lamb shoulder served alongside elegant paintings and an overall jaw-dropping interior design. For fresh seafood lovers, Le Café de la Paix's extravagant raw bar is unforgettable. Past regulars include Oscar Wilde and Emile Zola, and don't be surprised if you recognize the establishment's famous dining room from a handful of quintessential Paris-based films. 5 Pl. de l'Opéra

Café de Flore

Marc Piasecki / Getty Images

Frequented by the likes of Picasso, Sartre, and Gertrude Stein, this famous Left Bank institution is beloved for its quaint Saint-Germain location and expansive outdoor terrace perfect for people-watching. Menu favorites include a variety of green salads, omelets, and other classic bistro fare. Café de Flore is one of the only spots on this list where heading over for a simple pint, glass of wine, or p'tit café is totally acceptable, no food required. 172 Bd Saint-Germain

Le Fouquet's

Conveniently located on the lively Champs Elysées, Le Fouquet's has been a Paris institution since 1899. Boasting picture-perfect views of the Arc de Triomphe, this beloved French favorite (frequented by ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy) is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. Expect pristinely cooked meats, fresh fish, and perfectly executed vegetables served up in a luxurious brasserie setting on the ground floor of the celebrated Hotel Barrière. Whether catching a film at the Gaumont or simply taking a break from high-end shopping, Le Fouquet's offers the perfect Parisian reprieve. 99 Av. des Champs-Élysées

L'Arpège

Vegans and vegetarians, listen up — this may just be the absolute best meal of your life. Spearheaded by chef Alain Passard, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant has been a benchmark for produce-focused dining since its founding year of 1986. Previously known as L'Archestrate, chef Passard purchased the restaurant from Alain Senderens during the mid-1980s, changed it to L'Arpège, and has maintained its three-star status since 1986. Seasonal menu items are created and based around Passard's own-grown produce, cultivated in gardens across France. L'Arpège is regularly lauded as one of the best restaurants in Paris, and upon visiting, you'll quickly realize why. 84 Rue de Varenne

La Closerie des Lilas

Similar to Café de Flore, La Closerie des Lilas is best known for its high-profile clients of yesteryear, many of whom ran in the writer, philosopher, and overall creative circles — think Hemingway, Verlaine, and Picasso. Located on the Boulevard de Montparnasse and laden in greenery, this beautiful Parisian classic is known for its shellfish platters and traditional meat dishes, as well as its extensive menu of homemade cocktails, including absinthe-based drinks. Grab a seat on the lofty terrace on warmer weather evenings, or simply enjoy the nostalgia of the red leather banquettes indoors for a more old-school feel. 171 Bd du Montparnasse

Bouillon Chartier

Unlike the other pricier institutions on this list, Bouillon Chartier remains one of the most affordable meals in Paris. We're talking 2€ entrées, 10€ main courses — meat and fish included — and a number of budget-friendly vins de table, available in glass, bottle, and carafe formats. With locations at République, Pigalle, Montparnasse, and the original (best) Grands Boulevards, these iconic dining rooms boast high ceilings, Art Deco-inspired interiors, and a slew of traditional dishes that promise to leave your stomach — and wallet — full. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, a trip to one of the buzzy Bouillons is simply unforgettable. Multiple locations

Chez Georges

Located just steps away from the Palais Royal and Jardin des Tuileries, Chez Georges is the ideal place for traditional French fare served up against classic wood-paneled decor. Expect hearty classics such as leg of lamb and beef tartare to grace the restaurant's belly-warming menu offerings, plus a variety of French wines to boot. In the hustle and bustle of the restaurant's Sentier neighborhood, Chez Georges offers a blast from the past in one of the most fun and flavorful ways, white tablecloths and customary French service included. 1 Rue du Mail

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The Best Restaurants For When You’re Visiting Paris

photo credit: Ilya Kagan

Sara Lieberman

March 21, 2024

Paris. City of steak frites, flaky croissants , and all the cloudy, unfiltered wine . You’ve probably also heard a thing or two about all the butter, the cranky waiters, and multi-course tasting menus. Maybe you haven’t sampled any of it yourself yet. Or maybe you did, but it was while studying abroad and you spent most of your time enjoying Europe’s lower legal drinking age.

Either way, the time has finally come for you to properly taste Paris and its 20 diverse arrondissements. If you want to see and eat it all, planning ahead is necessary. Restaurants are small and tend to have very short windows of operation: lunch is from noon to 2:30pm and dinner is from 7pm to 10:30pm, with the exception of all-day brasseries and cafes. And since most places only offer one or two seatings for dinner, reservations are key. 

Use this guide to make some decisions. Some of the spots are standbys, and therefore may already be on your planning spreadsheet courtesy of your friend’s sister’s brother’s recommendations. But we’ve also included new, buzzy spots and places serving non-French cuisine, for those nights when you might burst from eating another saucisson. 

CLASSIC BISTROS & CAFES

photo credit: Le Photographe du Dimanche

Le Bon Georges

This steak frites joint near Galeries Lafayette department store, and just below the hip part of Pigalle, ticks all the design boxes of a bygone-era bistro despite being relatively newish (it opened in 2013). There’s a menu on the mirror or chalkboard, wooden chairs, and wine bottles on display throughout. Beef is the big draw—ideally ordered saignant (rare) or à point (medium rare)—but expect other classically French dishes like asparagus in the spring and truffle-topped fish in the fall. Wine and cheese are also a focus, so save room for a nutty beaufort or a stanky bleu d’Auvergne for the in-between fromage course. Since they're open daily for lunch and dinner, it's ideal for Sunday or Monday visits when other restaurants may be closed.

Bistrot Des Tournelles

Ancient cash register? Check. Brass wall sconces? Check. Coat hooks hung so low they could’ve been installed for Napoleon? Those are here, too. You’ll find it all at this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it neighborhood bistro around the corner from the Bastille monument that’s perfect for an introductory (or farewell) traditional French meal.

Expect simple starters like crispy fried mushrooms and artichoke hearts doused in butter and plated with zero flair, practically-just-plucked sucrine lettuce served with a creamy mustard dressing, and mains like a fist-sized chicken cordon bleu. All dishes come with either thin and crispy frites, a whipped potato purée, or simple spinach. And while you’re the boss, waiters won’t hesitate to steer you towards what they recommend. (Fries for the hanger steak, purée for the Provencal beef stew.)

photo credit: Jessica Vosges

L'Ami Jean

If getting a close-up of the Eiffel Tower is on your agenda, then booking a spot at the nearby L’Ami Jean should be too. It’s a lively, rickety bistro with mismatched furniture and crooked artwork where the food is excellent and hearty—think roasted veal cheek and confit beef shoulder. The tasting menu includes smaller portions of the greatest hits, plus seasonal standouts like stuffed butternut squash and a foie gras-stuffed tuna belly “sandwich” topped with marinated melon.

No matter what, don’t leave without trying their famous rice pudding, which comes in a wooden bowl with a big serving spoon that you’ll be tempted to use as your own personal utensil. Go for lunch so you have the rest of the day to pleasantly digest, and make sure to book a few days, if not weeks, in advance.

Parcelles is another newcomer located in a space that dates back decades. You’ll get both charm and sophistication from the menu of French classics with clever contemporary touches, like the when-its-in-season chou farci, or stuffed cabbage, whose minced pork is injected with foie gras and flecks of pistachios. And if the starter of slightly-seared, escargot-style scallops topped with thin, salty slices of guanciale is on the menu, get it. 

Run by a young couple who’s obsessed with hearty, homestyle French cooking, this is white tablecloth territory, but a bit more fun and fresh, courtesy of the occasional Michael Jackson playing overhead. In other words, it’s a great place to bring your parents, but you can still show up in sneakers and jeans without them telling you to beat it.

photo credit: Yann Deret

Le Chardenoux

You could skip visiting Versailles or a performance at the Opera Garnier and still get your fill of over-the-top aristocratic decor by having lunch or dinner at Le Chardenoux. The hundred-year-old marble bar is just one of the remarkable relics inside this restaurant in Paris’ popular gourmand quartier, Village Faidherbe. There’s also the hand-painted leaf motif ceiling, etched glass windows, and ornate crown moldings. 

The fish-focused menu changes seasonally, but regular standouts include the crunchy crab galette with avocado and curry and the citrus salmon crispy rice topped with chipotle. Service is surprisingly attentive and almost downright friendly, and while the vanilla mille-feuille will be tempting, if you’re there during the day, consider a detour across the street to the chef’s bakery or the chocolate shop. (Alternatively, do both.)

Cafe De Luce

You’ll typically find these types of classic corner cafes near metro stations or at big intersections, with large terraces that spill out onto the sidewalk and chalkboards promising prix-fixe deals. The food can be iffy, but this spot in Montmartre is solid and has everything you want from a place like this: rattan chairs, leather banquettes, and classic French dishes like oeufs mayonnaise, tartare de boeuf, and a fantastic foie gras.

Stop by for lunch or dinner and order a fresh salad (a recent one came with squash and goji berries) or the duck fat burger served with not-quite-skinny, not-quite-thick fries. (If it’s not on the menu, ask for it.) Cafe de Luce is a great destination to rest and refuel before or after hiking up and down the neighborhood’s many staircases or hidden cobblestoned passageways that lead to the Sacré Coeur cathedral or the Moulin Rouge cabaret, especially since it’s open for continuous service on the weekend.

NON-TRADITIONAL & TRENDY

photo credit: Jackie Gillum

Owned and operated by the same people behind Septime (which is notoriously hard to get into, hence its absence from this list), Clamato is a superb alternative, though it’s a wholly different experience. The menu is à la carte, for one, and almost entirely made up of seafood, like raw cuttlefish with sesame and chili, ceviche with squash and coriander, and plenty of oysters. Order a bottle of something sparkling, a dozen oysters, and see where the day or night takes you. This place is walk-ins only and we like it for both lunch and dinner.

Tekès, which means ceremonial in Hebrew, is from the same Israeli team behind Shabour , Shosh, the now-closed Balagan, and the new Boubalé. This is their vegetarian-only restaurant that serves creative dishes like yellow and purple beetroot kabobs, fried gnocchi drenched in curry, and mushroom and egg “foie de volaille” that lacks both foie and volaille. 

Sop up every last schmear with their fantastic bread, along with a celebratory shot of Arak with your server. This multi-room restaurant, with its desert-meets-souk vibe, is big for Paris standards, so while we always recommend booking in advance, you could swing by and take a chance if you’re in the area.

This studio-sized restaurant with a mint green facade has become so popular that it books up weeks in advance (you can join the waitlist, but there are no guarantees). Generally filled with English-speakers and run by a French-Lebanese and Japanese-American couple, the sweet and savory dishes they make in their tiny open kitchen are filled with flavor and near-perfect in execution. 

Expect mains like line-caught fish or chicken that’s flavored with Middle Eastern spices, and desserts like satsuma mandarin almond cake and sesame halva cookies. While their lunch is most popular (they’re not open for dinner, or on weekends), we suggest breakfast between 9am and 10:30am. They don’t take reservations, but you’ll find the same superb quality in their whole wheat waffles or the granola with fruit, mint, and a dollop of homemade confiture.

photo credit: Pierre Lucet Penato

Les Parisiens

Palaces aside, the food inside most Paris hotels is not often worth sampling outside breakfast. (And even that meal can be questionable—you’re better off hitting up a local boulangerie instead.) But Les Parisiens, the spacious restaurant with velour banquettes and brass-edge mirrors inside the Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain Hotel, is an exception.

Classic plates like coquelet au vin rouge and quail vol-au-vent are tremendous (and priced as such). Take a date, your parents, or anyone you want to impress. If that person happens to be Irish or an English major, you can brag about how you booked a table at the address where James Joyce finished Ulysses over a €20 cocktail and the millefeuille.

Le Mary Celeste

International

Yes, you’ll hear a lot of English speakers at Le Mary Celeste, but we still enjoy this spot in The Marais for its laid-back vibe, great small plates, and funky natural wine. Expect dishes like creamy deviled eggs, bulots with wasabi mayo, duck tartare with tamarind and smoked beets, and plenty of oysters. Everything is meant to be shared, but if the plum tarte is on the menu, order one for yourself. This is a great, convenient spot for an early dinner during the week, or a mid-day meal on the weekends when they’re open for continuous service.

WINE BARS & SMALL PLATES

photo credit: Sara Lieberman

L'Avant Comptoir Du Marché

This is the most recent (and biggest) addition to the L’Avant Comptoir snack-and-sip family. While the two other locations near Odeon are known for standing-room-only crowds where you might end up elbowed in the face as someone reaches for the giant slab of butter on the bar, this one has plenty of space and even some actual chairs. 

But there’s still some edge in the form of a grumpy and impatient bartender who won’t pour tasting after tasting (even if you speak French), so come feeling decisive. Luckily, the small bowl of whipped tarama sprinkled with chives and basil pesto gets served with a semi-smile. Paired with a dense corn and wheat flour bread filled with flecks of sunflower seeds, it’s the perfect late afternoon snack when you’re hungry after wandering around St.-Germain-des-Prés.

photo credit: Camille Fermon

Rive Gauche is generally known for being pretty touristy and old-school, but Chez Nous is anything but. The long, narrow space with exposed stone walls, sharp steel counters, and a wooden bar makes for a great place to go on a date or with a group of a few friends. Prepare to be educated, but without the usual wine snobbery: the owners know their stuff and are happy to talk about the French-focused list that includes lots of by-the-glass options and a deep bottle selection. If you’re hungry, this is an excellent bar à vins for top-notch cheese or charcuterie, like thinly shaved slices of truffle-inflected gouda or a plate of creamy goat cheese drizzled in honey.

Terra Bar A Vins

Everything about this place screams classic wine bar: an oval-shaped, open-kitchen bar, wine glasses hanging upside down from a rack above, and bottles-as-decoration along shelves in the back. You should make a reservation, and while they won’t turn you away if there’s an open seat between bookings, you probably won’t be able to linger. Plan ahead to enjoy a crisp crément from the Loire, plus plates like fresh tuna tartare with a kick (thanks to some jalapeños) and a creamy lasagna you won’t want to share. This is a great spot for a date or a meal with a friend or two, but it’s not the best for groups, since seating is side-by-side only.

Aux Deux Amis

Warning: This mainstay along popular Oberkampf might cause you to make a major life decision. It’s the kind of Parisian hangout where you’ll refill your verre so much that before calling it a night, you’ll declare on your socials that you’re moving to Paris. (True story.) It’s loud, busy, and just the right amount of chaotic, though it’s a bit more chill during lunch when they serve an inexpensive prix fixe meal. But mementos in the form of wine stains on the yellow formica tables remain (and proliferate!), as do overflowing ashtrays on the tables outside.

BOULANGERIES & QUICK BITES

photo credit: Mamiche

This women-run boulangerie with locations in the 9th and 10th arrondissements is newer, and while it may not provide the Art Deco atmosphere you want for your grid, their bread and pastries are some of the best in town—especially the babka and cinnamon bun, which other, more traditional institutions don’t often make. 

Go after breakfast but before lunch (around 10:30am is good) and grab a turkey sandwich on a brioche bun and at least one of the €1 cream-stuffed chou before heading to the canal to chow down. And yes, the line is worth it.

photo credit: Wenkang Shan

Chambelland

Bakery/Cafe

Listen, you’re not going to find a croissant in this town without gluten. But you will find dense, delicious bread made with nuts and figs, seasonal tartlets oozing with lemon, apple, or pear creams, and other baked goods devoid of the wheat protein—and the best can be found at this charming bakery off of popular rue Oberkampf. Pop in for a quick snack in the morning before heading out for the day, or later on to grab some carbs that you can bring to the nearby Square Gardette. We love their mini loaves, or “chambellines,” and their shockingly moist and light rice flour focaccia with Kalamata black olives.

photo credit: Breizh Cafe

Breizh Café

Famous for their buckwheat crepes from Brittany, Breizh is a perfect inexpensive lunch or dinner when you need something light and easy or you forgot to book ahead. Traditional savory galettes like simple ham and comté, or sweet crepes like yuzu crepe that’s flambéed in Grand Marnier are terrific, but you could also go against the gluten-free grain by ordering one of their rolls. Instead of being served flat and open like a pancake, these are folded into a cylinder shape and then cut into pieces like sushi.

The Marais location is probably the only one of the nine in Paris where you do need a reservation because it’s so small. Others, like Paul Bert and Odeon, have more space and lovely terraces for sitting outside when the weather’s nice.

Mediterranean

If you’re wondering why L’As du Fallafel isn’t on this list, it’s because Miznon is better. Plus, there’s rarely a long line, and at Miznon, you get to sit and eat your stuffed pita at a table with chairs with some really fun, loud music playing overhead. The three locations of this all-day Israeli-run spot produce some of the best Levantine flavors in Paris on the warmest and fluffiest pita around.

We’re partial to the chou farci, but the spicy fish, lamb kebab, and beef bourguignon are also worth the mess you’ll make while eating them. They recently added a falafel sandwich to the menu at the Marais location, but purists should know it’s in patty form. Also, plan accordingly: They’re closed from mid-afternoon on Friday through sundown on Saturday in observance of Shabbat.

photo credit: Nora Hauber

Olga Vins Et Fromage

You’ve likely eaten a Sad Desk Salad at work, but have you had the Sad Train Sandwich? Let’s hope not. To avoid it in France, pop into this spot across the street from Gare du Lyon before boarding your train to Lyon or Provence. They’re open all day, with a handful of tables on the sidewalk and three inside along a banquette if you don’t need to grab and go. 

The midday meal is unbeatable: a baguette sandwich made with cheese from their display and a dessert of fromage blanc for €9.50. The options will change regularly, but on a recent visit they included gouda with homemade apple jam and pickled apples, goat’s cheese and tomato chutney, and ham with pistachios and burrata. No extras like lettuce—just straight-up fromage, one topping, and a complementary spread.

FINE DINING & TASTING MENUS

Maison Sota

Located inside an actual two-story residence off a side street in the 11th arrondissement, Maison Sota is from the Japanese chef who put neo-bistro Clown Bar on the map (and, subsequently, every visitor’s must-eat list) back in 2017. All the action takes place upstairs under a wooden gable and inside the open kitchen, where the chef can be seen using tweezers to top rose-colored beef with bitter purslane or just-barely-roasted vegetables with slices of lemongrass and daikon radish.

At €145 for dinner (or €75 lunch), this is one of the higher-end tastings on our list, but between the unique setting, spacious seating, and almost too-pretty-to-eat meal, it practically feels like a steal compared to fine dining restaurants of this caliber around Paris.

At Granite, the staff wear matching beige pants and white button-downs and the silverware gets its own handmade ceramic holders. But there’s nothing stuffy about this spot around the corner from the Louvre. The inside feels very country home-meets-contemporary art museum, with exposed beams painted white, suspended decorative light fixtures, and white porcelain plates shaped like bark. 

The three-, five-, and seven-course tastings (starting at €75 for lunch and €140 for dinner) feature flavor pairings like wood-fired scallops smothered in a smokey turnip, anise, and butter sauce, and a saffron and mango sorbet for dessert that might just be the star of the meal. With only 26 seats, it’s an intimate, quiet space where you can comfortably spend the better part of an afternoon or evening.

We’ll forgive the ‘90s decor (inexplicable modern art, stonewashed walls, etc.) because the food itself at Substance is representative of today. The degustation menu is seasonal, but there are two standout signatures: the amuse bouche bowl of whipped potatoes and runny cancoillotte cheese topped with trout eggs, and a sharp, creamy lemon tarte palate cleanser that’s presented as a paw print. 

The three-course lunch is €65 and the six-course dinner is €130. Despite its location in the posh and otherwise quiet 16th arrondissement, it’s a great destination pre- or post-visit to Place du Trocadéro for viewing the Eiffel Tower, or the nearby fashion houses and museum expos of YSL or Dior.

Pantagruel is a famous mythical character in French literature who “loves to indulge in epicurean pleasures,” says the menu, which not only explains the restaurant’s name, but how the courses—dubbed “chapters”—unfold. Each dish is actually three mini ones: The chef focuses on one major ingredient (say, leeks) and serves it three ways on a variety of striking ceramic plates. If it sounds very The Menu , it is. But it works, and no one will turn into a s’more at the end.

Added flair comes in the form of dry ice, nori, and miso seaweed butter prepared tableside, and a recording of “Pantagruel” that’s read aloud in the bathroom. Despite the small portion sizes, you’re still getting three mini plates of each course—at lunch, it’s three for €65, while at dinner it’s six for €150—so you won’t leave hungry.

Pierre Sang

Eating at Pierre Sang is like playing a game, where the goal is to guess what you’ve just eaten. There’s no set menu—instead, dishes get dropped off and you’re left to savor and reflect on your own. Once you’ve placed your silverware back on the granite plaque for cutlery, someone will arrive to ask what you think you tasted. Perhaps you thought you ate tender veal, but it was really pork filet mignon. Those “cherries”? Actually, they’re beets! Same goes for that carrot purée—it’s butternut. 

This type of experience isn’t for everyone, and you probably shouldn’t bring someone who’s a picky eater. Instead, show up with a date or friend who’s down to experiment. The non-pretentious servers—and the namesake chef, a French-Korean and finalist on France’s Top Chef —just want you to enjoy what you’re eating, and maybe understand it a bit better.

Suggested Reading

Where To Eat In Paris Right Now

19 of the most fun, exciting, and buzzy restaurants around town.

The Best Bistros In Paris

Massive chocolate mousses, chalkboard menus, french fry perfection, and more.

The Best Wine Bars In Paris

Where to pull up a stool, order a glass, or grab a bottle to-go.

The Best Bakeries In Paris

11 places to load up on carbs and sugar in the French capital.

The 125 Best Restaurants in Paris ($14.95)

Have Data, Will Travel: Unlocking the Best Connectivity Options and sim card france

Tipping in Paris: Your Guide to Who, How Much and When to Tip

A Foodie Guide to Paris: Where to Eat in Paris

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 25th January 2024

Categories Food and Drink , Paris

Last Updated on 25th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Haussmannian architecture, wide boulevards, and wealth of history aside, one of the best aspects of Paris you must experience while in the French capital city is that of the foodie scene and culture. From big brunches to sweet treats, here’s your ultimate guide to a foodie’s way around the French capital and where to eat in Paris !

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Introducing Paris, one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. If you’ve ever been to the French capital, then you’ll know that there’s no shortage of delicious places to eat and drink. And, while many people may have misconceptions about Paris, it must be said that it’s not just about French food.

If it’s your first time in Paris, then be sure to check out our guide on how to order in a Parisian restaurant (and get it right every time!)

Though there are truly some sumptuous places to eat in Paris, there’s also a fair share of mediocre experiences to be had and, over the years, I’ve had my fair share of both delectable dishes and meals I feel like I’ve wasted money on!

As a result, I’ve put together this guide for the very best food I’ve found in the capital so far (included you’ll find suggestions for every kind of meal and budget)…

Best Pizza: Sette

Best cream puff: dune blanches, best dougnuts: boneshaker, best truffle dish: gruppomimo, best historic bakery: stohrer patisserie, best afternoon tea: carette, best affordable french food: bouillon chartier, best ambiance: pizza popolare, best noodles: trantranzai, best vegan bakery: land and monkeys, best cheesecake: she’s cake, best affordable michelin star food: septime, best vietnamese restaurant: au vieux hanoi, best fondue experience: le refuge des fondus, best romantic dinner experience: a seine river cruise, best gluten-free restaurant – noglu, best places to eat in paris.

Visit for: The most authentic and delicious Italian-style pizza

Set close to Porte Saint-Denis, one of four historic triumphal arches which remain in Paris to this day, Sette is easily one of my favourite affordable eats in the city.

The speciality of this restaurant is traditional Italian pizza and the ingredients are fresh and tasty. The prices are not too high, making Sette pizzeria a good place for a fast bite to eat.

Those looking for a light and sweet bite to eat need to look no further than Dune Blanches, in the Le Marais district of the city. This pastry actually originates from the the Bassin d’Arcachon in the  South of France , where they were created by Pascal Lucas in 2007.

The pastry is a fresh chouquette case filled with Chantilly cream. Since its original creation, the pastry has proved to be so popular that it has been registered as a trademark since 2009.

At any one time, there’s the classic flavour, which is a light vanilla and then a changing ‘tourist’ flavour which can be a fruit flavour or the like.

Visit for: oat milk speciality coffees and doughnuts in ever-changing flavours

Founded in 2013 by professional pastry chef Amanda Bankert together with her husband, Louis Scott, the store in the  2nd arrondissement  is the first of its kind to bring American-style donuts to the French capital.

Each time you go in, there are different flavours on offer, including seasonal offerings at various times throughout the year. For example, September is the only month where you can buy the ‘fig and walnut’ flavour. All in all, Boneshaker Doughnuts easily serve up the best doughnuts in Paris.

Visit for: mouthwatering truffle pasta, a cozy atmosphere

One of the cosiest places to head to for those looking for a fantastic truffle dish in Paris is the Gruppomimo restaurant in the Batignolles.

The restaurant only has a handful of tables and so it’s advisable to book well in advance, particularly during the winter months when there is no terrace space available and so even less seating available.

As well as the mouthwatering truffle pasta, there’s also a truffle pizza for those who prefer truffle atop of a bread-like dish.

Having tried a large number of truffle restaurants in Paris  (including some which I didn’t think were worthy to be on this list!) , I would say that Gruppomimo is by far the best place to eat truffle flavoured food in the French capital.

Visit for: The oldest still-in-operation patisserie in Paris

Stohrer can be found along rue Montorgueil , a charming semi-pedestrianised street in the second arrondissement of the city. Founded by the man who is credited with bringing the iconic dessert of Baba au Rhum to France, is the oldest still-in-operation patisserie in Paris, having been founded in 1730.

Visit for: The best macarons in Paris , charming atmosphere , delicious hot chocolate

Though there are several locations for Carette across the city, the most iconic of them all is easily that of Place des Vosges , the oldest planned public square in the city and a location where Victor Hugo once called home.

I particularly recommend the ‘chocolat chaud’ which is served together with Chantilly cream and pretty much makes for the most (unhealthy) meal on its own!

Visit for: Cheap French food in a charming atmosphere

If you want to sample French fare but don’t want to drop a lot of money on dinner (after all, how can you be sure you like French food if you’ve never tried it before?) then you’ll want to head to Bouillon Chartier, which can be found in the 9th arrondissement.

Set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque dining room, on the menu you’ll find plenty of French classics at reasonable rates. The restaurant was originally opened in 1896 by two brothers and is called ‘Bouillon’ thanks to the fact that many of the dishes are served in a ‘bouillon’ (broth).

Visit for: beautiful decor, friendly staff, fast service

Though I haven’t had the chance to frequent the Big Mamma venue until recently, my friends have been recommending this pizzeria ever since it opened a couple of years ago!

Set across two levels, the place fills up fast, especially on weekends when foodie lovers are willing to queue for an hour or more.

You should note that few reservations are accepted and so you’ll need to head to the pizza place at opening time, if possible, so as to spend as little time queuing as possible!

Perfect for catching up with friends, or alternatively as a date venue (highly recommended by yours truly!) , I particularly recommend the truffle offerings by the Big Mamma group.

Visit for: Spicy Sichuan style noodles in a fun setting, fast service, friendly staff

Hands down, my favourite noodles in Paris are those to be found at TranTranZai, a Sichuan-style noodle restaurant with multiple branches across the city.

The noodle bowls are around €10-€12 and are the portions are so generous that it can be hard to finish your bowl.

What’s more is that you can choose the level of spice you have, meaning that there’s a spice level for everyone to enjoy. Vegetarian options are available and the dumplings are particularly tasty too!

Visit for: All of your favourite French sweets made vegan, light lunches to take away

Land and Monkeys have actually recently expanded and have several branches across the city. Step inside at any given moment and you’ll soon be greeted by the scent of freshly baked baguette and a wide array of sweet and savoury treats.

As well as all kinds of vegan wraps and sandwiches, there are the usual vienoisseries  (croissants, pain au chocolat) , and salads. I personally recommend taking your purchases to go and heading to the nearby Place des Vosges where you can enjoy a picnic style lunch while watching the world go by. For more meat-free options, check out our guide to the best of vegan in Paris.

Visit for: Delicious cheesecakes in unusual and unexpected flavours

Creamy, sweet, and oh-so -delicious, for those with a sweet tooth, a visit to  She’s Cak e while in the French capital is an absolute must. After all, they claim to sell the  ‘best cheesecake in Paris’!  

Located in the Le Marais district of the city, the bakery’s name is a clever take on the word  ‘cheesecake,’  and as you can imagine, this is exactly what they sell and specialise in!

Step inside the shop created by  Séphora Saada  at any given moment and you can expect to find a wide array of cheesecake flavours.

As well as the usual suspects like blueberry and vanilla, more unusual tastes on offer include orange blossom, Oreo cookies, a lychee/ rose/ raspberry concoction, cappuccino, and even seasonal offerings such as a Galette des Rois version for January.

I first visited Septime restaurant in early 2020 for lunch with a friend and certainly wasn’t disappointed.  Situated in the 11th arrondissement neighbourhood of the city, the One Michelin Star Restaurant is the kind of place you’ll struggle to get a reservation at but is  oh-so-worth-it  if you do manage to snag a coveted spot.

Founded by graphic-designer-turned-chef Bertrand Grébaut in 2011 and has since been awarded one Michelin Star. There is little choice when it comes to the menu at Septime.

Instead, you’re presented with a price and the number of courses you’ll receive (though there is also a vegetarian tasting menu available). Lunch-time is a surprisingly affordable five-course tasting menu  (for such a luxurious establishment)  priced at €65. For more information, check out our Septime Paris review.

Located in the deep heart of the 14th-arrondissement , a rather off the beaten path district in the South of Paris (Rive Gauche) , Au Vieux Hanoi serves up delicious meals in a friendly atmosphere.

. The quaint restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining space and has plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. I personally enjoyed the Chay Bún which has spring rolls and tofu.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Paris, then heading out for a fondue is always a good idea. Le Refuge des Fondus doesn’t serve up the best fondue in Paris but more than makes up for it by offering one of the most fun nights out in the city.

Take yourself out for dinner where there are only two options on the menu (meat or cheese) and the wine is served in baby bottles (yes, you read that correctly!) . 

Le Refuge des Fondus is located in Montmartre and has a fixed price menu. If you want to visit this Paris foodie location for yourself, then be sure to reserve a space in advance as the place fills up fast, especially on the weekend.

Now, I know this can seem a little touristy but I personally embarked on a river cruise dinner with my husband and we were really pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, ambiance, and just in general how memorable the whole occasion was!

If you’re looking to celebrate an extra special occasion (or someone), then I highly recommend taking an evening dinner cruise . The evening cruises take just over two and a half hours and include drinks, as well as a three course meal (with vegetarian options available).   Check prices and availability here.

For even more information, be sure to check out our complete guide to the  best Seine River Cruises  (for pros and cons and comparisons between the various tickets and cruises available).

If you’re looking for a gluten-free experience in Paris, then it’s worth noting that there’s now a handful of restaurants within the city centre that fit the bill. One of the most highly rated is Noglu (standing for no gluten), which has two branches; one in the 7th arrondissement and one in the 11th arrondissement.

On the menu, you’ll find tasty treats such as Croque Monsieurs, Burgers, and all kinds of tasty patisserie treats. The entire menu is without gluten and has all kinds of sweet and savoury options.

Enjoyed reading this foodie guide on where to eat in Paris? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Sunday 28th of January 2024

How can you not have best croissant in Paris?

Sophie Nadeau

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

I have a guide to that coming soon!

Shop The Paris Guide

Where to Eat and Drink in Paris

The French capital is filled with various cuisines, not just French food. This post is a complete guide to some of my favorite spots in the city of light to inspire your next trip to Paris and guide you on where to eat and drink in Paris. Some of these are the best restaurants in Paris, and others are off-the-beaten-path local spots that are the best places I return to year after year.

The below post is broken down into different types of meals and cuisines. Use the headers and skip to whatever is most relevant to your search. There is a Google map below , which you should find helpful when searching for somewhere to eat and drink in Paris based on where you are staying or visiting.

For more helpful tips on Paris. Shop The Paris Guide , a downloadable PDF with where to shop, stay, and explore in the city of light.

Regarding classic French dishes to try on your visit to Paris, boeuf bourguignon (great for the colder months), cassoulet, confit de canard, and even a simple omelet can be delicious.

To save money, try the lunch menu, which offers more reasonable prices, instead of the dinner menu at my favorite Paris restaurants. Order off the chalkboard menu for the best dishes using local fresh produce and the best ingredients.

The French eat seasonally, so don’t expect to see something out of season on a menu.

Classic Bistros in Paris

When I think of Paris, the classic restaurants are the first thing that comes to mind. They have tiled floors, big lights, and tiny banquettes—just like you would imagine Paris to look like. If you are headed to Paris for the first time or it has been a while, you might want to book one of these favorite spots. I narrowed it down to a top five list of my favorite classic bistros.

Chez Fernand is one of my personal favorites. It has a chalkboard menu, checkered tablecloths, and fresh ingredients. Tell Baptise I sent you.

Pastry Shops and Macarons to Eat in Paris

If you have a sweet tooth, visit Pierre Hermé for the best macarons. Pierre Hermé is a fantastic pastry chef. Skip Ladurée in my opinion. I love to take macarons and a coffee to Luxembourg Gardens. It’s one of the most popular places on the Left Bank.

Bontemps Pâtisserie Paris

Bontemps is a gem on Rue de Bretagne, serving beautiful cakes and sablé cookies with different fillings. The cookies are delicious and are an instant hit. I usually pick them up if I am going to someone’s house for dinner.

You can also enjoy the secret garden for tea and cookies.

Stroher Patisserie in Paris

The oldest Patisserie in Paris and is still in business. You will want to stop here for an eclair or Paris Brest. You won’t regret it.

Where to Drink Hot Chocolate in Paris

For hot chocolate, look no further than the classic Angelina café . It is an excellent spot for the first time in Paris. Kids love the hot chocolate but be warned that it is thicker than the usual hot chocolate you will find in the States. Take a short walk through the Tuileries just across from Angelina if you grab a takeaway treat. You can also enjoy hot chocolate in their dining room.

For a less-known spot for hot chocolate, try Plaq . It’s on a charming side street, and you can try and buy different chocolate bars. It is a bean-to-bar shop in the center of Paris.

My Favorite Lemon Tart in Paris

Lemon tarts are my weakness. I love the lemon tart from Sébastien Gaudard .

My Favorite Croissant in Paris

In the Marais, grab some buttery pastries at my favorite boulangerie 28 Beaumarchais, and enjoy an early morning stroll in Place des Vosges.

When you ask a Parisian about their favorite croissant in Paris, it is typically their corner boulangerie. They don’t travel too far to get their daily bread and croissants. If you are visiting Paris, you will want to make a journey to try some of the best croissants to eat in Paris.

Where to Eat Fallafel in Paris?

For another street food option, everyone goes crazy for L’As du Fallafel . When I returned to Paris in the spring, the line was over 50 people long.

I prefer Miznon , which is more of a local spot just across the street. They now have a few locations including one in the 9th arrondissement.

Also, in le Marais, on one of the main streets, Au Petit Fer à Cheval has terrific French onion soup. It is a cozy spot with a few tables. Chez Janou is always a favorite. Don’t miss the chocolate mousse.

There is a wine bar across the street called La Belle Hortense which is also a bookstore. It is a good place to have French red wine or white wine. Just order off the chalkboard menu for a variety of French wines

P.S. If you loved this post on where to eat and drink, don’t miss my top 10 favorite Boutique Hotels in Paris.

Where to Eat Breakfast in Paris

If I stay in an apartment, I prefer a run to a local boulangerie for a baguette or croissant. You can see my full list of favorite boulangeries here.

Breakfast at a local café will run you around 10 – 15 euros depending if you stick with the traditional breakfast or add eggs or meat. It is much cheaper than a hotel breakfast, depending on your stay.

A Typical French Breakfast

The typical Parisian breakfast isn’t much more than a pastry, coffee, or tartine (baguette, butter, and jam). You can find a decent set menu at many of the Parisian cafés. The breakfasts will include pastry, juice, and coffee. If you want a more extensive breakfast, they will usually offer the same breakfast with eggs or yogurt. 

Bon Bouquet Café : Grab a takeaway coffee here or join the line for one of the hottest brunch destinations right now. Try for a weekday brunch date if your schedule allows it; otherwise, you will be waiting a bit on the weekends. The menu will transport you to Bali and won’t be your average French brunch. Avocado toast, pancakes, and granola are all Instagram-friendly and delicious.

Bistro Vivienne : I only had drinks, coffe e, and croissants here. It is an excellent location if you are close to Palais Royal. I love strolling through Gallerie de Vivienne.

Carette is located in Place des Vosges, a beautiful tea room/restaurant offering pastries and food. You will want a table on the covered terrace for the best views.

Café Camille, pictured above, is a spot I have always passed by many times and wanted to try but never did until recently. I stopped here for breakfast on a sunny day in Paris. They were out of croissants, so I had a tartine with jam and butter and a café crème. This is a traditional bistro, so there was no craft coffee, just a large café Richards cup. Great people watching. You can reserve for dinner, but if you are having breakfast, you can walk up and grab a table.

Holy Belly – Order the Bourbon pancakes. I promise you will thank me. The line on the weekends can be long. Try to visit when they first open or try during the week. 

Café St Regis This is a great place to eat breakfast in Paris. They have incredible waffles, pancakes, and eggs. It is just on the edge of île St Louis with a great view of Notre Dame.

Le Pain Retrove  We discovered this bakery in Paris on our walk to Montmartre. All the girls tried different pastries and were very happy. The brioche I tried was out-of-this-world good.

Where to Eat Brunch in Paris

Big Love Café – The pancakes are out-of-this-world good, along with the French toast. There are no reservations. Arrive early, or you might be out of luck. I lived upstairs, so it was easy to put my name in. There are many places to explore in the neighborhood on a Sunday. If there is a wait, they will take your number. 

Dalia – This is a gem of a place, and mostly French people are here. You need to book a reservation as they are usually booked. I had the most fantastic brunch here, and the value was great for what was offered. It’s a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean cuisine, so expect pita, hummus, and a variety of meats.

Dersou – There are no reservations for Brunch, so expect a wait. The food is Asian-inspired and not your typical brunch food. Still highly recommended for brunch in Paris.

Holy Belly – Get the Bourbon pancakes. They are worth it! 

Where to Drink Coffee in Paris

Coffee has evolved so much over the last ten years in Paris. You will find traditional coffee at a café or restaurant and craft coffee. Craft coffee is popping up everywhere in Paris coffee shops. Some roasters are Paris-based, and some that are from Australia. Both are fabulous; you will have to do your research and explore what you like best.  This blog post  takes you through the different types of coffee and where to find some of my favorite spots in Paris.

P.S. if you are looking for a café au lait or coffee with milk, you can order a café crème or latte.

For my full list of Where to Drink Coffee In Paris. Check out this Post Here

Where to Eat Lunch in Paris

Bistro Rougement  This was a recommendation from Adele and Jules, and we all loved it. The menu was small, and there were a few rotating items from the chef. I had a butternut and pumpkin soup and tuna. It was very reasonably priced and had great quality and portion sizes. I would recommend it and eat here again.

Breizh   for sweet and savory crêpes. There is a new, more prominent location in Odeon with outdoor seating or you can go to the original site in The Marais. Expect a wait on a Sunday for brunch.

Carette – You can dine on the terrace or get sandwiches for takeaway and picnic in The Tuileries or nearby Place des Vosges. 

Café Charlot This is the place to be for Happy Hour any day of the week for great people-watching or on a Sunday for Brunch and beyond. Located in the Marais.

Cafe Mademoiselle   This was found on a whim as we had a group of girls and needed to find a table for lunch quickly. They had a table outside on a beautiful Fall day, so we grabbed it. The meal was one of our favorites on the trip. Fresh and delicious, and reasonably priced. They had a good wine selection and the staff was friendly.

Lunch Spots to eat in Paris

Caffé Toscano is an Italian restaurant on a side street in Saint Germain des Près, and the ingredients were all fresh. I loved my meal, and the prices were affordable. Don’t miss ordering the tiramisu.

Cafe Varenne A classic French bistro on the Left Bank with a chalkboard menu. It is an excellent location for Musee D’Orsay and the Rodin Museum.

Chez Monsieur   This was a recommendation by a work colleague a long time ago. We dined here together, and I wanted to go back again. I had my hotel make a reservation for lunch. They can fill up for dinner, so arrange it in advance. It is a classic French bistro. The inside is adorable. I dined outside both times but wouldn’t mind a cozy inside table next visit.

Dalia Paris – I had the most incredible lunch at Dalia and won’t stop talking about it as a recommendation. It is Middle Eastern. The flavors were incredible, and I loved my meal so much. My only regret was going solo because I wish I tried more of the menu. I will be back to try more. It is also open for dinner. You will want to make a reservation in advance as they were fully booked when I arrived and I had a reservation.

Daroco – the pasta is handmade and SO good. I had food envy when I saw the pizzas so you can’t go wrong. There is now one in the 16th arrondissement as well. This is a great place to eat lunch in Paris.

Lunch Restaurants in Paris

Hardware Societé A great option in Montmartre, which can always be a challenge for good food. They don’t take reservations, so plan an off time to visit for breakfast or lunch. 

Le Bimbo   This was a standout meal we had in Montmartre. Everyone was happy with their meal and the quality of the food and price was great. This wasn’t on the main street but it still had great people watching and good energy. I had the fish and was happy with my meal. I would go back for sure.

Les Editeurs  I love the cozy vibe inside on a rainy or cold day. They have jazz here as well. I have had a few meals here over the years, which has always been good.

Miznon  is one of my absolute favorites. It’s an Israeli sandwich shop that now has multiple locations. I always get the chicken pita. The tahini and pita are so good. They are known for their roasted cauliflower.

Pizza Chic – It books up quickly; arrive right when it opens to secure a spot. Don’t miss the tiramisu! 

Rotisserie D’Argent – This is a great place for both lunch and dinner. The inside ambiance is a classic French bistro with checkered tablecloths. In the warmer months, you can dine outside with a view of the Seine and Notre Dame which can’t be beaten. Rotisserie D’Argent may be the most delicious oeuf mayonnaise you will have in Paris. Make sure to order a coffee and something sweet at the end of your meal.

French Sandwiches to Try

If you want to save money on your trip to Paris, grab a sandwich at a local boulangerie from the case and take it to a nearby park. You can spot the good boulangeries around lunchtime with a long line outside Parisians doing the same thing. A formula, including a sandwich, drink, and dessert, will usually be offered at the boulangerie (bakery). This is the better value. Try a croque monsieur (ham and cheese), jambon-buerre (ham and butter), or saucisson (sausage or salami). There are traditionally pickles on here. For vegetarians, there will be an option of a tomato and mozzarella sandwich. They will typically ask you if you want it hot or cold.

When to Order Dinner in Paris

If you are looking for an excellent French meal, there are some main streets filled with restaurants and bars. You have to weed your way through some of the touristy spots for the best food. Just keep an eye out to see if people are eating or just drinking. That is usually my hint for what to order. These streets include Rue Montorgueil in the second arrondissement rue Cler which is close to the Eiffel Tower and Boulevard Saint Germain. Dinner time in Paris starts around 7:30 and finishes at 10 pm. When booking a reservation, you may be asked to do a first seating at 7:30 or closer to 9 pm. There will be late-night bistros serving food until 11 or midnight. That probably won’t be the best meal but there are places open.

If you are trying to find food late at night, a crêpe stand might be your best bet. Those are all around the city, tucked on side streets and main streets.

Where to Eat Dinner in Paris

Agata Pizzeria – I discovered this pizza spot around the corner from my hotel last year. It had just opened and I enjoyed dinner with my husband on the outdoor terrace. When I was back in Paris in October, I was looking for a dinner spot and I was craving pizza this spot still lived up to my memories of great pizza. There is great people watching from the terrace and the inside is a cozy spot on cold or rainy evenings.

Bistro Paul Bert – Classic French and so good. A must-visit if you have the chance. Order off of the chalkboard menu, and don’t miss out on the cheese plate at the end of the meal. 

Blueberry Sushi – You may not think to have sushi in Paris, but it is refreshing after a lot of heavier French food. I had the most fantastic meal at Blueberry sushi and can’t wait to return.

Chez Georges – Located just behind Palais Royal, this old-fashioned classic bistro will have you feel like you stepped back into time. Steak frites is my go to order along with a glass of wine. Make sure to book this well in advance as it fills up quickly.

Dinner Restaurants in Pairs

Le Colimaçon  is a classic French restaurant in the heart of the Marais on my favorite street. There is a chalkboard menu with so many choices. I had the duck that was made with roasted pears and it was delicious!

Cafe de Mars.  We had a lovely dinner here while staying at the Paris Perfect apartment. They have a chalkboard menu and rotating specials, along with a great wine list too. Café de Mars is very lively and vibrant. We had a late dinner and were one of the last to leave.

Casa Tua – An elevated Italian restaurant in the JK Paris hotel. You will feel like you stepped off a plane and landed in Italy for an evening. Romantic and intimate for a celebration dinner.

Chez André , This is my go-to spot close to the Champs-Élysée. I love the ambiance inside, it is romantic and old Paris. I could easily escape a cold winter day or a rainy afternoon here. In the warmer months, you can sit outside with a glass of rosé, and people watch. 

Other Spots to Eat Dinner in Paris

Chez Fernand Rue Christine  This is where we had our welcome dinner with 24 girls we had a great meal and the staff was excellent. I would recommend it and return for another classic French meal. This is one of my favorites and every meal is delicious and memorable. Expect to sit close to your neighbors and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Order off the chalkboard menu and tell Baptise I sent you.

Fountaine de Mars , is a classic French bistro that is on the must-visit list for a reason. This is a spot you want to book when you are close to the Eiffel Tower or plan on being in the area.

JM Table  I had lunch here when staying at Saint James, and it was a suggestion from the concierge. It was a cute and quiet place inside, not your typical French spot. The menu was small and rotated often. I dined on the later side of a Thursday and some of the menu items were finished for the day. I ended up having bucatini and octopus, which was delicious. The servings weren’t huge but flavorful and fresh.

Kunitoraya – This is in the First Arrondissement. They have great Udon, perfect for cold winter or rainy days. I love going here on a Sunday. There is typically a line but it moves pretty quickly.

L’Avant Comptoir – Standing room only, but it is worth it. The menu hangs from the ceiling, be adventurous and try something new! I always have a great time here.

Le Comptoir – The original restaurant where L’avant Comptoir was based. The menu can be similar. I have had the same dish in both places. For this one, you will sit and eat. No reservations are taken, so arrive right when the restaurant opens. 

Dinner in Paris

Le Relais de l’Entrecote – They only serve Steak Frîtes and they do it so well. You will have to order your steak how you like it, and they take care of the rest. I have never had a bad meal here. There are no reservations, so expect to wait in line outside. 

Mad Men ,  This was a recommendation by Pavillon des Lettres. It is a relatively new spot. I had a pizza and salad to share, and the portions were lovely and the price was very reasonable, including a glass of wine. This is also a great spot for after-work drinks or a late cocktail.

Maria by César This is located on Rue Montorgueil, a lively street on the Right Bank. There are tables outside and inside. If you can grab a table outside, the people-watching is fun. Inside is dark, and there is music which is a bit different atmosphere. I went with some friends last October, and we snagged a table inside without reservation. You can walk up, but you may have to wait a bit depending on the time of day.

Marco Polo – I have passed this restaurant so many times close to Odéon but have never dined her until recently. There is outdoor seating and also an intimate indoor option as well. I had lunch here with my fiancé and my friend Katie. We had a lovely Italian meal. We were perfectly tucked away enough to experience the hustle and bustle and enjoy each other’s conversations. It felt like we escaped to Italy for an afternoon.

Best Paris Restaurants for Dinner

Big Mamma Group. If you are craving Italian, which is pretty much me all the time. Check out the multiple restaurants by the Big Mamma Group. They are all over the city. Try the truffle pasta, and the pizzas are great too. They don’t take reservations, so arrive early. I recently ate here with 15 minutes to close, and there was still a wait. It is worth it!

Relais Entrecote  Classic French. There are only steak frites on the menu. The girls requested steak frites and I knew this was the spot to go and we were close by. It was a great meal and we got a table outside with no wait. They typically have a wait for lunch and dinner. When we left, there was a line for lunch. I don’t think they take reservations.

Semilla – I have eaten here twice and loved it. The fish dishes were better than the meat in my opinion. A great meal and highly recommended. 

Verjus – Verjus just recently reopened after being closed during the pandemic. It is a tasting menu that is around 98 euros and wine pairings are additional. They source ingredients from their farm an hour outside of Paris. It is worth trying for a reservation and a meal you will remember.

You can download this map and save it to your phone for your next trip to Paris.

I would love to know your favorite spots in Paris. Comment below and share! 

You can access this map on Where to Eat and Drink in Paris on your desktop or mobile by clicking this link. This will help in planning as you navigate where you are staying and explore any day in Paris.

Left Bank Paris Classic Cafés and Restaurants

I love a classic café for people-watching. Great spots for this in Paris in Saint Germain include Les Deux magots and Café des Flores on the Left Bank of Paris. These are some of the most famous spots in Paris. There are usually long lines to get in on weekends and peak times. For the best steak frites, if you are only going to do it once, go to Le Relais De L’Entrecôte. They only have steak frites on the menu and a salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette. They will write your order on your paper tablecloth. This is a classic Parisian restaurant, but it isn’t cheap so you may want to save this for a special occasion. For dessert, the chocolate profiteroles are insanely good.

For a fun place on the Left Bank that won’t break the bank, visit L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre. It is a popular place which you may find a long line. It is worth the wait and has standing room only! Order a glass of wine and a few dishes. The menu hangs from the ceiling and is filled with small plates. Get the blood sausage macaron, foie gras, and beef carpaccio. It is one of my favorite restaurants I always bring friends to for a good time. I have also been here solo, and I always strike up a conversation with neighbors. It is a lovely spot just by the Odeon metro.

This post does include affiliate links that help contribute to my coffee and croissant research. Merci!

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I would add Taiwanese restaurant called : chez ajia . It is located in the 4th. Waiters are very polite, nice and can speak English, Chinese and French. Food is somehow amazing !

Fabulous and so well described. You are so good at this providing such great info. Thank you and have fun and be safe.

Dinner i love Chez Francoise, great french food, for great italian food go to East Mama, bars and cocktails, the Le Festin Nu, and the L’Alibi. There is a great little piano bar near St Michel on Rue Huchette, tourist area, but great vibe in this piano bar very good singers and drinks and food.

Hi Michael,

Thank you so much for the great tips. I would love to check out the piano bar. Is it the one that is in LA LA Land?

Café St Regis is my #1 go-to. Especially great for breakfast after arriving (as you mention above). But lunch and dinner are also great there, as are late-night cocktails. I always try to stay in that area of Paris so that it’s no too far to get there 🙂 They have a great Instagram account as well! – Tony

My daughter is a vegetarian, so we went to Le Potager du Marais (hotel recommendation), and really enjoyed it.

Les Papilles (Latin Quarter, I think) is a delicious adventure, because you eat what they’re serving that evening.

Both need reservations – worth it! Both are very popular.

My son just bought the photo at the top of this page of Brasserie de l’Isle Saint Louis from Pottery Barn, for his apartment. He didn’t even realize that we sat there and had lunch on our last visit. He just loved the picture.

Thank you so much for the support, Ellen! I hope he loves the print and it brings great memories! xo

Your blog was so helpful for our trip to Paris last May. We absolutely loved Chez Janou in le Marais. Lively, welcoming staff, and delicious dishes! Next door to Shakespeare & Co. is Le Petit Chatelet – we paused for lunch there – the Coquille St. Jacques and profiteroles were excellent.

Thank you so much! I am so happy you tried Chez Janou. It is just the cutest and I agree the staff is fabulous. I have never tried the café next to Shakespeare and Co, I will try to check it out next time. There is a greek spot I love not too far from there that I love.

Keep in touch! xo Rebecca

Love the article Rebecca great recommendations!!! Love all your posts and articles merci enjoy your trip in paris bon voyage

These are all my favorite spots from my visit this past week. I am an event planner and spend a lot of time researching restaurants and all of your spots that i tried did not disappoint. But I have a few to add. OI loved Holy Belly 5 and Big Love but want to add Marcelle to that for a lite bite in the morning. Great coffee and pastries and lite breakfast items and adorable decor. Another great breakfast spot is Angelina.

I loved Cafe Charlot for brunch on Sunday and Frenchie Wine Bar for dinner. They have an amazing menu, fabulous wine list and play awesome tunes in a cozy little spot with an open kitchen. Absolutely one of my favorite spots in Paris. I also fell in love with Margherita. The salads, pizza and pasta are amazing as well as friendly service…but this venue is deceivingly large. Multiple levels and lots of cool private event areas!

3 fab dinners were at Kong (spectacular venue and decor by Philippe Starck), Chez Georges at the Pompidou center (awesome views of the city and delicious modern french cuisine)

Lastly, for a classic brasserie experience at Le Grand Colbert was fantastic!

Thank you, Danielle, for all your great feedback! It sounds like you ate well and experienced Paris to the fullest. I really appreciate you sharing all of your great discoveries with me.

At the top of saint Paul metro on Rue saint Antoine. Chimieres it’s a bistro. Always has loads of French eating there has a great atmosphere inside and we always enjoy the food and keep going back.

Thank you so much! I will keep an eye for it. It isn’t too far from where I am 🙂

Ellsworth is fab for dinner and even better for weekend brunch. The chicken is available at brunch, so you don’t have to feel like you’re missing out by not doing dinner.

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Where To Eat In Paris? 12 Must-Try Restaurants (Listed By Type)

I often get asked, “Where should we eat in Paris? What are your restaurant recommendations?” It’s hard to choose when there are so many, which is why I’ve compiled a short list of must-try restaurants in Paris that are sorted by type of cuisine or venue you might be interested in (ie. crepes, traditional French cuisine, soufflés, at a bistro or at a café with a view of the Eiffel Tower, etc). I’ve eaten at all of them and highly recommend them all.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission at no extra charge to you. It helps support the running of this website and I do appreciate your help.*

Originally published November 12, 2022 and updated April 21, 2024.

Table of contents

1. café with a view of the eiffel tower: café lucy.

• 2. Crêpes:  Breizh Café

3. Bouillons: Reasonably-Priced Classic French Cuisine

4. soufflés: le récamier, 5. provençal cuisine and a huge chocolate mousse: chez janou, 6. bistro: poulette, 7. bistro: le petit vendôme, 8. averyon cuisine: bistrot des vosges, 9. boeuf bourguignon: au bourguignon du marais, 10. meat-lover’s bistro: a la biche au bois, 11. oysters: le baron rouge, 12. bistro highlighting a market menu: les papilles, (a) not your typical food courts, (b) wine bar: 5e cru, (c) if you love cats: café des chats, (d) more crêpes: crêperie brocéliande, (e) meal in the eiffel tower: jules verne, (f) other restaurants to consider, recommendations for where to eat in paris.

My list of recommendations for where to eat in Paris covers a wide variety of dining types. There are bistros, cafés, bouillons, restaurants that specialize in regional cuisine, and places that simply have one focus (ie. oysters). In addition to being categorized by type or uniqueness, I have also provided a pricing legend to help you out. Many of these dining experiences took place during Trip #35 , Trip #36 , and Trip #37 .

$- Very Inexpensive

$$- Inexpensive

$$$- Moderately Expensive (norm)

$$$$- Very Expensive

I highly recommend you stop in at Café Lucy, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Musée de l’Homme. It’s free to enter and you just go up the stairs. They have a cafeteria-style service that offers sandwiches, desserts, coffee, and tea.

I had an excellent chocolate cake and Kusmi tea for 7.5 €. It provides one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. This is especially true as there is construction on Trocadero Place but you are high enough to see over the mess.

• Address : Musée de l’Homme, 17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre (16th arr)
• Website : https://www.mnhn.fr/en/cafe-lucy

2. Crêpes:  Breizh Café

(a) What Are Crêpes?

Crêpes are thin pancakes that come sweet (crêpes sucrées) or savoury (galettes). They come a dime a dozen in Paris and they are especially popular on February 2nd, La Chandeleur (Candlemas), also known as The Day Of The Crêpes. La Chandeleur celebrates changing from winter to spring and goes back to Roman times. But really, crêpes are a favourite year-round because they are typically cheap.

You can easily pick up a crêpe from a street vendor….but don’t. I suggest heading to an authentic crêperie that specializes in making Breton crêpes and galettes where buckwheat flour is used. [Note: buckwheat flour is gluten-free]. After all, crêpes originated in Brittany in the 13th century.

(b) Breizh Cafés

I first had a crêpe at one of the Breizh cafés a few years ago along the Seine river. They had a pop-up take-out booth and I had a delicious apple crêpe with a glass of cider. The Breizh restaurant group was started by Breton Bertrand Larcher and the restaurants are known for using high-quality ingredients, especially ones from Brittany.

One indication that this was truly an authentic Breton restaurant? They had pommeau on the menu. It’s very difficult to find outside of Normandy and Brittany so I was pretty impressed [What is pommeau? Check out this post: Pommeau de Normandie ]

Their galettes use organic buckwheat flour and their crêpes use organic wheat flour. I went to their Marais location and got a table for lunch without a reservation. I was lucky because soon after 12:00, there was a lineup. 

(c) My Lunch

I had a large pichet (50cl) of brut cidre (dry cider) served in a customary ceramic bowl, and the special for the day, the Complète Épinard Galette (sunny-side up organic egg, artisanal ham from Brittany, raw milk comté cheese, “Bordier” butter, and spinach). The meal was fabulous and I ate the whole thing!

I then had the Quimperoise galette for dessert. It’s a crêpe with homemade apple compote, salted butter caramel, and vanilla ice cream. It was one of my best meals in Paris and the bill came to 33.5 €. There are 9 Breizh cafés in Paris.

• Cost : $-$$
• Address in the Marais : 109 rue Vieille-du-Temple (3rd arr)
• Website : https://www.breizhcafe.com/

Bouillons are restaurants that popped up in the 19th and 20th centuries with the purpose of serving traditional, classic French food to workers at cheap prices. Their distinct, interiors (Belle-Epoque and Art Nouveau designs), and fast service made them very popular and while there are only a few left in Paris, the remaining ones continue the tradition as I wrote in this post about 4 bouillons in Paris .

I will say my favourite bouillon was: Bouillon Julien . It checked off all the boxes: great food, price, and atmosphere.

• Cost : $$-$$$
• Address for Bouillon Julien : 16 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis (10th arr)
• Website : https://www.bouillon-julien.com/

(a)What is a Soufflé?

A soufflé is a very light and fluffy, savoury or sweet dish made with egg whites and a cream sauce. It is baked and served in small or large ramekins. The name uses the verb, “souffler” which means, “to blow”, “to blow out”,  or “to puff”.  All these words perfectly describe the soufflé which is light, airy, and large. Soufflés date back to the early 18th century in France.

(b) Le Récamier

If you want to eat a soufflé Le Récamier is the place to go. It was named after  Jeanne Récamier (known as Juliette) who was a socialite in the late 1700s and early 1800s in France. She was quite the beautiful celebrity hobnobbing with artists, politicians and intellectuals. Le Récamier opened over 15 years ago and is owned by chef Gérard Idoux and the restaurant continues to entertain and serve heads of state and celebrities much like Juliette did.

I had a cheese soufflé (soufflé au fromage) as my “main” course, accompanied by 2 glasses of white wine. I had heard that it was best to go with a “simple” soufflé rather than one with additional ingredients such as salmon, mushroom, or escargot. In this way, you would really be able to savour the true cheese flavour and it wouldn’t be overpowered by another flavour.

For dessert I had a sweet soufflé (soufflé sucré), a dark chocolate soufflé called, “Soufflé au Chocolat Noir de Saint-Domingue”. It came with a side dish of warm dark chocolate sauce. As soufflés are incredibly light, you don’t feel stuffed afterwards, even though they both look gigantic. (Cost: 57 € ). Highly recommend.

• Address : 4 Rue Juliette Récamier (7th arr)
• Website : https://lerecamier.com/page-daccueil.html

(a) Reservations and No Reservations

Chez Janou is an incredibly popular restaurant. Getting a reservation was impossible. You can’t reserve online. You can only call. I tried but was told nothing was available. So I asked the concierge at the hotel to try. No luck. My friend and I dropped by and were told if we showed up at 6:30 another night, we would have a chance to get a table. We did and were so happy we got a table (albeit outside) and it was cool but manageable. In all honesty, sitting outside was nice because it was more spacious. It looked a bit crammed inside. We were lucky it wasn’t too cold.

(b) My Dinner

Dinner was superb and very reasonably priced. The service was good after waiting 45 minutes to place our order. Chez Janou specializes in Provençal cuisine and offers more than 80 brands of Pastis! My friend and I got the Côte de Provence red house wine (a pichet-50cl) and shared one of the entrées, a small pot of ratatouille, anchovies, and tapenade. For the main course, I the Farcis provençaux (stuffed tomatoes) and my friend had the flambé prawns (Gambas flambées au Pastis with anise rice).

The dessert was unbelievable. I ordered the chocolate mousse and the waitress came with a large terrine, like the type you’d use for soup. She scooped out an enormous portion of mousse and slapped it down on my plate. Perhaps slapped is a harsh word, but it was shocking to see how much she gave me! I could not eat it all and it was very good! By the time we left, 2.5 hours later, there were many people waiting to get a table. The bill came to 45 € per person.

• Cost: $$-$$$
• Address : 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris
• Website : https://www.chezjanou.com/

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My friend and I had dinner at Poulette (we made reservations). We shared the Beignets de fliers de courgette, and ricotta harissa (stuffed zucchini flowers with ricotta cheese and harass). The main course was pork belly caramelized with Chinese cabbage, carrot purée, and fried onions. Also had a glass of 2020 Cahors wine. Don’t be turned off by the pork belly concept. When done right (well) and caramelized, it is excellent. The bill came to 36.25 € and the meal was delicious. Highly recommend.

• Address : 3 Rue Étienne Marcel, 75001 Paris
• Website: (There’s nothing on the website except the ability to book a reservation) https://www.pouletterestaurant.com/

I had read that one of the best places to get a baguette sandwich is at Le Petit Vendôme, located very close to Palais Garnier. I’ll cut to the chase: I had both the plat du jour and the sandwich (later in the day) and one was better than the other.      

This French bistro is cosy and unpretentious which was surprising in view of the area it’s located in—full of high-end, expensive boutiques and 10 minutes from the Louvre. But I highly recommend having lunch here. Just really good food.

You can tell it’s popular with locals. I was lucky to get a table (although inside, as the terrace was reserved for those with reservations) because soon after the place filled up. It was packed and you are seated close to those at the next table. There was also a lineup out the door for those wanting to just take out a baguette sandwich.

I ordered the plat du jour-perfectly cooked pork tenderloin in a mustard sauce, accompanied by a small salad and linguine. With 2 glasses of wine and the recommended dessert, the “Classic Millefeuilles Parisien”, the cost for lunch was 36.5 €. I highly recommend this bistro for a meal.

Before I headed to the airport that evening, I did pick up the Jambon Beurre sandwich (Jambon beurre: 5.5 €). While it was made to order (and not just sitting on a shelf waiting to be purchased), it was okay….not any better than other ham sandwiches I’ve ordered. Perhaps I should have ordered something else.

• Address : 8 Rue des Capucines (2nd arr)
• Website : https://lepetitvendome.fr/en

During my 36th trip to France, my friend and I ate at Bistro des Vosges, located a few blocks away from our Citadines Bastille Marais apartment. It specializes in dishes from the Aveyron region, which I visited earlier in the year.

The meal was very good as was the service. I had the grilled sausage from the Aveyron and aligot, which is a regional favourite. As I mentioned in the post about Aveyron specialities , Aligot is mashed potatoes with cream and Tome Fraiche d’Aubrac cheese. Rather than putting the garlic in the potatoes, there is a small dish of garlic sauce where you can add however much you want.  The potatoes were beautifully whipped! It also came with a small side salad and I paired the meal with a glass of AOC Marcillac (Aveyron) red wine. The dessert was Movenpick Swiss chocolate ice cream. The bill came to a very reasonable 27.3 €.

• Address : 31 Bd Beaumarchais, 75004 Paris
• Website: https://www.bistrotdesvosges.com/

I guess with a name like “Au Bourguignon” you know you’ll encounter Burgundy favourites, such as boeuf bourguignon. So that’s what I had. The boeuf bourguignon was made with stewing beef (ie. beef chuck), diced bacon, mushrooms, and baby potatoes and came in an enamelled cast iron French oven or maybe it was a cast iron mini cocotte. Either way, there was a LOT of food in that pot and it was absolutely delicious! I added a side dish of fresh green beans. With a glass of red wine, the bill came to 38 €.

• Address : 52 Rue François Miron (4th arr)
• Website : https://aubourguignondumarais.fr/

As I wrote in this post, A La Biche au Bois is a reasonably-priced French bistro that specializes in meat dishes. The food, service, and atmosphere were excellent. I had the Coq Au Vin, which the restaurant specializes in. You could tell that the chicken had been simmering for many hours because the meat was incredibly tender. My friend’s peppercorn steak was perfectly done and she said she loved it. Our 2 meals with dessert and a bottle of house wine came to 83 €. Check out my review here .

• Address: 45 Av. Ledru Rollin (12th arr)
• Website: they do not have a website but do have a Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/alabicheaubois ). Reservations are recommended. We booked a table by calling the restaurant (Phone number: +33143433438)

I absolutely LOVED my meal and experience at Le Baron Rouge, which has been a fixture at the Marché d’Aligre for years. It continues to get rave reviews…and deservedly so. You can’t beat the prices and the friendly service. The fact that they shuck the oysters right in front of you before you head in is all part of the great experience. Read my review here: Oysters At Le Baron Rouge .

• Address: 1 Rue Théophile Roussel (12th arr)
• Website: As their single web page states, they don’t take reservations. http://lebaronrouge.net/index_en.php

Listed in the Michelin Guide, Les Papilles is a small brasserie that serves traditional French cuisine. But it’s not a typical bistro where you order from the menu. There is a “Retour du marché” menu, meaning the chef has created a menu based on what he has purchased at the market that day. So what you have one day may be different the next day…and that’s a good thing because the dishes use regional and local products and they are simple, fresh, creative and full of flavour. As others have said, it is definitely a “Michelin star-worthy meal”!

My lunch included a starter, main course, cheese, and dessert. The portions were generous and the service was excellent—helpful and friendly. I had:

• Starter : Vichyssoise—It was served in a tureen and you were to pour the soup over a crostini topped with some terrine that was already in the soup bowl. There were leeks, chives, potatoes and some other ingredients in this delicious soup.
• Main -simple braised meat. In this case, it was Beef (Filet) Sirloin Steak—-with onions, carrots, peppers, snow peas, baby tomatoes, baby potatoes, and more. It reminded me of Boeuf Bourguignon with all the vegetables.
• Cheese : Camembert with apple compote
• Dessert : Apricot Pannacotta-this was a seasonal dessert that was outstanding -1 glass white wine
• Total cost : 46 €

While there were walk-ins when I visited at lunchtime, I would highly recommend that you make reservations well in advance. You can purchase gourmet products and they do have an extensive wine cellar.

Cost : $$-$$$ Address : 30 Rue Gay-Lussac (5th arr) Website : http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/

Restaurants That Were Excellent When I First Visited

Here are some restaurants that served excellent food; however, I haven’t revisited them lately so I can’t comment if they’ve maintained the same high standards. You’ll have to do your due diligence and read recent reviews for them.

Beaupassage Address : 14 Bd Raspail (7th arr)

La Felicita Address : 5 Parv. Alan Turing (13th arr)  

5e Cru is a wonderful wine bar on the left bank that continues to get great reviews. The owner really knows his wines and foods. I had an excellent charcuterie board to accompany my wine. Check out my review here .

Address: 7 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine (5th arr)

While you go for the cats, the food is good too. When I visited in December 2023, I had an excellent cheese platter. Check out the updated post here: Café de Chats

Address : 9 Rue Sedaine (11th arr)

Thoroughly enjoyed my  “La Calvados” crêpe here and listed it as one of the unique spots in Montmartre . It continues to receive excellent reviews.  

Address : 15 Rue des Trois Frères (18th arr)

A very long time ago I had a birthday lunch (Bastille Day) in the Eiffel Tower at the Jules Verne restaurant. It’s #13 on my list of unique experiences in Paris . It has changed hands since then and is now headed by triple Michelin-starred chef, Frédéric Anton.

Address : 5 Av. Gustave Eiffel (7th arr)

Chez Georges – 1 Rue du Mail (2nd arr)

Aux Lyonnais – 32, rue St Marc (2nd arr)

Cremerie Restaurant Polidor -41 Rue Monsieur le Prince (6th arr)

Le Procope -13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie (6th arr)

Le Perraudin -157 Rue Saint-Jacques (5th arr)

Thoumieux -58 Rue Saint-Dominique (7th arr)

L’Epi Dupin -11 Rue Dupin (6th arr)

Le Sergent Recruteur- 41 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île (4th arr)

Brasserie Balzar -49 Rue des Écoles (5th arr)

Bofinger -5-7 Rue de la Bastille (4th arr)

If you have recently eaten at any of the above restaurants and think the quality has improved (or deteriorated), please let me know!

TRAVEL RESOURCES Booking.com and Expedia : are the companies I use for finding accommodations. : is super for booking apartments and houses.  AutoEurope : is the only car rental supplier that I will use–with the best prices, and they will refund the difference if the price goes down.  : offers an easy way to book train tickets. Get Your Guide and : Both offer tours, city cards, tickets, airport pickups, and so many other things you’ll need at your destination. -this is the company I use when I want a physical SIM card -offers eSIMS and get great reviews

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Hello again!

How up to date are these recommendations?

I wrote this post in November 2022 so it’s fairly current.

Les Papilles has been one of my favorites for several years. It’s always good!

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7 Absolute Best Restaurants in Paris for 2024

Brandon Shaw Last Updated: May 2, 2024

It is undeniable is that French cuisine is one of the best in the world which is best contested firsthand! This guide is updated annually by our very own consortium of Parians with the best restaurants in Paris!

Pro Tip: If you are planning a trip to the City of Lights and you like this article, I highly recommend bookmarking it in your browser. This way you can come back to it as a reference later on. Also, check out our Paris tours if you want to have a more memorable trip. Local guides + small groups make for a great tour!

Best Restaurants in Paris in 2023

Some associate ” Best” with expensive, but as you will see that is not always the case. You will find all shapes and sizes in this list. See which one suits you and go for it.

1. Les Marches €€

Why the Best: Open every day of the week and close to the Eiffel Tower, Les Marches brings you back in time when things were simple. Family owned with no extra frills besides, good, traditional French cooking.

The chefs take extreme care in each dish and it shows when it hits your mouth. Go back in time when you were a boy in France and your grandma was cooking. That is the best way I can explain your experience here.

What is it near : Eiffel Tower

Address : 5, Rue de la Manutention – 75116 PARIS

Want more in depth restaurant recommendations around the Eiffel Tower? Click on the article below for a more comprehensive list.

• Where to eat near the Eiffel Tower

2. Baieta €€€

Why the Best: It is true that this restaurant has a Michelin star, but that’s not why I listed it. It is not based on Parisien fare, but on Southern France’s wide bouquet of flavors. You can feel that you are in the Mediterranean when you walk in and taste the food.

Baieta means ” Kiss” in the Niçois dialect and their goal is to make it just as pleasant. The 7 course tasting menu with accompanying wine will run you 150€, but it is worth every Euro cent. Leave the cold and grey of Paris for a few hours and be kissed by the warmth of the South.

What is it near: Notre Dame

Address : 5 Rue de Pontoise, 75005 Paris

• Best Restaurants Near Notre Dame

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Not ready to book a tour? Check out Paris Guide for more resources.

3. L’Oiseau Blanc €€€€

Why the Best? When writing an article like this, I usually avoid hotel restaurants so as to promote individual establishments. I will break my rule here, because I feel that this restaurant is simply divine. It has a Michelin star and definitely deserves it.

Their 5 course tasting menu will cost you 185€ ( excluding drinks) which is steep, but well worth it. Everything is immaculate and perfect. The dress code is chic/elegant and I almost forgot to tell you- It is a rooftop restaurant with a 360 degree view including the Eiffel Tower and pretty much the rest of the city.

If you are going to splurge one night, this is the place to do it

What is it near: : Arc de Triomphe

Address : 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris

Is your hotel around the Arc de Triomphe? Click the article below for a more in depth restaurant guide near the Arc de Triomphe:

• Where to eat near the Arc de Triomphe

4. La Cantine du Troquet Daguerre €€€

Why the Best? When you walk in, you might be wondering why I added this to the best list. The restaurant is very unassuming and most people walk past it, never knowing of the Delicious meals they will be missing. Quality/ Price ratio is outstanding and I would say that in other restaurants of this quality you are paying almost double.

The cuisine is a mixture of some classic dishes with a lot of new twists for the modern diner. The chefs usually come out to say hi and ask how everything is going and make sure you get the créme brûlée or the cheese plate for dessert!

What is it near: Paris Catacombs

Address : 89 Rue Daguerre, 75014 Paris

Is your hotel around the Paris Catacombs? Click the article below for a more in depth restaurant guide near the Paris Catacombs:

• Where to eat near the Paris Catacombs

5. Camille €€

Why the Best? Camille is definitely under the radar, which makes it even more interesting to visit, since you won’t find many tourists here, just local frenchman having a good meal.

The cuisine is classical French, so if you have been eating New Age, Fusion or non traditional French fare, and are saving yourself for the right place, welcome.

Perennial favorites such as Escargot, Filet de Boeuf with Béarnaise sauce, Magret de Canard ( Duck) and of course the Tartare are all dishes that will have your belly, and your wallet, thanking you.

What is it near: Marais

Address : 24 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris

Is your hotel around the Marais? Click the article below for a more in depth restaurant guide near the Marais:

• Where to eat in the Marais

6. Sacrée Fleur €€

Why the Best? Be aware of the many tourist traps that you will find in Montmartre- there are too many to count. I highly recommend when you are in this area to take a bit of a walk and eat here. The food is great, the staff is super friendly- what else do you want in a restaurant?

Full disclaimer- this is a meat restaurant. Their speciality is meat and they are proud to say it. If you haven’t already tried at this point, then I recommend trying the frog’s legs here as well.

What is it near : Sacré-Coeur Montmartre

Address : 50 Rue de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris

Is your hotel in Montmartre? Click the article below for a more in depth restaurant guide in Montmartre:

7. Le Bistro du 11 €€

Why the Best? I know I know, this was an article about Paris, but Versailles is not far away and most people will visit Versailles during their stay, so I wanted to add it. Plus, so many people have asked me where to eat in Versailles, I decided to slip this one in here.

The cuisine is Modern French and the menu is not big at all. The price/quality ratio is super and the staff are very accommodating. If you happen to be in Versailles, don’t miss the chance to eat extremely well for a good price.

What is it near: Versailles

Address : 10 Rue de Satory, 78000 Versailles

Is your hotel in Versailles? Click the article below for a more in depth restaurant guide in Versailles:

• Where to eat near Versailles outside Paris

Where To Stay in Paris

With a city as magnificent as Paris, it can be hard to find the perfect hotel at the perfect price. Explore the best hotels and places to stay in these incredible neighborhoods in Paris.

About Brandon Shaw

Brandon is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He left the States to travel the world at 18 and never looked back! As an official Tour Guide of Rome and Certified Sommelier, he loves to travel the world and share these experiences with his readers.

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25+ foods you have to try in paris and where to find them.

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Pack your bags and leave room in your stomach! If you’re going to  Paris , you MUST try these 25 foods!

25+ foods you must eat in paris and where to eat in paris.

For me, the best part of visiting Paris is, by far, the food. It’s honestly hard to have a really bad meal in Paris. Believe me, I’ve eaten enough that the odds are pretty good that you’ll have some incredible French cuisine without even trying. French culture really prioritizes the appreciation of quality food, and that shows as you’re eating around the city.

I grew up on a very cultural diet, French food being a big part of it. Crepes were always a standard meal in our house along with duck and French bread. So it sometimes feels like coming home when I eat in Paris.

If you’ve ever read one of my favorite books,   My Life in France ,  which documents Julia Child’s years in France before she became a famous  cookbook author   and cooking show host, you will understand this deep connection to French food and why it is just so captivating.

Please do me and yourself a favor and just throw the diet out the window while you’re in the French capital! Some of your best memories in Paris will come from eating and rest assured, you will burn it off with all the  walking around the city  you’ll be doing!

Every time I go to Paris, I end up leaving feeling super healthy. I don’t know if it’s the walking or the abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish or WHAT, but French food just makes me happy!

Whether you’re grabbing a crepe on the street or eating at a Michelin starred restaurant, I hope this Paris food guide helps you decide which food you want to prioritize and where to find it.

Take A Food Tour In Paris

If you’re worried about being able to fit all of this delicious Parisian cuisine into your trip, I highly recommend taking one or more Paris food tours! It’s a great way to try local food in Paris while getting to know all the ins and outs from a pro!  This 3-hour Paris food tour  is great and will take you through several Paris food markets where you’ll get to try some of the best cheese, bread, chocolate, and other local foods.

I also love  this tour  because it involves two of my favorite things: food and history! Does it get any better than that? You’ll learn all about the famous food in Paris and also some unique surprises you may not have thought of.

Take A Cooking Class In Paris

If you’re loving all the food in Paris, consider learning how to make it yourself at one of these amazing cooking classes:

• Full Day Cooking and Market Class
• French Pastry Baking Class
• Macaron Baking Class   (great for kids as it’s only 1.5 hours)
• French Bread Baking Class  (I now bake my own French-style bread at home)
• Small Group Authentic French Cooking Class

If you need more inspiration, see my  Paris Walking Guide.

If you’re wondering what to eat in Paris, this list of French food list will help you decide what and where to eat.

25+ Foods You MUST Try In Paris and Where to Find Them

All of the famous French food in Paris will have you drooling just reading about it, but wait until you arrive and smell the amazing aromas of the city! These are the 25 Paris foods that you must try when you visit! 

1. Inhale Fresh Bread From The Boulangerie

This famous Paris food is not to be missed! There’s nothing better than crunching on a baguette fresh out of the oven! Wandering the streets of Paris with a baguette in hand is essential!

Read about how to pick the  best baguette here .  My stomach generally does not do well with bread or gluten in the US, but for some reason, I can eat bread in France all day long with no problems! I’m not sure if it’s the different ingredients or maybe just all the walking that is required in Paris, but it’s great!

Any boulangerie (bakery) will have baguettes you can choose from. My recommendation is just to buy whatever baguette the local in front of you does. You may be surprised, but I don’t think you can go wrong! Bread is definitely the most famous food in Paris and should not be missed if you can eat it.

Where to Find Baguettes in Paris: Literally on every corner of Paris. Ask your hotelier where their favorite boulangerie nearby is. I personally love Eric Kayser , which is a Parisian bread chain and can be found in several locations in Paris.

2. Have Chocolate For Breakfast – Pain au Chocolate

Go ahead and give yourself a pass on this trip. Have that chocolate croissant for breakfast. Once you take your first bite, you won’t regret it! Any boulangerie (bakery) or patisseries (pastry shops) in town will have “pain au chocolat,”, especially in the morning. Try to get there right at opening to get them as fresh as possible, that’s when they’re the best!

Where to Find Pain au Chocolat in Paris: Again, any boulangerie will carry pain au chocolate. Just ask your hotelier where the nearest boulangerie that they like is located. It will likely only be a block away from your hotel. You can probably just follow your nose in the morning and find one yourself!

3. Try as Much French Cheese as Physically Possible

The best part about eating French cheese in Paris is how CHEAP it is! Most cheese is at least half the price of what you find in the United States, so eat it up! At €2 how can you pass up a big slab of delicious brie? 

Taking a food tour   is a great way to be able to try many types of French cheeses and also to learn about cheese making and which cheeses are the best in Paris. Or stop into one of the many cheese shops in the city and buy a few to take back to your hotel and do some private sampling. No shame!

You can also find French cheese at almost any Paris restaurant. In France, cheese is generally served as a dessert course, not a snack.

Cheese is one of the best cheap eats in Paris. I am always baffled by how cheap cheese is in Paris! 

Where to Find Cheese in Paris: You can find cheese anywhere, from the supermarkets to small cheese shops. Some of my favorites are:

• Tako & Vermo
• Fromagerie Sanders.

4. Eat A Hearty Meal Of Steak Frites

This is a French classic and most people are surprised to find that french fries really ARE French! This was the most shocking French food fact when I first came to Paris. Stop into any bistro for this hearty meal after a long day of  walking around Paris! 

Where to Find Steak frites in Paris:

• Le Relais De L’Entrecôte
• Au Bœuf Couronné
• Sur La Braise

5. Eat The Tastiest Cookies On Earth

We can’t talk about Parisian food without mentioning macarons, one of the city’s most famous foods! Macarons are like eating cookies on a cloud while riding on a unicorn! These little morsels of goodness are made from sugar and almond flour and are  gluten-free.  You can find them in all sorts of flavors and all around Paris. 

Ladurée  and  Pierre Herme  are some of my favorite macaron shops in Paris.

Take a  Pastry Tour in Paris  to try the best Macarons and other pastries all around the city!

Where to Find Macarons in Paris:

• Pierre Herme

6. Sip On Real Hot Chocolate

Be sure to try some “chocolat chaud” while in Paris. Thick, rich and creamy, it’s unlike anything you’ve had at home. Unlike American hot chocolate, which is usually made with a sugary powder, French hot chocolate is made with actual hard chocolate, melted with milk, and way less sweet!

There are so many places in Paris to get hot chocolate including small cafes, restaurants, and chocolate shops. The best hot chocolate in Paris is up for debate, but I’ll share some of my favorites with you.

Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris:

• Angelina Paris – Often touted as the best hot chocolate in Paris, this thick, dark drink is for serious chocolate lovers who feel like drinking a chocolate bar. I’m not complaining!
• Ladurée – While Ladurée is generally famous for its macarons, they also have excellent hot chocolate.
• Jacques Genin – This master chocolatier has got it right! You won’t be sorry. You can also enjoy your hot chocolate in their lovely tea room.
• Un Dimanche à Paris – This thick and smooth chocolate can be found near Odean and be sure to check out their chocolate shops as well.

7. Indulge In Cr ê pes: The Tastiest Street Food Ever!

Another one of the most famous foods in Paris: crêpes! My kids LIVE for crêpes! The best part…you can find them on many street corners in Paris and they’re  portable , so you can eat while you walk. Get a classic Banana Nutella crêpes or a savory ham and cheese crêpes. This is one of the best Paris food to grab if you’re in a hurry.

Our favorite crêpeerie is actually the one across the street from the Eiffel Tower, next to the carousel. They are basic, but the crêpes are huge and delicious!

Where to Find the Best Crêpes in Paris: Crêpes can be found at most brassieres and restaurants, but there are also many crêpes that you can grab and go. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Breizh Cafe
• The stand by the Eiffel Tower carousel (they’re huge)

8. Let The Créme Brûlée Melt In Your Mouth!

This French cooking classic tastes even better as a dessert after dining in a Parisian restaurant. Delicious eggy custard with a crunchy brûlée (burnt) top is pure heaven in your mouth! I’ve learned how to make my own Créme Brûlée and it may just be the undoing of me! This dessert can be found in most Parisian restaurants around the city.

Where to Find the Best Créme Brûlée in Paris:

• La Fontaine de Mars
• Au Petit Riche

9. Try An Eclair Or Two Or Three…

I’ve never really been an eclair fan until I had these from L’éclaire de Genie.  Ah-ma-zing!  Mascarpone and passion fruit are my favorite flavors, but we’ve tried almost all of them and they are to die for! I accidentally sat down and ate three one time. Whoops!

This photo is from the basement of the Louvre, but the kiosk is no longer there. You can find them all over Paris though.

Where to Find the Best Eclairs in Paris: L’éclaire de Genie, hands down, I’ve never had a better one!

10. Try The Prettiest Gelato In Town

A visit to Amorino for some fancy flower-shaped  gelato  is a must in Paris. You can find these shops all over town. We even like to brave it on a cold day.  #worthit

11. Drool Over The Prettiest Chocolate Displays

Not only does Paris do hot chocolate shops right, they are also pros at chocolate confections, boasting the most beautiful displays in shop windows, especially during Easter and Christmas! You can take a  Paris Chocolate Tour   which is an amazing way to try different chocolates around the city!

Where to Find the Best Chocolate Shops in Paris:

• Edwart Chocolatier
• Jaques Genin
• La Maison du Chocolat

12. Don’t Skip The Duck

Be sure to order Duck while in Paris. Look for the word “canard” on the menu, you won’t be disappointed! The French know how to cook this bird right! I had previously only had duck from Chinese restaurants and wasn’t really a fan, but French duck? It’s a poultry-lover’s dream come true!

13. Eat Your Daily Croissant

Croissants taste best in Paris. I don’t know if it’s the French butter or just the extra French love they put into the sigh-worthy layers, but  they’re just better!

Eat at least one a day for the full Parisian experience. Most Parisian “breakfasts” will consist of a croissant and coffee. Good luck finding pancakes and eggs or a more hearty breakfast in Paris!

Where to Find the Best Croissants in Paris:

• Maison Pichard
• Laurent Duchêne
• La Maison d’Isabelle

14. Try The Oysters Or At Least The Butter

Not my favorite, but there are some seriously tasty oysters in Paris. And by oysters, I mean the garlic and butter that they’re traditionally drenched in.

Where to Find the Best Oysters in Paris:

• Au Cancale de Rocher
• Le Mary Celeste

15. See The Pro For Profiteroles

Ok, so  “profiteroles”  are really just a fancy French name for cream puffs, but they’re still amazing!  Profiterole Cherie   has a delicious and unique range of freshly baked and filled pastries that are sure to knock your socks off!

Where to Find the Best Profiteroles in Paris:

• Le Relais de l’Entrecote
• L’Encrier
• Profiterole Cherie

16. Try Coq Au Vin On A Cold Night

Ok so this is basically a chicken stew, but waaaaay better! Just take my word for it! I didn’t have an oven when we lived in France, so I became the master of cooking this in an old school pressure cooker! It’s one of my family’s favorite dishes now and I make it every Holiday season!

Where to Find the Best Coq Au Vin in Paris:

• Le Coq Rico
• Auberge Bresane

17. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Meringues

Meringues are a bit hard to describe. You just have to try one for yourself. Beware, they are usually huge and MESSY. So basically when I’m with my  kids in Paris,  I hate them! But “when in Rome”, er, Paris…

Where to Find the Best Meringues in Paris:

• Aux Merveilleux de Fred
• Le Loir dans la Théière

18. Try Real French Onion Soup

You’ve probably had this at home, but there’s nothing better to warm you up on a cold Paris night than a steaming cup of beef broth, onions, cheese, and real French bread! French onion soup is a must!

Where to Find the Best French Onion Soup in Paris:

• La Jacobine
• Les Philosophes

19. Foie Gras

I’m not a fan of foie gras, but Paul loves it. It tastes fine to me, but I don’t like to think about how it’s made.   Google at your own risk! 

20. Croque Monsieur Or Croque Madame

Another family favorite, these grab-and-go sandwiches are stuffed with ham and cheese and then fried with cheese on the outside, because….France! You can also order a Croque Madame which has a fried egg on top. My personal favorite, but generally needs to be eaten while seated.

Where to Find Croque madame and Croque monsieur in Paris: These can be found at almost any cafe, brasserie, restaurant, and even some boulangerie. Some of my favorites can be found at:

• Le Petit Cler
• Les Deux Magots (they also have great hot chocolate)
• La Fontaine de Belleville

In my opinion, no one cooks fish as deliciously as the French. Drooling just thinking about all the amazing fish I’ve had in Paris! Try the Sole Meunière wherever you can find it. It’s my favorite and the first food that Julia Child had in Paris that made her fall in love with French food.  

22. Boeuf Bourguignon

This popular French food is basically a beef stew, but BETTER because it’s French ya know? Also a Julia Child favorite.

Where to find the best Boeuf Bourguignon:

• Le Cabanon de la Butte
• Le Volant Basque
• Le Bourguignon du Marais

23. Quick Burger

Ok, please don’t laugh! Quick Burger is like the McDonalds of France, so you just gotta try it ok? Plus, who could resist these awesome Dark Vador and Jedi Burgers!? Genius advertizing!

24. Escargot – Don’t be scared!

Escargot…a fancy French name for snails. Similar to oysters, they pretty much taste like whatever they’re drenched in. Just slide them down your gullet so you can say you did it! While eating snails may not sound like a good time, they are actually really tasty and a famous food of French cuisine, so give it a shot.

Where to Find the Best Escargot in Paris:

• L’Escargot Montorgueil
• Chez Fernand Christine

25. Frog Legs

Tastes like chicken! No really, it does. Except I think I’d rather be eating chicken. These legs from Sacre Fleur were pretty amazing though!

Where to Find the Best Frog Legs in Paris:

• Roger La Grenouille in Paris
• Au Moulin A Vent in Paris
• Le Square Trousseau in Paris

How To Pick A Parisian Restaurant

You are going to have your pick of amazing restaurants to choose from in Paris. 99% of the time you will walk away feeling satisfied, but here are some tips for choosing local hidden gems over tourist traps:

• Find a main tourist attraction (Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, etc.)
• Walk  AWAY  from said attraction at least 3 blocks or so.
• Find somewhere  SMALL.  Parisian restaurants are known for their tight fits and sharing tables with strangers. I’ve met many lovely strangers just by dining with them out of necessity.
• Look for  French menus  on display. This means that locals usually frequent this spot.
• Look for  small menus without pictures.  Avoid anywhere with flashy menus containing large pictures and no prices!
• Look for a  crowd of French people.  Use your ears…is everyone seated speaking French? Then you’re good to go. If it looks like 100 Americans, then walk away.
• Read  Trip Advisor   Reviews

Where To Eat In Paris: Our Favorite Parisian Restaurants

There are many famous restaurants in Paris that will have incredible food, but they will also come with a high price tag. You don’t need to eat at one of these to have an incredible dining experience. You can have the best French food in a tiny hole in the wall place in a back alleyway…ok, so I may be exaggerating, but honestly, step away from the main tourist sites, find a small restaurant with only a few tables and a menu without pictures! Here is where we’ve found the best food in Paris.

Bistrot Les Papilles

I would consider this one of the best French restaurants in Paris! If you want authentic food made in small batches, this is it! 

Les Papilles  is definitely our favorite restaurant in Paris and we eat here every time we visit. It is strictly  reservation only at least   weeks in advance  and there is  no menu . I honestly think this is one of the  best places to eat in Paris.  You really can’t go wrong!

Honestly, if you were just walking by and saw the bistrot, you wouldn’t think it was anything special, but it is amazing! When you walk inside you will be surprised by how tiny this place is. Like most Parisian restaurants, there is only room for about  20 customers. 

Les Papilles has a fixed menu, meaning you get what the chef cooks that night, which is always incredible and consists of a  5-course meal  which is eye-wateringly beautiful! Seriously, tears coming to my eyes thinking about it. If you have dietary restrictions or picky eaters, this might not be the place for you, but it is amazing! 

I have sent hundreds of people to this restaurant and I haven’t heard anything but rave reviews. It costs around €38 per person and they have an excellent wine selection. We don’t drink, but there is wine lining the walls! 

Sacree Fleur

Sacree Fleur is another amazing restaurant that we made reservations at last minute. Amazing meats, vegetables, fish, and desserts! And the owner is so nice and loves to practice his sarcasm on Americans.

Choco Factory

There are two things you’ll love about Choco Factory: They have everything chocolate, of course, and it’s situated right across the street from Le Jardin du Luxembourg. I highly recommend the fruit filled crêpes then take a stroll through the gardens.   -Time Zone Travelers

Angelina Tea House

A quintessential French restaurant that features yummy food and beautiful desserts. It’s the perfect place to feel a little posh but relaxed enough to bring your children with you. In fact, they do have a children’s menu!  The ambiance is just as delicious as their food offerings. You can pop in for a spot of tea, hot chocolate for the kids, and delicious dessert or get a full food menu, just make sure to leave room to share in some of their delectable pastries.

Tip: Get a little selection of the pastries and share! That way you get a wonderful sampling of what they have to offer! Or if you’re stuffed from lunch, get them to go and enjoy them at the park, Jardin des Tuileries, which is also next to the Louvre.  -Let’s Adventure Some More

Frenchie Restaurant

I am not a foodie, but the famous Frenchie Ru Du Nil made me want to be. French food with an International flare is served as a prixe fixe menu, but they accommodate vegetarians or other food preferences. The meal at Frenchie is exactly the thing you are looking for when you go to Paris- gourmet, inspired, and unusual. – Traveling Mel

There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Paris and I couldn’t fit them all here.  Follow the above steps and you won’t go wrong.

I hope you get a chance to try all the amazing food the Paris has to offer! You have so many options to keep your mouth busy during your trip to Paris!

If you have any other suggestions or questions you can comment here or get in touch with me on  Instagram  or  Facebook . I love hearing from you!

Pin this for later!

Wanderlust Crew

4 thoughts on “ 25+ foods you have to try in paris and where to find them ”.

Vanessa, I enjoyed reading your article. I’m hoping to visit Paris in 2020. And I’m definitely bookmarking your page to go by 🙂 This is really helpful in what foods to try and things to do like the cooking class…I can have a Julia Child moment….she my favorite too. Thank you!

Wow! I love those!

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16 Must-Try Parisian Restaurants in 31 Days

Last Updated:  27 March 2023

My American friend Ellen from the blog TWOBOOMERSABROAD went to Paris for an unforgettable month last September-October. Before she left, she told me about all the Parisian restaurants she hoped to try while there. I followed her Facebook posts with great interest as she went from arrondissement to arrondissement, looking for the best restaurants, brasseries and cafés.

When she returned home to the States, I asked her if she would like to share her dining experience in Paris on this blog. She kindly agreed. So, I am pleased to share with you my friend Ellen’s gastronomic journey in Paris with lots of good addresses. I hope you will find them helpful if you plan a trip to Paris this year.

And as we say so well in France: bon appétit!

Tell me in the comments at the bottom of the article if you have any Parisian restaurants to recommend!

How Many Parisian Restaurants Can You Try in 31 Days?

The answer is…a lot!  

I recently returned from a blissful month in Paris.

I mainly stayed in apartments with the intention of eating lunch in a restaurant when I was out and about during the day and making my own dinner at night “chez moi”.

But as is often the case with best-laid plans, it was too tempting to eat out, so most dinners were eaten in restaurants.

I’m not a foodie, but I appreciate good food and wine. Of course, some restaurants were better than others, but I can honestly say that I didn’t have a bad meal during the month.

And if you’ve had wine in France, you probably know how good it is and how affordable it is there. Often the house wine is just as good as other wines on the menu and usually at least a Euro or two less expensive per glass. 

In this article I’ll highlight the restaurants that I particularly liked, listed by arrondissement.

La Rose de France

24 Place Dauphine, 1st arrondissement

Whether you eat there or not, you should visit the Place Dauphine on Ile de la Cité just off the Pont Neuf.   It’s a charming square with quite a few restaurants.

La Rose de France had been recommended to me and it lived up to its reputation.   We had lunch outside on a warm late September day and it was wonderful. Later in the month, I stopped for an afternoon snack and ordered a cheese board which was delicious.

This was my chèvre-chaud salad, as good as it was artistically presented.

Robert et Louise

64 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arrondissement

My son and daughter-in-law joined me for a few days and wanted to treat me to a belated birthday dinner – my choice of restaurant. Again, based on recommendations, I chose Robert et Louise in the Marais . It’s as popular as it is good, so reservations are a must.   It definitely lived up to its reputation!

It has two levels for dining, and we chose the lower (underground) level, which was warm and cozy.

Les Philosophes

28 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th arrondissement (Marais)

Les Philosophes is right in the middle of the Marais and has been around for ages.   I had a delicious boeuf bourguignon with friends one evening.   Like most good restaurants, it was crowded, and the only downside was that it was somewhat noisy.

Aux Anysetiers Du Roy

61 Rue Saint-Louis en L’Ile, 4th arrondissement (Ile Saint-Louis)

Although I feel that all the restaurants in this article were good and worthy of discussion, some stood out.  

Aux Anysetiers Du Roy is one of those. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall on the rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile.

My daughter and I both had boeuf bourguignon and I can say it is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I recommended it to some friends, and they also loved it.   And like so many small restaurants in France, the atmosphere was as good as the food.

L’Auberge de la Reine Blanche

30 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 4th arrondissement (Ile Saint-Louis)

Just down the street is L’Auberge de la Reine Blanche . This was the third or fourth time I’ve eaten there and I’ve never been disappointed. The food, wine and service are all outstanding.

Le Saint-Régis

6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 4th arrondissement (Ile Saint-Louis)

Le Saint-Régis is my go-to café on Ile Saint-Louis, especially for breakfast.   I’ve also had lunch there – a delicious chèvre-chaud salad.

It’s on a very busy corner and on a nice day, it’s fun to sit outside and watch the crowds walk (and bike) back and forth between this island and Ile de la Cité.

L’Assiette Aux Fromages

25 Rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement

Do you crave raclette or fondue?   I was walking down rue Mouffetard one day and decided to try my first raclette at L’Assiette Aux Fromages .

Since this is the first time I’ve had it, I have nothing to compare it to, but it was darn good! And the decorations made me think I was actually in Switzerland.

Le Petit Châtelet

39 Rue de la Bûcherie (near Shakespeare & Co), 5th arrondissement

You wouldn’t necessarily think that a restaurant in one of the most heavily-touristed areas of Paris could be so good, but it is.

Since we didn’t have a reservation, we arrived at Le Petit Châtelet at 7 pm when they opened for the evening and were graciously given a table.   I’ll definitely be back.

This lovely lady spent quite a while toasting bread over the open flame – it was so good!

Au Père Louis

30 rue Monsieur le Prince, 6th arrondissement

During my recent trip, my husband joined me for the first week and we stayed in the 6th arrondissement on rue de Vaugirard.

We decided to stay close to the hotel the first night and ended up at a lovely little restaurant at the corner, Au Père Louis .

We actually ate there a couple of times. Both the food and the customer service are excellent and the atmosphere is inviting.

This salmon was delicious.

Le Prince Racine

22 Rue Monsieur le Prince, 6th arrondissement

Another neighborhood restaurant just down the street that I’ve frequented a number of times including during this trip is Café Le Prince Racine .

It’s casual, relatively inexpensive and the food and customer service are good. Unlike many other restaurants, it’s open all day so it doesn’t matter what time you want to eat.

34 Rue Mazarine, 6th arrondissement

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of Il Vicolo (you can find some on their website ). My son and daughter-in-law decided to detour from French food one night and we lucked upon this gem.

Owned by this Italian mother and her two sons, it was exquisite in every way. And we downed a bottle of Montepulciano which rivaled the French wines I had had during the month.

La Fontaine de Mars

129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 7th arrondissement

This is the gold medal winner.

I had read and heard about how excellent it is, so one day when I was exploring the art nouveau of the 7th arrondissement I decided to try it for lunch.

I didn’t have a reservation (they asked), but I was happily given a table.   It was a Wednesday and their special was coq au vin .

My mouth waters just thinking about it. The île flottante dessert melted in my mouth. Words don’t do this restaurant justice.

I wanted to return during the month but wasn’t able to, so it’s going to be one of the first restaurants I go to the next time I’m in Paris. 

Brasserie Bellanger

140 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 10th arrondissement

I had read about the Brasserie Bellanger , so while I was prowling the neighborhood I tried it for lunch.

The lunch crowd was mainly people from offices in the area; I’m sure I was the only non-French person there as this neighborhood isn’t one that tourists usually frequent. 

My croque-monsieur was delicious, and of course, it was washed down with a glass of Côtes du Rhône!

I normally don’t take photos of washrooms, but the sinks here were works of art!

36 Rue Beaurepaire, 10th arrondissement (Canal St. Martin)

This hip little place had been on my radar for a while. I had lunch at Chez Prune while exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin .

While the name may not elicit thoughts of culinary excellence, the food certainly did. My salad was excellent and I loved the eclectic atmosphere. On a nice day, sit outside and enjoy the canal.

This was my wonderful Asian salad.

La Boîte aux Lettres

108 Rue Lepic, 18th arrondissement (Montmartre)

And finally, Montmartre . I spent four days in an apartment there and ate at a number of restaurants.   I can honestly say that every meal was good, but two restaurants stood out.

La Boîte aux Lettres is considered one of the best restaurants in Montmartre. My daughter had also gifted me a belated birthday meal, so she and I had dinner here during our time in Montmartre. It was outstanding. Nondescript from the street, the interior is inviting and warm. 

I had steak and mashed potatoes which were as good as they look.

I love how so many restaurants’ menus are chalkboards!

La Maison Rose

2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 18th arrondissement (Montmartre)

La Maison Rose is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Paris for good reason.

It’s always busy but my daughter and I were lucky to get an outside table on a beautiful early October day. We didn’t see the inside, so I will have to wait for my next trip to Paris! I had a salad which was excellent. 

A note about eating in French and Parisian restaurants   

Be prepared to relax and not be rushed.  

Those of us in the US are used to the check being presented in warp speed, often before dessert.  

This is not the case in France where having a meal is an experience to be savored, not rushed.  

In most cases in France, it’s necessary to ask for “ l’addition ”. It might be easy to become frustrated when you can’t get the attention of the server.

Bring a friend, a good book or your mobile device – or just take in your surroundings – and enjoy experiencing this part of French culture.

About Ellen

Ellen’s retirement job is writing about her travels in her blog, TWOBOOMERSABROAD . She is a lifelong francophile and spends as much time in France as she can.

Get A Table in Paris!

A few months ago I received this newly published book and I am taking the opportunity of this article about Parisian restaurants to introduce it to you. And guess what? Most of the restaurants Ellen visited and listed above are in the book!

A TABLE IN PARIS is an invitation to explore all that the Paris dining scene has to offer, through beautiful drawings, personal stories, and recommendations from those who know it best.

Discover the dining scene of Paris

Paris is a city like no other, beloved by travelers the world over for its incomparable architecture, atmosphere, arts, and, of course, food.

Parisian restaurants are rich in history, culture, and flavor.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor to the City of Light with memories of your favorite meals or an armchair traveler dreaming of the cuisine you could discover there, A Table in Paris will take you on a delicious visual journey through the arrondissements that you’ll never forget.

In his signature loose and evocative style, artist John Donohue has rendered an incredible sampling of the iconic institutions, hidden gems, and everything in between that make the Paris dining scene one of a kind.

Full of great Parisian restaurants recommendations for future trips to Paris!

Guided by recommendations from a breadth of locals, visitors, and experts, you’ll discover the Parisian restaurants one must visit and the dishes one must sample in pursuit of the perfect French meal.

The book also offers space for your Paris dining bucket list, food memories or dreams from each arrondissement, and notes on the establishments featured.

Restaurants hold a powerful place in our hearts, and a table in Paris  is a must-have for anyone with epicurean visions of Paris in theirs.

Get A TABLE IN PARIS: The cafés, bistros, and brasseries of the World’s most romantic city by John Donohue.

Please note: this is a sponsored link to Amazon. If you’re planning a trip, using this link helps us keep things running. There’s no extra cost to you. All you have to do is click the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Parisian restaurants: Pin it for later

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Pierre, this article brings back such good memories, both culinary and general, of my month in Paris. There are so many good restaurants in Paris; I look forward to trying more with the help of John’s book when I return in April!

A big ‘MERCI’ Ellen for your gastronomic journey around Paris… as we say in French: Ça nous met l’eau à la bouche! 😋

Book ordered, thanks

You’re welcome, hope you’ll love it too! 🙂

Off to Paris in a few weeks, and already have a reservation for Aux Anysetiers Du Roy. Alas, Google shows Au Lys D'Argent as "Permanently closed". Any other recommendations for desert nearby?

Hello Rob. Thank you for your feedback – I had a quick look, and it seems the restaurant “Au Lys D’Argent” closed for good on 31 July 2022. I have just removed it from the list. The closest place I can think of would be Berthillon, famous for its ice cream!

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

17 Famous Foods In Paris You Have To Try

Looking for what to eat in Paris? This post will show you all the famous foods in Paris you must try to fully understand French gastronomy!

One of the many things France is famous for is its cuisine. And luckily for you, you can enjoy it while in Paris.

Apart from the popular baguettes, croissants, and macarons, there are other Parisian foods that will leave you craving for more and wondering why you hadn’t tasted them yet.

Disclaimer:  This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read our  full disclosure here  for more details!

If you’re ready to finally give them a taste, I’m here to give you an insight into the best foods in Paris — be it street foods, bistro dishes, on-the-go snacks, or gastronomic sit-down dinner. This way, you can take in the Parisian culture by eating like a local.

So without any further ado, here’s the list of 17 famous foods in Paris you have to try ranging from staples, aperitifs to mains.

For desserts, I have a whole post dedicated to Parisian pastries . So, I got your sweet tooth covered with that.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

WHERE TO STAY Best Eiffel Tower Views:  Hôtel Le Walt  (9.0) Luxury stay:  Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel  (8.2) Mid-range stay:  Hôtel Eiffel  (8.7) Budget Stay:  People – Paris Bercy  (8.9) Apartment Rental:  Résidence Charles Floquet  (9.1)  

BEST GUIDED TOURS Louvre Museum guided tour : (4.5/5) Seine River Dinner Cruise : (4.7/5) Montmartre Walking Tour : (4.8/5) Le Marais Walking Food Tour : (4.5/5) Versailles Guided Tour : (4.8/5) Eiffel Tower Guided Tour : (4.4/5) 

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook .
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter , a travel neck pouch , and comfortable walking shoes .
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Famous Foods in Paris

If you’ve ever wondered what to eat in Paris, go on and give this list a read. I’m sure some of them might surprise you.

1. Breads: Croissant, Baguette, Pain au Chocolat

Baguettes, Croissants, and Pain au Chocolat are to France what Hamburgers and Pizzas are to the USA — talk about clichés associated with the regions.

For the uninitiated, Baguettes are long, thin loaves of bread that are a staple in France while Croissants are flaky, buttery, layered viennoiseries made from yeast-leavened dough with additional ingredients.

On the other hand, Pain au Chocolat (also known as chocolatine or bread with chocolate), is a sweet viennoiserie that is somehow similar to croissants but with pieces of chocolate in it.

If you’ve watched the recently famous Netflix series, Emily in Paris , you will know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, fret not, she orders for a Pain au Chocolat the minute she lands in Paris, then goes on to eat a baguette minutes later.

I suggest you try these artisanal bread varieties from one of the many boulangeries or coffee shops in Paris because you’ll get the crunchiest kind, fresh out of the oven, and no experience beats that!

2. Escargots (snails)

Believe it or not, Escargots are some of the most beloved foods in Paris and France as a whole.

Now one of the famous weird French foods (at least to the rest of the world), they’re usually served as appetizers before a multi-course meal. Though they come in different types, the Burgundy escargots are the best kind.

Escargots are usually cooked in beurre et ail (butter and garlic) and sprinkled with parsley on top hence acquiring that taste, but they have no particular taste on their own. But, if overcooked, they can turn rubbery.

One place famous for serving delicious escargots is L’Escargot Montorgueil (very innovative restaurant naming skills, right?

You will be able to spot it from afar because of the giant snail on its roof terrace while exploring the 1st arrondissement. It was founded in 1832 and has been serving this French delicacy ever since.

Other places you can enjoy this famous Paris food include; Chez André in the 8th arrondissement, Bouillon Chartier in the 9th arrondissement which is famous for serving traditional foods of Paris, La Fontaine de Mars if you prefer eating near the Eiffel Tower and so many others.

Related post: Fun facts about French cuisine

3. Crêpes

Crêpes are probably the best French street food in Paris, and you will find crêperies and street stands serving crêpes around most street corners of Paris.

You can opt for the sweet kind like the classic Nutella crêpe, the indulgent crêpe beurre-sucre (butter & sugar), or the savory variety like a ham and cheese crêpe.

Make sure to find thinly made crêpes otherwise, they might turn out undercooked, making your experience less than satisfactory.

Some of the best crêperies you can go to for the best crêpes include; Breizh Café in Marais, Little Breizh in the 6th arrondissement, La Crêperie and many others.

4. Soupe à l’Oignon (Onion soup)

Imagine having a hot soup to warm you up on a cold Paris night . Aaaahh the feeling!

Onion soup is made by mixing beef or chicken broth with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. It is then served with a side of crunchy croutons, French bread, or baguette.

Luckily, you can find this French comfort food in a number of restaurants with varying prices but it’s generally affordable.

Some of the classic places to have this soup are Bistrot des Vosges in the 4th arrondissement, Le Cinq in the 8th, La Poule au Pot in the 1st, Au Pied de Cochon in the 1st and so many others, but you can also find it in various Christmas markets if you visit Pars during Christmas time .

5. Croque Monsieur & Croque Madame

Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with melted cheese or béchamel sauce on top, while Croque Madame has all the above plus a fried egg on top.

The sandwich bread used to make these is the pain de mie (the sliced white kind) with a Paris ham.

You have the option of trying it pan-fried or baked, and you’ll find both these variants in most cafés in Paris .

6. Jambon-Beurre (Ham Sandwich)

One of the famous foods in Paris is Jambon-beurre which has become the go-to on-the-go sandwich for Parisians.

What makes the Jambon-Beurre a great snack is that it’s easy to pick up and munch on while exploring the city and most cafés and boulangeries stock it on their display counters, so you can easily find it everywhere.

To give you an idea of what it is, it is a ham sandwich in a sliced baguette slathered with butter. The ham used is “jambon de Paris”, a pink Parisian ham slow-cooked to perfection.

Though the traditional version is just baguette, ham, and cheese, some boulangeries add their own twist by adding pickles, and sometimes salad.

7. Huîtres (Oysters)

Oysters will probably not be your go-to choice of food to eat in Paris but, I’d suggest giving it a try since it’s considered a delicacy.

The chefs in Paris make the butteriest, garlicy (are those even words?) version of it that you might just end up licking your fingers after you are done.

Did you know that there is a specific way to eat oysters? You have to open the oyster shell, put some drops of fresh lemon in it, and eat the oyster right out of it.

While you can enjoy Oysters almost all year round, the tastiest are between April and October when they’re in season.

Head to places like Huîtrerie Régis in Saint-Germain, L’Écume Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement, or Plein Mer in the 10th; pair them with a good white wine (ask your server for a recommendation), and enjoy your meal.

8. Steak-Frites (Beefsteak and French Fries)

Steak Frites is what Paris eats daily. Okay, maybe not daily but, they do eat it often.

It’s a classic French bistro dish that you can find at any of the cute Parisian bistros or brasseries and have your filling of this popular dish.

The simple pairing of a grilled beef steak and strip cut fried potatoes (Pommes frites), optionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, is comfort food unparalleled.

Choose your cut of beef (rib eye, strip, or rump) and the sauce you would like with it. The French usually ask for the steak to be made rare to medium-rare accompanied with Béarnaise or peppercorn sauce but regardless of how you like it, you’re sure to be satisfied!

9. Confit de canard (Duck confit)

Though the preparation of duck confit started as a way of preserving duck meat for future consumption, it has grown to be a popular food in Paris.

The confit involves slow cooking duck thighs at low temperatures in their own fat until they become golden, crispy yet very tender.

A variation of this is called magret de canard , where chefs use a Moulard duck’s breast to make this dish.

You can try another variation called Pommes Sarladaises which is a combination of garlicky potatoes sautéed in duck fat.

It might come in different variations but what’s for sure is that Confit de canard is truly one of the Paris must eat foods.

10. Coq au vin

Coq au vin is a traditional food in Paris, especially during the holiday season. It is a rooster braised with lardon, mushrooms, and red wine, usually from the Burgundy region but any other form of wine can still be used.

It is usually served with stir-fried vegetables and a glass of red wine as you probably already guessed.

You can find it served in quite a few establishments especially bistros in Paris but if you want the absolute best, head to Le Procope in the 6th arrondissement or A La Biche au Bois in the 12th.

11. Bœuf Bourguignon (Beef Bourguignon)

Made famous by Julia Child, Beef Bourguignon is a traditional French food in Paris that originated in Burgundy.

The tough meat is softened by simmering it in red wine. Once tender and succulent, carrots, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste, bacon, and thyme are added to it to create a rich beef stew with a drizzle of flour to thicken the sauce. Some restaurants even add dried orange peels to enhance the flavor.

The beef used is chuck beef, while the wine is a Pinot Noir popularly produced in the Burgundy region of France.

It is considered the mother of all stews, and a lot of Parisian restaurants have their own versions with each dish being as unique as the next.

12. Ratatouille

Though it had been long beloved in France, this French dish just became famous to the rest of the world because of the eponymous Disney movie.

The origin of the name comes from the French word touiller meaning to stir since the cooking process involves stirring or tossing simmered vegetables and then seasoning them with salt, pepper, and olive oil.

The vegetables usually include tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, eggplant, and sprinkles of parsley.

The beauty of this vibrant and colorful dish is that it can be had as a main with some garlic bread or as a side with grilled meat and it can be served hot or cold depending on your preference.

So, the next time you’re in the French capital, be sure to try out Ratatouille as it’s one of the simple but delicious foods in Paris, France.

13. Flamiche

Flamiche is a puff pastry tart and a specialty of Picardy in the northern region of France.

It consists of the pie crust, leeks, cream, and eggs. One might even go to the extent of saying it resembles a quiche (No. 16 in this list) but, the puff pastry of the flamiche is similar to brioche dough.

Another name for this dish is Flamiche aux Poireaux (Leek Tart), and it is a seasonal dish that features on winter menus since it is eaten warm.

14. Cassoulet

Cassoulet, a traditional French dish made with white beans and meat, is primarily prepared in southwest France.

The word Cassoulet comes from the utensil it is made in, a Cassole, an earthenware bowl.

The dish is made by braising the beans and meat for an extended period till they are soft and tender, respectively.

There are 3 different popular variations made in 3 different regions in France; Carcassonne, Castelnaudary, and Toulouse.

In Castelnaudary, where the dish is said to have originated from, it is prepared with duck confit, pork shoulder, and sausage.

While in Toulouse, the meats used are pork and cold, roast shoulder mutton with Toulouse sausage. In Carcassonne, the meats are similar, but the mutton portion is doubled, and sometimes, duck is replaced with partridge.

When we come back to Paris, you can find any of these various types depending on the restaurant you go to!

A visit to restaurants like L’Assiette in the 14th arrondissement, Auberge Pyrénées Cévennes in the 11th, and Le Violon d’Ingres in the 7th will treat you to the best Cassoulet in Paris.

15. Bûche de Noël (Yule log)

Bûche de Noël is a traditional food in Paris made during Christmas. It is a sweet roulade that comprises rolled sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and decorated with marzipan sticks to resemble twigs.

It resembles the burning of a bark of a Beech tree (yule log), symbolizing the beginning of a new year by burning misfortunes.

If you happen to visit Paris during Christmas , make sure to try them as they adorn most bakeries’ display glasses.

Quiche is a popular French pie constituting a pastry crust filled with eggs, cream, bacon, cheese, and onion, with optional additions of mushrooms or seafood.

Served by cutting it into slices, you can have it either warm or cold.

The two most ordered varieties of quiche are Quiche Lorraine and Quiche Florentine . While the former includes bacon in the filling, the latter is a vegetarian variation with spinach and cheese.

Another variation is the quiche Provençale where the pie filling includes cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and zucchini.

Apart from being served at bistros, if you are at a French party, you will find quiche slices served there as well.

17. Wine & Cheese

I saved the best for the last. Did you really think I would not include Wine and Cheese in an article about Paris foods? Certainly not! They are so widely available that they can unofficially be classified as traditional foods of Paris.

You will find that particular wine and cheese pairings go well together, and there’s science behind that.

A good wine and cheese combo balances one another while enhancing the taste of both. So, I suggest you opt for this Paris wine tour or this cheese tasting tour where you can enjoy both.

It helps that cheese is very cheap in Paris (think 2€-3€), compared to other countries like the USA, so eat all the cheese you can get your hands on.

Final Thoughts on the Best Foods in Paris

I hope you liked my list of what to eat in Paris. Let me know which of these dishes you’ve already tasted and the foods you are yet to try.

As is evident, Paris has something delicious for everyone. At this point, I should let you in on a little (or not so little) secret: the best foods are found in the corner bistros and cutesy cafés dotted all over Paris.

I hope you found something new to add to your Paris must-eats list. And if this list made you drool, I regret nothing. I’m now going to grab myself a Croque Madame to gorge on.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance ! You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive! Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads .

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Nontouristy things to do in Paris
• Stunning views from the Eiffel Tower
• How to plan a perfect picnic in Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid while traveling in Paris
• Things to know before traveling to Paris
• Skip the lines tickets for popular Paris attractions
• Best Hotels in Paris with Eiffel tower views
• Things to do in Paris at night
• How to skip the long lines in Paris
• Best places to get stunning views of the Eiffel Tower

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Esther is the face and voice behind Dreams in Paris! She has always been obsessed with Paris even before she moved there. She has lived in Paris for a couple of years, and that obsession has not changed! That love for Paris, plus her passion for writing led to the birth of Dreams in Paris! She now shares all the practical tips and guides she’s picked along the way to help you plan a memorable trip to the city of love! You can learn more about her here !

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5 Must-Visit Classic Restaurants in Paris (Les "Oldies But Goodies")

By Christine Muhlke

Photography by Marie Hennechart

If you think you know the City of Light, we've got a surprise (or 50) for you, and we'll reveal them all this week on the Feed. Today, we'll get you hooked on the classiques

In a city where Midnight in Paris could have been shot at any number of immaculate restaurants, Le Bistrot Paul Bert is like Woody himself: a bit disheveled and worn around the edges, but brilliant nonetheless. It's a cult classic, a darling of critics, the master of contemporary bistro food. Begin with coddled eggs, bathed in heavy cream and plump morels. If you prefer your butterfat fix mid-meal, order one of the best steaks au poivre in town, feisty with cracked Sarawak peppercorns and partnered with crispy frites . Don't leave without trying the Paris-Brest: The praline pastry is a citywide obsession. Le Bistrot Paul Bert, 18 rue Paul Bert (11th); +33-1-43-72-24-01

French food is fussy, and we mean that in the best possible way--no one does fuss better than the Gauls. And no one does white-tablecloth bistro cuisine quite like Benoit (pictured, above). In this culinary moment, when chefs look like bikers and maitre d's look like farmers, it feels subversive, almost rebellious, to sit down in this dressy room and gorge yourself into a food coma on garlicky escargots, sausage en brioche , impossible-to-finish cassoulet, and tarte Tatin served with cream so thick the waiter has to spoon it up with both hands. Sure, it's a bit rich (that goes for the crowd, too). But this is Paris: You're not here for the wheatgrass juice. Benoit (4th); benoit-paris.com

There aren't many places like Chez Georges left in Paris. It's one of the best-preserved bistros in the city. It was beloved by Julia Child when she lived here, and still looks the same, from the framed mirrors to the brass rails and uniformed servers. But the menu has been preserved best of all--an encyclopedia of classics that are almost impossible to find elsewhere in Paris. Once you're here, just let it rip, since you'll probably never taste lentil salad this good again; ditto the salade de museau de boeuf (beef muzzle salad--give it a chance), and veal sweetbreads in a light cream sauce with girolle mushrooms. The duck breast is epic, too, with a side of potatoes crisped in its flavorful fat. And you'll want to finish with another brilliant rendition of tarte Tatin. You might end up feeling like you understand Julia Child deeply, personally, spiritually. That's the after-dinner Cognac talking--just have the maitre d' call you a taxi and sleep it off. Chez Georges, 1 rue du Mail (2nd); +33-1-42-60-07-11

Josephine "Chez Dumonet" crackles with that uniquely Parisian atmosphere created by the collision of serious power and seriously good food (and maybe more than a little sex--this Belle Epoque beauty is mistress central). Eat the most sublime terrine de foie gras you've ever had, then scarf down a casserole of what, for our euros, is the world's ultimate beef bourguignonne, deeply flavored with wine, onions, and mushrooms in a rich mahogany sauce. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you if you order a half-portion. Josephine "Chez Dumonet," 117 rue du Cherche-Midi (6th); +33-1-45-48-52-40

Besides being a mecca of cotes de boeuf , Paris is a capital of fashion. And where do the chic eat? The discreet ones, at least, head to Le Voltaire. A gilt-and-velvet-lined jewel box installed on the Seine, it seems like it's been a Parisian stalwart since the time of that Voltaire. If you're dining here during fashion week, you might sit next to Anna Wintour (or Sofia Coppola and her pal Tom Ford), but you'll probably spend more time gazing at what's on your plate. Like sole meuniere, suffused with butter and lemon. Or an oeuf mayonnaise "James," named for an American GI who was a customer during the Liberation. The price for the latter is still a mere 90 centimes, just what they charged during World War II. Le Voltaire, 27 quai Voltaire (7th); +33-1-42-61-17-49

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10 of the best restaurants in Paris to visit on your next trip

In between evening strolls by the Seine, tours of the Louvre and day trips to Versailles, no trip to Paris is complete without stopping off for a delicious meal or two. Whether it’s French cuisine like buttery croissants and sizzling bouillabaisse , or international delights like Tunisian pastries and vegan sushi , the best restaurants in Paris offer limitless dining possibilities.

Try a MICHELIN-starred fine dining destination or a unique Asian-French fusion spot near the Champs-Élysées. You can visit a historic brasserie in Les Halles, or sample tasting menus in Porte-Saint-Denis and Palais-Royal. A Saint-Germain-des-Prés restaurant serves up traditional Lebanese dishes, while plant-based Japanese cuisine take centre stage in Porte Maillot and Batignolles. For some budget-friendly options , check out the delicious Tunisian cuisine in Arts-et-Métiers, or Mediterranean delights in Vivienne. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the City of Lights has it all.

With a summer season that promises some sunny meals on the charming streetside terraces of the French capital – and some exciting sports events and long-awaited tournaments – these must-visit spots await near the core of the action, at the corner of iconic landmarks, or tucked away from the crowds.

Plan your perfect itinerary across the best restaurants in Paris and book your culinary journey on OpenTable today.

The best restaurants in Paris that you can’t miss on your next trip – read on

For one of the best michelin star restaurants in paris – visit le george – four seasons hôtel george v in the champs-élysées.

World-renowned and picture-perfect MICHELIN star restaurant Le George – Four Seasons Hôtel George V is just like you’ve seen in the movies, where Parisian elegance meets fine-dining cuisine, and champagne. With a bold and delicate Mediterranean-focussed menu and an extremely elegant dining space, you’re in the right place if you’re looking to wow a special someone, or even to propose. Sit down at your table under the glimmering crystal chandeliers and soak up the luxurious atmosphere inside one of the top five-star hotels in Paris. Start your meal off with a selection of crudo dishes, such as tuna with nori seaweed and scallops with caviar, or go for something more decadent, like beef carpaccio with rich black truffle . A bowl of calamari and champagne risotto goes perfectly with a glass of white wine (just ask the sommelier for a recommendation). Try the smoky wood-fired flavours of beef tagliata or bite into crispy pork served with pistachio and radicchio. If you’re staying in the Four Season Hôtel George V, right in the heart of Paris, you’ll have no shortage of excellent dining options. Try La Galerie for afternoon tea in an opulent atmosphere, Le Cinq for Breton-inspired cooking with a Parisian twist and L’Orangerie for modern dining with a view of the Marble Courtyard.

Discover more restaurants in Paris

For one of the best authentically Parisian restaurants in Paris – book at Au Pied de Cochon in Les Halles

An iconic brasserie in Les Halles, Au Pied de Cochon is a must-visit anytime you’re in Paris. Sit at one of the red and white striped chairs outside and start your day with a smooth double espresso and a flaky croissant for a typical Parisian-style breakfast as you watch the locals go by. For lunch or dinner, head into the opulent red and gold dining space , where you’ll find illustrations and murals lining the walls. Seafood shines through the starters menu, where you can build your perfect oyster and seafood platter . As for the mains, expect boards of artisanal charcuterie, beef tartare, Périgourdine-style stuffed pork, confit pork ribs and poultry supreme with morels and mashed potatoes. Au Pied de Cochon is the perfect Parisian brasserie where to try all the most popular French classics, like the warm onion soup or the tender pork filet mignon. Finish off with a smooth chocolate fondant or a cheese plate following the true French tradition. Au Pied de Cochon is ideally located close to the Louvre and shopping districts like Les Halles and Rivoli. It’s one of many quintessentially Parisian brasseries operated by Groupe Bertrand, which also includes Grand Café Capucines near the Palais Garnier.

For one of the best vegan restaurants in Paris – check out Bloom Sushi in Ternes – Porte Maillot and Batignolles

If you’ve never tried 100% vegan sushi , now’s your chance, as that’s what you’ll find on the menu at Bloom Sushi in Ternes – Porte Maillot and Batignolles . This unique restaurant uses plant-based ingredients to create sushi dishes that are sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. Try the tangy Moulin Rouge dish with beetroot tartare and yuzu sauce , or the crispy, fried champignon with avocado, oyster mushrooms and truffle sauce. Some dishes let the vegan ingredients shine, while others offer an imitation of the textures and flavours of seafood , such as the tartare de lobster, served with hot sauce. Bloom also offers an omakase menu that starts with edamame soup before moving through a chef’s choice selection of gyoza and sushi. The relaxing, Japanese-inspired dining space, complete with botanical touches and mood lighting, is the perfect spot to debrief after a day out in Paris.

📍 Ternes – Porte Maillot — Check availability

📍 Batignolles — Check availability

For one of the best French restaurants in Paris – try Mâche in Porte-Saint-Denis 

Featured in the MICHELIN Guide 2024 , Mâche offers creative fine dining just a short walk from Gare du Nord. Chef Michaël Gamet draws on his extensive travels and experience in MICHELIN-starred restaurants to create two carte blanche tasting menus . Whether you select the four-course or six-course menu , you’re sure to enjoy a boundary-breaking, brand-new dining experience. Each day’s menu is a blank slate that allows the kitchen to make the most of the finest, freshest produce available. Expect seasonal flavours like smooth Umeshu meringue sorbet, smoked haddock with sake-soaked apples and carrots served in a tangy yuzu and kombucha sauce. Dishes are served in creative pottery with unique textures and designs that perfectly match the bold flavours on offer. A long dining space with pops of colour and artistic lighting creates a fun, laidback atmosphere at this restaurant in the heart of the 10th arrondissement .

For one of the best restaurants in Paris Le Marais with rétro-chic vibes – visit Pamela Popo in Saint- Paul Le Marais

Immerse yourself in the eclectic dining space at Pamela Popo , where leafy wallpaper lines the walls and the colourful chairs and couches are lit by an assortment of different lights creating an intimate atmosphere that the French would call très rétro-chic . Arrive early and grab a few drinks at the moody cocktail bar on the first floor before heading to your table. The seasonal menu features inventive dishes crafted with top-quality ingredients. Share some smooth truffle gouda and aged serrano ham or try Provençale-style escargots. Mains include dishes like tender braised beef cheek and pillowy homemade gnocchi . Finish off with a seasonal dessert like a melt-in-your-mouth strawberry pavlova or Ossau-Iraty cheese with blackberry jam.

For one of the best restaurants in Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés – book at Restaurant Assanabel Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Cuisine libanaise in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Assanabel serves up great Lebanese cuisine just a ten-minute walk from the Louvre . Opening its first location Restaurant Assanabel République in 1988, Assanabel’s Saint-Germain outpost continues its mission to bring traditional Lebanese flavours to locals and visitors alike. Start with a mezze sharer plate with chickpea puree, fragrant tabouleh, dried beef fillet and more. Build your own platter or let the chef choose for you. From the grill, bite into juicy lamb and chicken skewers or marinated chicken fillets. Finish off with a seasonal fruit platter or an assortment of flaky baklava and other Lebanese pastries . With an elegant dining space complete with warm lights and arched mirrors, Assanabel is the perfect spot in Paris for everything from a group meal to a romantic evening out.

For one of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Paris – book a table at Mabrouk in Arts-et-Métiers

Rooted in the Tunisian heritage of its owners, Mabrouk brings a coastal atmosphere to the heart of Paris. With a mosaic-tiled blue counter, terracotta-style serving ware and bright blue outdoor seating and umbrellas, it’s the perfect spot to relax on a sunny day in Paris. Start with some briques , thin layers of filo pastry stuffed with potatoes, olives and harissa. Next, dig into a bowl of nikitouches , little balls of pasta served with chicken breast in a broth, flavoured with aromatic Tunisian spices. Close out your meal with a harissa amande , a moist semolina-flour cake with orange blossom and almond cream. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a signature Mabrouk spritz made with orange blossom-infused Aperol and prosecco, or a smooth glass of Tunisian wine for a lively Tunisian feast to share with friends and family after a long day of visits in Paris.

For one of the best tasting menus in Paris – try Tracé in Palais-Royal

Chef Clément Vergeat has created a fun gastronomic adventure at Tracé in the Palais-Royal neighbourhood, close to the Comédie Française. The seven-course Immersion tasting menu is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the elegant dishes showcasing all the savoir-faire of French cuisine, with a remarkable commitment to sustainability. Alternatively, book the five-course Instant menu or the Exaltation menu, which includes seven courses and a unique exceptional treat. The dishes from the rotating creative menu are always changing, but expect seasonal delights like a creamy asparagus and wild garlic gribiche salad or tender red mullet with a smooth French butter sauce. The ever-changing menus can be complemented with a wine or soft drink pairing, sourced from Tracé’s varied cellar . Pull up a seat at your table in the restaurant’s minimalistic and slightly rustic dining space and get ready for a truly special dining experience.

For one of the best restaurants in Paris near the Champs Elysées – head to Market by Jean-Georges in the Champs-Élysées

Step into a stylish, warmly-lit dining space that brings marble, wood and leather together to create a modern, peaceful atmosphere at Market by Jean-Georges . This is an ideal spot for solo diners , or intimate catch-ups with cosy counter seating available at the sleek bar. Known for stints at numerous MICHELIN star restaurants, award-winning cookbooks and his creative culinary vision, famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten oversees every aspect of Market. The design, menu and staff all work in harmony here to create an unbeatable experience. A trip to the market is the first step in any dish served here, whether it’s creamy guacamole with crispy tortillas or rich, black truffle pizza . Taste the smooth flavours of tuna tartare or crispy salmon sushi before moving on to a juicy crab roll with tamarind sauce . Head here for brunch to try some classic eggs benedict or French toast served with sweet caramelised apples and crème anglaise.

For one of the best affordable restaurants in Paris – visit Les Bascules in Vivienne

Les Bascules is one of the best restaurants in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement for an elegant yet budget-friendly meal, just moments from Bourse metro station. It’s a refined, relaxing spot where to stop for refreshing cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired bites. Try a hearty salad bowl of soft grilled halloumi and juicy roasted pear with a drizzle of honey lemon dressing. Tender kafta skewers with smooth aubergine caviar pair perfectly with some za’atar man’ouche flatbread. Sip on signature cocktails like the vodka, cherry and raspberry flavoured Love After Breakfast or the On Part Demain, made with gin and house-made lavender cordial.

With MICHELIN-star dining near the Arc de Triomphe and relaxed brasseries minutes from the Louvre, there are many excellent restaurants to try on your next trip to Paris. Whether you’re after a tasting menu experience or want to order your favourite French classics à la carte, the best restaurants in Paris are ready to welcome you. Plus, with plenty of international cuisine on offer, you can get a Parisian take on flavours from all over the world.

Hungry for more? Explore more of the best restaurants in Paris on OpenTable before you go.

Looking for more great places to eat out in and outside of london get inspired by these city guides:.

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10 dishes to try in Paris

From steaks to sandwiches to sweets to take home with you..

Plenty of cities try to claim the title of the world's top culinary destination, but Paris has plenty of compelling proof to back it up. France's capital city is currently home to more than 100 Michelin-starred restaurants. But you need only visit for yourself—to taste the dynamic flavor of a lychee and raspberry macaron, or a simple, crusty baguette layered with salted butter and ham—to agree. If you need more proof, it's just as easy to find a memorable meal at a falafel stand or decades-old bistro as it is at one of those Michelin-starred, multi-course tasting menus. Below, find some of the dishes you must seek out on your next visit to Paris.

Steak Frites

Cuts of meat like côte de boeuf (rib steak) and sirloin, either naked or under a pool of au poivre, are all served aside a pile of golden fries. To order your steak like the locals, ask for it cooked bleu (essentially bloody,) saignant (rare,), or a point (medium rare,) but know that these degrees of "done" tend to run a bit more rare than the ones you might be used to.

Where to get it: Le Severo , 8 Rue des Plantes

At the tiny, 10-table spot in the 14th arrondissement run by a former butcher, each cut of steak shines. The wine list, including plenty of reds, is three times as long as its concise menu, but with the handful of laudable starters (including the rich blood pudding served with a sweet apple compote) and perfect desserts, you don't need more.

Tip: Le Severo is closed on le-week-end, so plan your visit on a weekday.

Best fine dining restaurants

The delicate pastry consisting of French buttercream, jam, or ganache sandwiched between two almond-based cookies can be found in a rainbow of shades in some of Paris's most celebrated patisseries. Options range from classics like chocolate, raspberry, and caramel to more experimental and seasonal flavors.

Where to get it: Pierre Hermé , many locations

In a city where top-tier macarons are as easy to find as Eiffel Tower souvenirs (see also: Laduree , La Maison du Chocolat ), Pierre Hermé is among the creme de la creme. The fourth-generation pastry chef, named the world's best in 2016, is known for his signature flavor creation: Ispahan, a surprisingly perfect mixture of raspberry, lychee, and rose water.

Tip: Like every other high-end pastry shop in the city, macarons at Pierre Hermé come beautifully boxed, making them a perfect gift to bring back home.

Crispy chickpea fritters, sometimes stuffed into a pita alongside pickled and fresh vegetables and tahini, may have deep roots in the Middle East, but falafel has been famous in Paris since L'As du Fallafel first opened in 1979. The Marais shop is still wildly popular, but these days the city is home to a growing number of places where you can find great falafel.

Where to get it: Miznon , 22 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004; 37 Quai de Valmy, 75010; 3 Rue de la Grange Batelière, 75009

The Middle Eastern fast-casual restaurant has three outposts in the city—all with excellent falafel and a robust menu of other options, including a supremely tender boeuf bourguignon sandwich and plenty of vegetarian-friendly fare.

Tip: All three locations are closed for Shabbat, from mid-afternoon Friday through sundown on Saturday, and reopen on Sunday..

The dense, springy pancake, made by spreading batter thinly over a hot griddle, is dusted with a sprinkle of sugar or filled with sweet or savory ingredients like chocolate and banana or ham and cheese. Crêperies and kiosks abound in the city and make crepes that are a delightful snack or handheld meal on the go.

Where to get it: Breizh Cafe , multiple locations

For a taste of Brittany, visit one of the dozen locations of Breizh Cafe and order savory buckwheat crepes with comte and ham or dessert crepes with salted caramel and apple.

Tip: The cafe's Marais location is also home to Breizh Épicerie , which stocks Brittany imports like fleur du sel, tinned fish, and Bordier butter.

France's long history of dairy farming and cheesemaking—using techniques passed down through generations—is on full display in Paris's restaurants, fromageries, and farmers markets. The country is home to over 1,000 different types of cheese, in which residents take serious pride. Depending on your devotion to dairy, you can find tastings and classes or just seek out some of the exemplary varieties, including tangy blue Roquefort and creamy Camembert.

Where to get it: Le Clarence , 31 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 75008

Book a table at the exquisite Le Clarence, set inside an 18th-century townhouse, choose a tasting menu, and add the cheese course to your meal. The cheese trolley will appear, with its rotating selection and the perfect accompaniments like housemade chutney and quince honey.

Tip: If you're not sure what to pair with your cheese, ask one of the wine experts on staff for their recommendation. The two Michelin-starred restaurant has a wine cellar on site.

The first time you taste a croissant in Paris is the moment you realize that the French are lightyears ahead of everyone else when it comes to this buttery breakfast pastry. How do they do it? It's the precision, perhaps, but no one really knows. (I believe it's the butter.)

Where to get it: Du Pain et des Idées , 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010

The croissant is indeed divine at this perpetually busy bakery in the 10th, but do not leave with snagging at least one snail. The pinwheel-shaped "escargots" are laced with pistachio, dark chocolate, and other seasonally rotating (and all heavenly) flavors.

Tip: Go early for the best selection.

Best coffee in Paris

Since the mid-18th century, when the mini, scallop-shaped butter cakes first appeared in France, Madeleines have held a special place in the country's culture. (For proof, look no further than Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time," in which the French writer describes a madeleine dipped in tea that highlights the connection between taste and memory.) Made with a genoise cake batter, which has a spongy texture thanks to beaten eggs, they typically have a hint of lemon flavor and are perfect for pairing with afternoon tea.

Where to get it: Ritz Paris Le Comptoir , 38 Rue Cambon, 75001

Chef François Perret, who helms the Ritz Paris pastry program, including the famed hotel's restaurants and this stand-alone bakery and cafe, was also named best pastry chef in the world by the same organization that crowned Pierre Herme. The madeleines here come in the classic variety but also in a slate of others, like chocolate glazed and passion fruit-filled.

Tip: Beautiful gift boxes come in sizes of 5, 8, and 12 and last up to five days.

Perhaps no food is associated with French culture more than the baguette. The long, slim loaf of crusty bread is a daily staple in many households and is often eaten plain or filled with jamon beurre or ham and butter.

Where to get it: Boulangerie Utopie , 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011

The famous boulangerie in the 11th sells a platonically perfect baguette, but to rationalize all the time you spent in the (typically) long line, you should also pick up a pain au chocolat, tarte aux fraises (strawberry tarte) and anything else from the selection of pastries and breads.

Tip: If you're short on time and cannot make it to Boulangerie Utopie, don't fret. Do like most locals do: Walk to the closest bakery outside your door and buy your baguette there.

Charcuterie

The word charcuterie comes from the French words chair (flesh) and cuit (cooked.) For centuries in France (like elsewhere), artisans have been using all parts of the animal to reduce waste and curing the meat to preserve it. Besides dried meats like saucisson sec, soft charcuterie includes pate (spreadable meat, fat, and seasonings), terrine (similar to pate, but with thicker chunks of meat and sometimes vegetables), and foie gras (specially fattened goose liver)—and all are common on menus in Paris today.

Where to get it: Les Arlots , 136 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75010

The tiny menu at the cozy, much-lauded bistro in the 20th changes often, but they'll always offer complimentary saucisson slices to start. A reliable standard is the saucisse-purée, an herby sausage atop a bed of mashed potatoes that may be mostly butter.

Tip: Make a reservation. The restaurant is popular, and the space is small.

Croque Monsieur

Although the exact origins of the Croque Monsieur aren't totally clear, the classic French sandwich first started popping up on Parisian café menus around 1910 and has been a popular lunch option or afternoon snack ever since. Croque means "to crunch" in French, which will make sense when you bite into one. A ham and cheese sandwich, usually made with Gruyère or Emmental, is grilled or fried, then topped with béchamel sauce.

Where to get it: Cafe Les Deux Magots , 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006

You will definitely find a croque on bistro menus all over the city, including this perennially buzzy, historic cafe in Saint-Germain.

Tip: A croque madame is a variation on the monsieur, topped with a fried egg.

10 Restaurants You Must Visit In Paris (& Their Most Popular Dish)

When visiting Paris, food should obviously be at the top of your list, and here are the 10 restaurants and dishes you need to try out.

What comes to mind when you think of Paris? It may the breathtaking Eiffel tower, the Champs Elysees, the iconic Louvre Museum or perhaps the enthusiastic ambiance which justifies why it earned the name of ''City of Lights.'' Every year, millions make their way to this beautiful city so they can live a bit of the magic it contains, at least for a short while.

RELATED:  10 Of The Best Places To Shop In Paris

Although there are countless things to do and enjoy in Paris, it is fair to say food makes for an important part of the experience it and of itself. Getting a taste of French cuisine remains indubitably essential to truly experience the city. As such, here is a list of 10 restaurants you must visit in Paris and their most popular dish for you to enjoy. Because to visit Paris is to eat in Paris.

10 ASPIC Restaurant

Led forth by the informed direction of master talented chef Quentin Girou, the ASPIC is a cozy restaurant serving foods with fresh ingredients coming straight out of French gardens. This place's uniqueness lies in its familiar, homely experience which is reflected in the cooks live-in cooking sessions where you can watch your foods being prepared from start to finish. Enjoy ASPIC's seven-course menu for a reasonable price of 69 euros and enjoy a unique dining experience.

9 Le Chalet Des Iles

This eatery also offers a top-quality experience of fine French cuisine and so with a breathtaking view. In the summer evenings, you can enjoy a great meal on the patio where burgeoning colors and bright lights will serve as your backdrop. Additionally, guests of Le Chalet Des Iles can take a jab at the restaurant's most popular dish: a delicious risotto served with truffle and a generous portion of Rockette. Although this location is a bit further away, it retains its charm by offering a more quiet ambiance away from the crowded and loud streets of Paris core.

8 La Nouvelle Seine

This budget-friendly restaurant proves that you do not need a fancy restaurant to experience the best of food in Paris. La Nouvelle Seine offers the city's best take on seafood dishes like its popular dish, a fresh salmon with a mango topping. The restaurant's location which nears the dazzling Notre-Dame cathedral makes it an ideal stop amidst a lengthy tour. Additionally, La Nouvelle Seine grants its visitors a compelling view of the city of lights, making its ambiance both attractive and romantic.

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7 Zerda Cafe

This food spot is one of the first Algerian restaurants to set up shop in Paris. Should you be looking to taste high-quality North African foods, then you must definitely visit Zerda Cafe. Not only is the restaurant's interior decor beautiful and reminiscent of Algerian culture, but the food is also authentic and will take your tastebuds across the shores of Algeria. The location's most coveted dish includes a lightly spiced couscous served with seasoned lamb. A reflection of the country's rich history and cultural distinction outpours the walls of this fabulous eatery.

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6 Guy Savoy

The owner of this restaurant is the mastermind responsible for teaching Gordon Ramsay everything that he knows. Therefore, you will definitely want to stop by Guy Savoy to get a taste of Paris' finest cuisine. This restaurant is the epitome of French cooking with its classic Parisian menu options like lobster, oysters and allegedly the best foie gras in town. Although this restaurant does stand on the pricier side, it does hold a Michelin-star rating which may mean it's worth all your money after all.

5 Beefbar Paris

This historic restaurant is the ideal option for red meat fans as the entire menu caters to serving an array of different beef cuts. While the decor is not extraordinary, the interior environment does stand between relaxed and over-the-top. Though we must mention that this restaurant is located near the impressive Champs-Elysees. This place is usually frequented by businessmen and women looking to talk business over a good steak or choosy lovers with fine taste. One of its most popular dishes is the French Terrior Beef Plate, a succulent dish with varied cuts of meats like filet mignon, center-cut filet and juicy Chateaubriand.

L'Abysse offers a well-orchestrated blend of French and Japanese cuisine via a series of original signature dishes. This option is best suited for individuals with curious palates, looking to try new and delicious options. The guests can enjoy a unique dining experience from the moment they enter the restaurant and take in the elusive decor. They are then seated at one of the many velvets seats cushioned neatly behind low tables. Several courses are both served and offered based on appetite levels. Make sure to try L'Abysse's popular dish of the white sashimi, served with citrus fruit bread crumbs and red tuna.

This just might be the best place to go eat if you're looking to enjoy a meal while gazing look at the Eiffel tower. The Girafe offers a modern seafood menu and worldly cuisine.  The decor is astonishing from its Art Deco light fixtures to its beige-colored leather benches. Delicate cuisine is served with wonderful service. A very popular dish consists of the exciting sea bream ceviche, a dish served with coconut milk and a pinch of lime. To the meal's completion, a topping of passion fruit seeds is added as a final touch. Savor this dish with the restaurant's high-quality cocktails like the Minuty Rose. Bon appetit!

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2 Dans Le Noir

This originality of this restaurant lies in its dining experience where visitors eat in complete darkness. The deeper meaning behind this is to convey the reality of the visually impaired by providing a somber dining experience. This innovative style of eating has even led to replications across the globe. Essentially, you get to truly be in touch with your palate and tastebuds as you savor the numerous, delicious dishes served herein (that also changes regularly to keep guests on their toes).

If there ever was a scale of quality, Lasserre would be at the top with regards to French gastronomy. This three-Michelin-star restaurant offers traditional and classic French eats with a few revisions to previous favorites. Once a small bistro, this restaurant has a rich history and finds its roots all the way back to the 1937 World Fair. Some of its famous guests include the likes of Audrey Hepburn and Salvador Dali. Moreover, the interior design is simple, chic and crisp with an open roof revealing a beautiful star-lit sky.

The go-to signature dish appears to be the truffle macaroni, a delicious combination rated five-stars online. Finish it off with its popular dessert, the Crepe Suzette.

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Destination: Paris

I have a well-thumbed and stained copy of Patricia Wells’ classic cookbook, Bistro Cooking, which is packed with recipes the American writer collected over many years from France’s most famous bistros.

The recipes Wells gleaned from legendary Paris establishments include mussel soup from Benoit, smoked haddock with cabbage from Chez La Vieille, roast chicken from L’Ami Louis and an almond tarte from Le Petit Marguery.

The book was published in the 1980s, but those bistros still exist, as do countless small traditional restaurants tucked away in almost every block of the French capital and its regional cities, a testament to the enduring popularity of hearty, home-style cooking, despite serious challenges from culinary movements such as nouvelle cuisine. “Bistro cuisine is French home cooking at its best, a style of cooking that demands a minimal of technical skills,” writes Wells. “Ingredients aren’t exotic; they come straight from the local market. And it’s a way of cooking that grew out of a need to maximise every morsel in the market basket, so it’s easy on the pocketbook.”

The word “bistro” conjures up thoughts of quaint neighbourhood restaurants with lace curtains, checked tablecloths, steamy aromas wafting from the kitchen, white-aproned waiters, carafes of house wine and daily lunch or dinner specials on blackboards. A bistro might be family run, or it might be helmed by a chef trained in one of the culinary institutions, but the expectation when you step through the door is warm hospitality and hearty comfort food, much of it created from what the chef finds at the market that day.

A brasserie, on the other hand, tends to be larger and noisier, serving the same menu all day until late at night, which might include a long list of dishes from oysters to steak frites. The meaning comes from the French word for “brewery” and beer on tap is a feature. La Coupole and Bofingner are brasseries; Julia Child’s favourite Paris eatery, Chez Georges, is a bistro. The terms are a bit interchangeable, though.

I lived in Paris in the 1990s and I can map the history of my time there through meals I enjoyed in bistros (and sometimes those I didn’t, when the service was churlish, the food badly cooked or overpriced.) Bistros were where I’d meet friends and colleagues for lunch, choosing the daily formule, the set-price menu with limited choices, which is the great bargain of French eating out. They were cosy – in the days of smoking, you’d sit so close to the next table your neighbour might accidentally drop their ash in your meal.

Sometimes I’d just have a hankering for a dish, such as a sticky cassoulet or an intense soupe a l’oignon, which no amount of time spent over the stove at home could replicate. French bistros do transformational things with simple ingredients such as eggs, cabbage and root vegetables that are quite beyond my culinary skills, or imagination.

Other times friends would visit from overseas, always keen to dine somewhere typical and atmospheric. I liked Chez Paul on the rue de Charonne in the Bastille neighbourhood, Ma Bourgogne on the Place des Vosges, with a terrace on the 17th century vaulted arcade, Le Grand Colbert near the Palais Royale and À La Petite Chaise, a lace-curtained bistro tucked away on the rue de Grenelle, which is the oldest restaurant in Paris (1680) and still serving a tender magret de canard rôti the last time I visited. Finding something charming was never a problem, but all too many Parisian bistros were rich in atmosphere and poor in cuisine. I remember there was much lamentation during my time in Paris that the French had lost the art of cooking, as exemplified by the indifferent food and service in some bistros. Stringy duck, soggy gratins, tasteless fish. Choosing a bistro on looks alone was always a risk.

And then there was the brusque service. If you weren’t a regular or your French wasn’t perfect, often you’d hover in the doorway for many minutes, being ignored, until the maître’d grumpily fobbed you off on the worst table in the room.

The somewhat repetitive menus and heavy food meant that bistros fell out of fashion for a while. And then, when the recession of the ’90s came along, an affordable dining renaissance bloomed in response to the stratospheric prices and formality of gastronomic restaurants. Led by chef Yves Camdeborde, of La Régalade, bistronomie was a hybrid bistro-gastro movement which paid honour to the traditions of bistro cooking, its locally sourced ingredients and hospitality, combining this with techniques learnt in starred restaurants, while keeping prices reasonable.

These days, Camdeborde has an entire empire in Saint-Germain, with the wildly popular neo-bistro Le Comptoir (comptoir refers to the long counter typical of many bistros) on the Carrefour d l’Odéon sprouting siblings Avant Comptoir (serving small plates with drinks), Avant Comptoir de la Mer (seafood and freshly shucked oysters) and Avant Comptoir du Marché, in the nearby market. Gregory Marchand (Frenchie) and Daniel Rose (Spring) were also at the vanguard, along with starred chefs such as Jöel Robuchon and Guy Savoy who opened their own less expensive bistro offshoots.

Bistronomy might have heralded a new golden era of the bistro in Paris had it not been for the terrorist attacks of 2015, the gilet jaunes strikes of 2018-19 and the pandemic of 2020, all of which have created a crisis for small restaurants, which depend on tourism. It’s estimated that 300 bistros closed between 2014 and 2018. Omicron sent a chill through the European winter that saw restaurants again teetering on the brink of failure.

On a recent trip to Paris, I stopped for lunch at Au Pied de Fouet, a 160-year-old bistro on rue Saint-Benoit in Saint-Germain, around the corner from Les Deux Magots. It’s a tiny, dark, two-level space, with red-checked tablecloths and limited daily selections at very low prices for a high-traffic tourist area. When I sat, a complimentary Kir cocktail and a basket of bread was plonked on the table. The cuisse de canard (duck thigh cooked in its own fat) was served on a bed of mashed potatoes, a bargain at 13 euros, the tarte Tatin with crème fraîche was 5 euros. My noisette coffee was accompanied by an old-fashioned Carambar caramel.

The food wasn’t anything special (the tart was soggy) but the service was warm and you could see why locals dropped in. The waiter explained that the place wasn’t as busy as usual as tourists were scarce and Parisians were staying home, afraid of Omicron. This was close to the last straw for the restaurateur, who saw many colleagues close their businesses in the past year.

My old favourite, Le Grand Colbert, was almost empty when I arrived early for lunch one day. It gradually filled but gone were the days when you had to work a lot of charm to get a table. I was seated in the front section opposite another solo diner, a very chic, slender woman, who worked her way through three large courses plus a carafe of wine.

The formule was two courses for 22 euros. Patrons might be scarcer these days, but standards are being upheld. The poulet fermier in a delicious jus of stock, carrots, onions and parsley was sublime, all the more for being completely homely. It was served with crisp, salty frites. The île flottante was superb, a delicious dome of egg white in a creamy custard moat with slightly burnt caramel swirled on top. The meal wasn’t going to win any culinary gongs but it was deeply satisfying.

A discerning Paris local tells me she always suggests the bistro Chez Georges on rue du Mail. While it tends to be equally as full of non-Europeans as Parisians due to its christening by Julia Child, its beautiful but slightly faded décor and handwritten menu of classics such as sole meunière and céleri rémoulade means the experience never disappoints, she says. It has been on my list for some time but it’s terribly popular. Still, with a slump in restaurant bookings, I was confident I’d nab a table if I turned up early one lunchtime. This was Covid times and they’d be happy to see me, right?

The maître-d’ was formal but pleasant. He asked me the name of my reservation. I said I had none. He looked at me with blistering pity. I felt like a fool.

Plus ça change.

Five classic “Chez” bistros: 1. Chez Paul A neighbourhood bistro has been on this spot since 1900. The Paul family took over in the 1940s. In its latest iteration it’s boisterous and authentic, serving Gallic comfort food in a warmly glowing, yellow-painted room. 13 rue de Charonne, Paris. 2. Chez Georges With a beautiful, mirrored room and a menu of classics that is almost encyclopaedic, this quintessentially Parisian restaurant is wildly popular, so do make a reservation. 1 rue du Mail, Paris, +33 1 42 60 07 11 3. Chez André This lively bistro has been a stalwart of the well-heeled 8th arrondissement, near Place de l’Etoile, since 1936. It still has lots of old-fashioned glamour, with its crisp white tablecloths, uniformed waitresses and original zinc bar. 12 rue Marbeuf, Paris. 4. Chez La Vieille This bistro in Les Halles opened in 1958, and was named for its original proprietor, Adrienne Biasin (“the old lady”). Reinvented in 2016 by Daniel Rose (Le Coucou) it still serves a hefty dose of welcome nostalgia. 1 rue Bailleul, Paris. 5. Chez L’Ami Louis AA Gill famously thought it overrated, but others swear by its legendary roast chicken. Tiny, clubby and devilishly expensive, it’s the antithesis of the inexpensive family bistro, and worth a splurge if you can get a notoriously difficult reservation and, best of all, a regular to take you. 32 rue Vertbois, Paris, +33 1 48 87 77 48

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Where to eat during Paris Fashion Week: The ultimate restaurant guide

By Jade Simon

Between institutions and newcomers, here are the must-see restaurants to see and be seen during Paris Fashion Week.

Soho House Paris

After months and months of waiting, the Soho House is taking advantage of Fashion Week to (finally) open its doors in Paris. A private hotel-club reserved exclusively for creative minds, it features a myriad of bright rooms (some with marble fireplaces and old-fashioned bathtubs), a spa, a gym, and a cabaret. Additionally, and above all, a restaurant with a solar-like decoration, spreading out through a beautiful interior courtyard filled with greenery. All that's left to do is to get a membership card!

Nestled in the discreet street, “rue Chapon,” located in the Marais, this new culinary gem combines a short but delicious menu, with also a list of great wines from the South of France, Italy, and Spain. Alternating with the seasons and the chef’s wishes, at the moment there are zucchini fritters, a cherry tomato & stracciatella salad, line-caught yellow pollack, or even a tiramisu with bursts of hazelnut. The perfect sport to recharge your batteries during Fashion week.  13 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris, Tel.01 43 37 91 64 Reserve a table

By Alexandre Marain

By Hannah Coates

By Daniel Rodgers

The House of Caviar  

An institution close to the Champs-Elysées, La Maison du Caviar attracts a colorful crowd every evening.  It is attracted by its unique decor created by Oitoemponto and its fragrant menu that transports the taste buds to Russia (but not only). Halfway between the plush cabins of a fictitious Orient Express and a golden 1920s lounge, visitors take their seats on the velvet benches before getting down to business. The sourcing is impeccable; you can taste a myriad of handpicked caviars served on a bowl of ice (white caviar from the Kadjar reserve, beluga from Iran, Imperial Osciètre ...), ultra creamy spaghetti with baeri caviar, Scottish Wester Ross smoked salmon, sea urchin tarama, or a smashed potato with crème fraiche also topped with caviar. Without forgetting the top-flight wines and a delicious vodka flavored with hazelnuts.  21 Rue Quentin Bauchart 75008 Paris, Tel.01 47 23 53 43 Reserve a table

Le Tout-Paris

With a colorful decor by Peter Marino and a breathtaking view of the Seine,   Le Tout-Paris shines at the top of the list of new Parisian brasseries for the start of the 2021 season.  Perched on the 7th floor of the Cheval Blanc , the menu, imagined by chef William Béquin , includes a piece of beef and its "Pont-Neuf" fries, farm poultry to share, burgers and a chocolate soufflé.   8 Quai du Louvre, 75001 Paris, Tel. 01 79 35 50 22 Reserve a table  

With its décor halfway between the Parisian bistro of the past and an Italian trattoria, Racines has taken up residence in the Passage des Panoramas . An ode to top-quality transalpine cuisine, the menu, developed by Simone Tondo , combines impeccably made fresh pasta, a vitello tonnato, or even a crisp Milanese. 8 Passage des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, Tel.01 40 13 06 41 Reserve a table

Le Relais Plaza

Succeeding Alain Ducasse , Jean Imbert is commissioned to revive the Relais Plaza . This historic Art Deco brasserie reopened its doors on September 8. An ode to the recipes of yesteryear, which Imbert has already developed behind his grandmother's stove by utilizing beautiful local products (especially those from his beloved Brittany ), the menu combines raw sea bass with olive oil and lemon, mayo scampi, crispy roasted turbot, beef filet with foie gras wrapped in a brioche, or even stuffed tomatoes (famously known as tomates farcies ). Not to mention, the comfortingly regressive desserts (chocolate soufflé tart, childhood caramel cream, île flottante minute) capable of having the Proust madeleines effect. 21 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, Tel. 01.53.67.64.00   Reserve a table  

Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, neighboring the Seine, is where Atsushi Tanaka  opened the doors of his restaurant   A.T . , in 2014. Recently revamped by the OVO , studio, the place has become more refined with new furniture by Sarg&Bein and a superb tableware by Ann Sofie Gelfius , Gurli Elbaekgaard and Sinikka Harms . In this new minimalist space, visitors quickly discover that the important thing is to eat. Each evening, a tasting menu evolves according to the discoveries and desires of the Japanese chef. Like a living painting, one would almost feel a little guilty to plunge our fork into these fine and poetic culinary creations. 4bis Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, Tel.01 56 81 94 08 Réserver une table  

After Pierre Touitou , it's Robert Mendoza's turn to take over the stoves at   Vivant 2 . Ideal for dining away from the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week, this intimate marbled counter, lit by candlelight, focuses on innovative recipes. Evolving according to the chef's preferences and the seasons, we find, among others, a beef carpaccio, a potato flatbread topped with melting bacon or octopus with cucumber. 43, rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 Paris, Tel.01 42 46 43 55

La Suite Girafe

Famous rooftop restaurant in the heart of the Cité de l’Architecture , Girafe  has taken advantage of the summer to get some height. Cut off from the city's stress and surrounded by greenery and cream-colored tables, the place offers a seafood menu with Japanese influences: truffle tarama, Californian lobster, king crab salad, salmon sashimi... Accompanied by great wines and summer cocktails. All to be enjoyed in front of the Eiffel Tower which glitters at night.    1 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, Tel.01 40 62 70 61

Le Bar des Prés

It's no secret that   Cyril Lignac has a weakness for Japanese cuisine. And it's within the walls of his Bar des Prés , well known to the Parisian crowd, that we get the full extent of it. Leaning at the bar, in a subdued atmosphere, the menu provides goma-ae of green vegetables, lobster from Brittany, sesame cream; crunchy cake, Madras curry crab, avocado, lime (star of Instagram), yellow tail or red tuna sashimi, Chu-Toro sushi, lacquered eel maki, matcha chiffon cake, melted chocolate sauce ... The choice quickly becomes difficult. Not to mention, the list of cocktails is not to be underestimated, with a Tokyo Garden (Hendrick's gin, shizo, sake, yuzu juice, lychee juice) which awakens the taste buds, and a Summer Julep (Bache Gabrielsen cognac, peach puree, fresh verbena, Montenegro) which is a real treat. All that's left is to come back. 25 Rue du Dragon, 75006 Paris, Tel.01 43 25 87 67 Réserver une table  

A fine restaurant well known among Parisians. Septime gives the opportunity to measure the extent of   Bertrand Grébaut and   Théophile Pourriat's culinary talent. Located in the rue de Charonne, this restaurant with a warm atmosphere delights the taste buds with a series of well thought out dishes made with the best of local products. 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, Tel.01 43 67 38 29 Reserve a table  

With chef Sylvain Roucayrol at the helm, accompanied by The Social Food (photographers and culinary experts who need no introduction),   Amagat  is about to open its doors just a few steps from the restaurant Caché in Paris. Set up in a pretty paved courtyard, visitors will discover a menu that celebrates Catalonian cuisine, a nod to the chef's native region. In an atmosphere reminiscent of the bodegas in northern Spain, the menu combines marinated anchovies, croquetas with Iberian ham, pan con tomate, tortilla, crudo of sea bream, grilled fish with al ajillo sauce... All accompanied by carefully selected cocktails and wines. Reserve a table

Sushi Shunei

The project of César Mourot and Paul Dupuy , a duo that keeps going to and fro from Japan owing to their fondness for Japanese cuisine . Sushi Shunei is spread out under a beautiful pyramid-shaped vault created by the architectural studios Sala Hars and Vorbot . With chef Shunei Kimura , the culinary ballet evolves according to the tastes of the sushi master and the catch of the day. On the menu? Gourmet langoustine sushi from Spain, fine sea bream, tasty eels drizzled with soy sauce, fatty tuna that melts in the mouth or lightly grilled... Accompanied by iced teas. 3 Rue Audran, 75018 Paris Reserve here

Le Bar Principal  

A newcomer to the clan of beautiful Parisian wine cellars , the Bar Principal  has just opened its doors on rue Général Renault in Paris. Run by the team at the Brutos , located next door, this spot attracts, every evening from 5:30 pm, epicureans in search of natural wines and recipes that will make your taste buds travel. On the menu, you can find diced fried tapiocas (Instagram's favorite), crispy Milanese accompanied by a tartar sauce, or fine charcuterie. With a bonus list of house cocktails to sip, the place opens onto a welcoming terrace facing the square Gardette. So many good reasons to visit.  5 Rue du Général Renault, 75011 Paris

A l'Epi d'Or

After La Poule au Pot , Elodie and Jean-François Piège  have revived another institution of the Halles district: À L’Épi d’Or . A zinc bar, leather benches, country paintings on the wall, mosaics on the floor, lamps in glass paste... The decor has everything of the perfect rustic bistro. While the menu focuses on the seasons, it celebrates the great classics of the genre, made with great skill: pâté en croûte, poutargue served on toasted bread, chickpea salad, steak and French fries, cod with baked squash, rice pudding, chocolate cake... Everything is good and incredibly delicious. 25 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris, Tel. 01 42 36 38 12 Reserve a table

At the top of the list of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the capital, Shabour  has made its home at the corner of rue Saint Sauveur. The kitchen is led by a smiling and focused staff: Assaf Granit , Uri Navon , Dan Yosha and Tomer Lanzman . A group that had already intrigued Parisian customers with Balagan , a festive Israeli restaurant where reservations can be made weeks in advance. Welcomed with a glass of candy pink sparkling Italian wine, visitors are then invited to take a seat around the giant marble counter that contours the culinary scene. The atmosphere is cheerful, the chefs cheer from time to time, as if to remind us that it is a collective effort that generates this string of tasteful dishes, inspired by Israeli, Mediterranean, and Oriental recipes. 19 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris Reserve a table  

Lapérouse  

Parisians have been coming here for centuries, visitors carefully mention it, with their eyes shining, entertained by the thousand and one fables that are attributed to it. In turn the HQ of Emilie Zola and Victor Hugo , it is claimed that Serge Gainsbourg met Jane Birkin there and that Kate Moss left her initials engraved on a mirror. Revamped by Laura Gonzalez , this temple of Parisian gastronomy has gained chef Jean-Pierre Vigato in the kitchen, Christophe Michalak in the pastry shop, but also a titanic cellar with more than 12,000 bottles. The only constants are the historic bar, with jazz music at the entrance, and the private rooms upstairs, where the old-fashioned doorbells still ensure the same degree of intimacy. A rare boon in these days of uninhibited by Instagram. 51 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris, Tel.01 43 26 68 04 Reserve a table  

Led by the talented Greg Marchand , Frenchie has everything you need for a good dinner in Paris. All stone and exposed beams, this restaurant on the rue du Nil shines with its inspiring menu, which evolves according to the mood and the season. At the moment? Homemade agnolotti with shitakes, duck with eggplant, or lean meat with zucchini. 5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, Tel.01 40 39 96 19 Reserve a table  

By Gaby Wood

By Wendell Steavenson

By Lolita Mang

Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton

Location & Hours

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2 Rue du Pont Neuf

75001 Paris

Châtelet/Les Halles, 1er

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Before you read any further, make a reservation. Bring a friend. You'll need a buddy to order the whole menu. And if you like taking photos of beautifully plated food, charge the camera or that phone up. Came here for a solo experience and left stuffed (hence the suggestion to bring a friend/date). They sat me at the window where I had a beautiful view of the Siene. The server gives you a menu and can tell you the story behind some of the ingredients and some of the dishes as it relates to the chef. The egg dish is beautifully presented. I had no idea you needed to mixed the contents but honestly the photo alone was worth it. Wasn't too much of a tuna fan for the potato waffle and tuna but the waffle was picture worthy. I think next time I would pick the salad in with the ebene patterned tart shell-- saw the person at the table over order it and it was a work of art! Ravioli was delicious and the subtle LV imprint on the pasta was adorable. Didn't realize it came with truffle but not surprised given the price. They give you complimentary chocolates in the monogram LV but you must order the pear dessert. It's by far the best dessert and of course lovely presentation. I loved this dish the most. If you want to see the actual desserts before deciding, mosey on toward the back of the restaurant and they have them on display. The eclair was good but the pear tart is just superb. Before leaving make sure to walk around the display area upstairs and visit the chocolate shop with LV themed chocolates. They even have a Vivienne molded/shaped chocolate! It's an experience and quite memorable. Make sure to grab a reservation! Came for lunch but this could equally be fabulous for a dinner.

See all photos from Lilee N. for Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton

Amazing Louis Vuitton Cafe and Museum to see while in Paris. Adorable! And the chocolates are so cute. I am a huge fan! Must must see and then scoot down the road to the Louvre!

See all photos from Janet D. for Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton

Second time eating at Maxime Frederic and this visit was over the top awesome. Waitstaff was friendly and talkative, offering suggestions what to see in the city. Ambiance was nice for a special lunch. The food options all included vegetarian choices in each category Mr chose the ricotta ravioli with truffle. I chose the tomato & cheese croque sandwich which came with a salad and handcut chips in the shape of Vivienne. So cute! Flavors were phenomenal and we just had room for dessert of Pear Charlotte. Eyeroll-inducing good! We've also had the vanilla and chocolate desserts in our previous visit but wow the pear is where it's at! Beside the restaurant is. Chocolate show with all kinds of filled chocolates and biscuits to take home with you. These are also a must buy as you're leaving but be sure to eat them quickly as they are best eaten fresh.....but when it's this yummy, can't imagine they'll last long Thank you for the awesome lunch and delicious treats

See all photos from Adrienne G. for Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton

The cakes were really good and so were the drinks. This place is special. While you are there, don't forget to get some chocolates.

See all photos from Elly W. for Maxime Frederic at Louis Vuitton

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The 6 best pastries in Paris - and where to find them

May 24, 2024 • 5 min read

Stick to this guide to Paris' best pastries to get the most out of the city's dessert scene © Philippe Conticini

When you live in Paris , the pastry capital of the world, you develop a better understanding over the years of what makes one pastry mediocre and another masterful.

You understand that the best croissants have honeycomb cross-sections, that the best baguettes are traditions (pronounced trad-y-syon) and should have caramel-colored crusts, and that the best macarons have a soft, chewy shell.

That said, everyone has different tastes and preferences and any list that purports to have curated the best pastries in Paris risks stoking controversy.

So for full transparency, here’s the method to my particular madness: I’ve excluded  viennoiseries ( breakfast baked goods like croissants and pains au chocolate), as well as breads and baguettes, because these deserve lists of their own. Nor will you find viral desserts like the infamous "crookie," which are often passing fads with short shelf lives. I will also be clear about how my personal taste preferences have influenced my selection.

Instead, this shortlist will feature what I consider to be some of the best examples of classic French pastries in Paris that are permanent menu items at some of the top pastry shops in France . Take note: I’ve also thrown in a dramatic surprise at the end that defies category, but which I think is worthy of a special mention.

1. Madeleines: Ritz Paris Le Comptoir

Prior to tasting madeleines at the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir , the Ritz Paris hotel’s takeaway pastry shop on rue Cambon, I had little interest in the shell-shaped sponge cake. Within the Parisian pastry repertoire, the madeleine seemed boring and uninspiring compared to gem-like macarons and fairytale fruit tarts in pastry shop windows.

But then I tried pastry chef François Perret’s version, and got a glimpse of why Marcel Proust, a Ritz Paris regular, had rhapsodized about this little cake with such fondness in his book Remembrance of Things Past .

In Perret’s modernized iteration, molten madeleines are glazed in flavors like lemon, raspberry, caramel, passion fruit and chocolate, and have equally intense fruit compote, chocolate or caramel centers. They’re especially moist, intensely fragrant and also beautiful to look at. My favorites are raspberry and caramel, but also look out for seasonal releases.

Cost: €5 each

2. Lemon tarts: Stohrer

I like lemon tarts that bite back. And this one from Stohrer , the oldest pastry shop in Paris, does that and more.

Though the shop is best known as the birthplace of the baba rhum, don’t sleep on their lemon tart, especially if you, like me, are particular about the tartness to sweetness ratio.

Made with a shortbread crust, lemon confit, yuzu cream and a lemon-lime cream which lends a subtle bitter note, Stohrer’s lemon tart straddles the fine line: it’s not enough to make you pucker, but is just acidic enough to be refreshing and smooth at the same time.

Cost: €6.10

3. Macarons: Pierre Hermé’s Ispahan

There are lots of top-notch patisseries that make beautiful macarons in Paris.

But I have a particular soft spot for Pierre Hermé ’s signature rose, litchi and raspberry Ispahan macaron. The first time I tried it, the flavors and scents lingered in my memory and I found myself thinking about it long after. There are several locations but I like the one on Avenue de l'Opéra, near the Palais Garnier .

For me, it’s the exquisite way the fruity litchi and raspberry flavors and aromas give way to rose, lengthening into a sophisticated finish, without tasting like perfume, as rose-flavored desserts tend to do. It’s sophisticated, complex, and so very classy.

There’s a reason Pierre Hermé has been called the Picasso of pastries.

Cost: €2.80

4. Saint-Honoré: Philippe Conticini

A Parisian invention that stretches back to the 19th century, the Saint-Honoré takes its name after the street where it was invented, in a pastry shop on rue Saint-Honoré in the first arrondissement.

Traditionally, it features a puff pastry base, topped with cream puffs, hard caramel shell, and both Chiboust (pastry cream and meringue) and Chantilly whipped cream. Structurally, it can be a challenge to eat.

What makes the tart version by celebrity pastry chef Philippe Conticini superior, is the even distribution of flavors and textures in nearly every bite: there’s the vanilla-scented cream, soft pastry cream, caramelized choux and crispy puff pastry. The layer of caramel with fleur de sel is also appreciated, as I have a particular aversion to desserts that are too sweet and cloying. This dessert tastes as elegant as it looks.

Cost: €8.50

5. Chocolate éclairs: La Maison du Chocolat

I’ve had my fair share of bad chocolate éclairs in Paris. Either the choux pastry has become soggy from the filling, or the filling itself is disappointingly ambiguous in the chocolate department.

If you’re looking for a rich, chocolaty éclair, it only makes sense to hit up a reputed chocolatier like La Maison du Chocolat .

Here, éclairs are made with a full-bodied dark chocolate and have a pleasant hint of fruity acidic finish, while the choux itself is light, fluffy but also has integrity.

Compared to run-of-the-mill éclairs you can get at a corner patisserie, this one is admittedly on the pricier side at €7. But keep in mind that their éclairs are significantly longer, at more than 6 inches, and are made by hand every day starting at 3:30 am at their workshop in the Paris suburbs, before being delivered to shops around the city.

6. The Equinox: La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac

Though he may not be a household name to Anglophones, Cyril Lignac is a celebrity pastry chef and TV star in France with several patisseries and restaurants across the city, along with regular gigs on competitive French baking shows.

At La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac , one of his signature pastries is the Equinox, a dramatic, mysterious and surprising pastry on the outside, that belies light and familiar flavors on the inside.

The equinox is a masterclass in entremets (a multi-layered dessert that can include sponge cake, cream, mousse, compote and glazes) with a bourbon vanilla cream, caramel center, and a Speculoos praline crunch. The result is texturally satisfying, and also comforting. Visually, the Equinox is perhaps the most fashionable pastry on this list.

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• These are the things you should know before traveling to Paris
• Planning to buy a souvenir? Check out our list of  the city's best independent shops

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5 Paris Sights to Book in Advance – and 5 NOT to

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Are you planning a trip to Paris and wondering which sights and attractions to book in advance? Smart move. Because securing some of the most sought-after tickets can be as tough as getting a table at a Michelin-star restaurant on short notice.

If you’re not online the moment the tickets are released, you stand almost no chance. I wish I was exaggerating because the idea of mapping out an entire trip in advance … ugh. Who knows seven weeks in advance what they’re up to on day two?

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to book everything for Paris. Even though some sights sell out, some others let you just pop in.

And in this guide, I share with you how to make sure not to miss any must-do’s in Paris and save up enough time to wander in the meantime.

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

5 Places & Sights in Paris to Book in Advance

Before I come straight to the point and tell you the sights in Paris you need to reserve in advance, one tip that I learned the hard way:

❗ If a museum, restaurant, or landmark is on your bucket list, no matter how popular or not, book it when you can. Because those once-in-a-lifetime items are not up for gamble and not worth taking any risk. If you don’t want to miss it, book it!

#1 The Eiffel Tower

• Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor Access: view prices & availabilities

If a trip to Paris is incomplete for you without visiting the Eiffel Tower, then don’t risk it and book your tickets in advance.

The official page releases tickets to the summit and 2nd floor by lift 60 days in advance , at midnight, Paris time. That’s at least what they say. But the exact time can vary and once the tickets become available, they are more often than not gone within minutes.

Tickets to the 2nd floor by stairs are available online on their page 14 days in advance .

Sold out! Here’s what you can do

If you missed your moment and online are no tickets available anymore, you have two options.

#1 Eiffel Tower Tickets are available onsite on the day. But access is not guaranteed, and you might need to queue for 3 hours and more, rain or shine.

#2 Book an Eiffel Tower Tour on Get Your Guide or Viator . It is a bit pricier, but if the official site is sold out and waiting in line for hours is no option, then Get your Guide or Viator can come to the rescue.

For your convenience, here’s a brief overview of the best rated tours:

• Eiffel Tower Summit & Seine Cruise: view prices & schedules

#2 The Louvre

Louvre Timed Entry: Reserve your ticket here

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, with more than 9 Million annual visitors. It’s busy, and the truth is that there is no way for you to avoid the crowds. Because even though weekdays are less busy than weekends, the Louvre is still and always crowded.

But do you need to book tickets for the Louvre in advance? You don’t need to, but planning ahead comes with one undeniable advantage: The waiting at the Louvre without a booked ticket can be up to 2 hours.

And without a ticket, you queue twice: at the security check point and the ticket booth.

Here’s where you can book your ticket for the Louvre in advance:

• TOP: Louvre Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access – view prices here
• Louvre Timed Entry: Reserve here on Get Your Guide
• if still available, you can also reserve them on the official Louvre page

#3 The Château de Versailles

• Versailles Palace & Gardens Full Access Ticket: Reserve here

The Château de Versailles lies just a short train ride outside of Paris and is the Number 1 destination for every visitor, who is keen on a little side trip from Paris. And if this is your case, I strongly advise buying tickets in advance.

During the busy summer months and often on weekends, the sought after time slots sell out quick. Not as fast as the Eiffel Tower tickets, but last-minute purchases are mostly impossible.

Especially the morning tickets are gone quick, as it’s just the most convenient time to visit because you’re back in Paris in the afternoon.

You can book your ticket on the castle’s website, or simply here:

• Versailles & Garden Tour with Transfer from Paris: Book your seat here

#4 The Catacombs of Paris

• Paris Catacombs: Skip-the-Line Special Access Tour Check availability here

The Catacombs, an underground ossuary holding the remains of over six million people, are one of the unique, but also one of the most popular sites in Paris.

Due to its very limited capacity and high demand, booking ahead is essential. More concrete, only 200 visitors can enter the catacombs at a time, and time slots fill up quickly.

That you can book tickets on their website only up to 7 days in advance is not making it easier to secure your slot.

On most days, there are absolutely no tickets available anymore on site, and you have zero chance to get in without having prebooked.

If you don’t want to risk missing out, you can book a guided tour longer in advance:

• Catacombs Entry, Audioguide and Seine Cruise View prices here

#5 Michelin Star & Fine Dining Restaurants

If your trip to Paris is an opportunity to sample the creations of some of the most legendary cooks, then you definitely need to plan ahead.

Michelin Star restaurants are booked out well in advance, and so are the top-notch fine dining establishments. Just popping in? Impossible.

Your best bet is to be flexible and consider having lunch instead of dinner. It doubles your chances and as a plus: the lunch menus are always more affordable.

5 Activities in Paris you Don’t Need to Reserve

But despite all the buzz, the crowds, and the need to reserve certain activities in Paris, there’s plenty of wiggle room. And in Paris terms, this means time to wander, explore, to go with the flow end to enjoy Paris.

I like to think of Paris trip planning in two categories:

• the essentials : 1 or 2 activities a day that are fixed on your itinerary
• the extras: hidden gems , cafés, parks, smaller museums that you can sprinkle around as you feel it.

And, these extras don’t require neither a reservation nor planning. Here are 5 Paris activities that you don’t need to reserve.

#1 Seine Cruises on one of the Bateaux Mouches

Personally, I’m a massive fan of Seine Sightseeing Cruises and consider them one of the best things to do in Paris.

Cheesy and touristy? Hell yes. Relaxing, beautiful, and thoroughly enjoyable? Absolutely! And the best part is that you don’t need to cement them into your itinerary.

You can take a Bateau Mouche from Pont Alexandre III or a Bateau Parisienne from the Eiffel Tower. Depending on the season, they leave every 30 to 60 minutes.

If, against all odds, the queues are too long, just head over to Pont Neuf and hop on a Vedette de Pont Neuf . Or take the popular Batobus , which serves nine stops throughout Paris, so one will always be close by.

If you are keen on taking a Cruise with some extras, you need to book them in advance, though:

• 2- Hour River Seine Lunch Cruise : Book here
• Private Boat Cruise on the Seine River: View prices here
• Champagne Tasting Cruise from the Eiffel Tower: View prices & availabilities

#2 The Musée Carnavalet

See here my list of free museums in Paris

Everyone knows the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, but did you know that Paris has around 130 museums in Paris? And most of them you don’t need to reserve to visit.

The Musée Carnavalet is one of them. This fantastic museum focuses on the history of Paris, and on top of no reservation required, it is also free.

It has an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and photos that tell the story of Paris from its beginnings to today. The restored rooms and exhibits give a glimpse into Parisian life over the years, and it is a must if you want to get closer to the core of Paris.

#3 Montmartre

Also read my Montmartre Guide to know what awaits you

Montmartre in the well-known artist district in the north of Paris. This neighborhood is a must on anyone’s Paris agenda and is perfect for letting yourself drift and enjoying Parisian life.

Whether you spend a short morning here or an entire afternoon, Montmartre does not require an itinerary nor a strict plan. Just wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.

You will come across the sights of Montmartre one way or another: The majestic Sacre Cœur, the Musée de Montmartre, Place de Tertre, La Maison Rose, Rue de l’Abreuvoir … just to name a few. If you want to eat at the Maison Rose, it is better to reserve, though.

#4 The Panthéon & the Arc de Triomphe

Paris has a whole range of spectacular landmarks, that are absolutely worth visiting, but that don’t belong to the big headliners like the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.

Most visitors walk by, take photos and then move on. And these are precisely those attractions that you don’t necessarily need to reserve in advance and block your Paris agenda with ahead of time.

Amongs other, this applies to:

• The Panthéon
• Arc de Triomphe
• Tour Montparnasse
• The Musée de l’Architecture
• La Maison Victor Hugo
• Musée Rodin

There might be a queue, but it’s moves usually quick, and you can simply decide on the spot if you are up for it – or not.

However, if it ruined your trip if a visit it wouldn’t work out, then better don’t take any risk and book ahead.

#5 Brasseries, Bouillons & Bistros

Here’s my guide on traditional Bouillons Restaurants in Paris

Is the culinary side of Paris on your bucket list ? Then you’ll be pleased to hear that the weeks-in-advance reservation only applies to the popular and hyped fine dining establishments.

If you’re keen on casually eating steak tartare in a brasserie, sampling authentic traditional food in a bouillon, or just popping onto a terasse for a croque monsieur, Paris is at your feet.

You have a plethora of restaurants to choose from. And if in doubt, if your eatery of choice is more of a tourist trap than a local hot spot, check TripAdvisor and the restaurants’ menu. If it’s in more than French and in English and has 20+ items on it, better stay away.

Good to know: Traditional Bouillons usually don’t even take reservations, you just queue and wait your turn.

Voilà, here’s to Paris trip planning and knowing what to stress about and what not to. While it’s essential to book certain things in advance and plan a bit ahead, you don’t need to map out your entire itinerary.

This way, you ensure you don’t miss the essentials while leaving enough time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. Bon voyage!

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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10 U.S. Cities Every Foodie Must Visit for a Culinary Adventure!

Posted: June 3, 2024 | Last updated: June 3, 2024

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Are you up for a tasty tour of the USA’s best foodie cities? We’re talking about places where the food is not just good, it’s an experience in itself.

Each of these cities offers a unique culinary experience, making them attractive destinations for food enthusiasts.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Known for its Creole and Cajun cuisines, New Orleans offers a unique blend of French, African, and American flavors. Must-try dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

2. New York City, New York

A melting pot of global cultures, NYC offers everything from high-end dining to street food. It’s known for its diverse range of cuisines, including iconic dishes like New York-style pizza and bagels.

3. San Francisco, California

Famous for its farm-to-table dining, sourdough bread, and seafood, San Francisco is a hub for innovation in the culinary world. The city is also known for its Chinese cuisine, particularly in the historic Chinatown district.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Beyond its renowned deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, Chicago boasts a vibrant culinary scene featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to ethnic enclaves serving authentic global dishes.

6. Los Angeles, California

L.A.’s food scene is as diverse as its population, offering exceptional Mexican, Korean, and Thai food, among others. The city is also famous for its health-conscious eateries and food trucks.

7. Portland, Oregon

Known for its artisanal coffee, craft beer, and food trucks, Portland is a haven for foodies who enjoy local, organic, and sustainable eats.

8. Austin, Texas

Renowned for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, Austin also has a growing reputation for farm-to-table dining and innovative food startups.

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s culinary scene is steeped in Southern tradition, famous for its comfort foods like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and seafood.

10. Seattle, Washington

Known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters and salmon, Seattle also offers a strong coffee culture, international cuisine, and innovative chefs.

11. Nashville, Tennessee

Famous for its hot chicken and Southern comfort food, Nashville has been growing as a foodie destination with a diverse range of dining options, from upscale eateries to casual barbecue joints.

Train travel is one of the oldest forms of transportation, but with cruise ships, non-stop flights, and modern highways, trains have taken a back seat when people consider travel options.

These ten gorgeous railway routes may change your mind about booking your next flight and inspire you to see the country like never before.

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• Paris in Summer: 14 Must-Sees to Live Like a Local

In July and August, Paris is transformed into a seaside resort. Terraces, beaches, and swimming on the banks of the Seine... Open-air swimming pools, music festivals, and cinemas... For a successful weekend or extended stay in the City of Light, follow The MICHELIN Guide's recommendations!

Editor's Pick Summer Travel

Paris by The MICHELIN Guide

See the Paris guide

Residents and tourists alike agree: summer is the ideal time to explore the French capital in the fresh air, strolling from dawn 'til dusk, enjoying the city's many parks and gardens. Without further ado, discover 14 must-do experiences to enjoy Paris and the Greater Paris area in fine weather and to really live like a Parisian!

1. Rediscover Paris by the Water

2. celebrate 'la fête de la musique' all night long.

NEW: Discover Paris by The MICHELIN Guide Expert insights on where to stay, dine and enjoy the City of Light

3. Show Your Support for the LGBTQI+ Community

4. Relax on One of the Capital's 3,000 Terraces

5. Swim in the Most Beautiful Open-Air Pool in Paris

6. Party Away at Outdoor Music Festivals

7. Marvel at the Fête Nationale Fireworks Display

8. Go Bargain Hunting in the Open Air, From Books to Antiques

9. Experience an Outdoor Cinema

10. Rent a Boat On the Bassin de la Villette

11. Taste the Best Ice Creams and Sorbets in Paris

In summer, Jade Genin (daughter of the famous Parisian chocolatier Jacques Genin) offers an ice cream collection with two headliners: 'snow granitas' and ice creams. Her finely grated granitas have the texture of snow and are inspired by Japanese 'kakigoris', minus the syrups. Entirely plant-based, with no flavoring or additives of any kind, and no white sugar, they appeal to taste purists. As for the ice creams, they are made without turbines, using only premium ingredients like Tahitian vanilla and Bronte pistachio. The result? Intense flavors and an ultra-creamy texture! Visit their boutique at 33 avenue de l'Opéra, in the 2nd arrondissement.

12. Visit Paris's Best Museums for Free

13. Admire the 'Nuit aux Invalides' Sound and Light Show

14. Go Window Shopping to Take Advantage of the Sales

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Las Vegas Restaurants

Make a free reservation, book for breakfast today in las vegas.

Outdoor dining in Las Vegas

The pepper club by todd english, hash house a go go - sahara, nacho daddy - downtown, the george sportsmen's lounge, el dorado cantina - tivoli village, mimi's cafe - las vegas, la madre canyon grill, the cantina by el dorado, mimi's cafe - henderson, pkwy tavern - flamingo, pkwy tavern - rampart, pkwy centennial, see what locals rave about in las vegas.

• OT OpenTable Diner Los Angeles • 1 review 5.0 Dined 4 days ago Outstanding service , food , and experience. Jack took care of all our needs, went above & beyond to satisfy our curiosity and appetite. Ambience, decor and music all very inviting. Definitely will return on next visit to Vegas. More info TAO Asian Bistro - Las Vegas $$$$ Price: Very Expensive • Japanese • The Venetian and Palazzo • 4.7
• EP ElleP Las Vegas • 75 reviews 5.0 Dined 4 days ago We were very happy with our Yardbird experience! From the positive energy emanating from within, the friendly and professional hostess station, excellent service from Joe, to the delicious food; Yardbird was a hit! We were in and out in plenty of time to get to our show despite the restaurant being packed. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, as the dining room was full with a wait on a Wednesday night. The braised short ribs were amazing and the shrimp and grits were a classically prepared southern delight. We will definitely be back! More info Yardbird Table & Bar - The Venetian Las Vegas $$$ $ Price: Expensive • Contemporary Southern • The Venetian and Palazzo • 4.7
• OT OpenTable Diner Toronto / Ontario • 1 review 5.0 Dined 5 days ago Food was amazing but service was slow and nothing special. The Guy Fieri’s experience was ok but table was very small for the 2 of us. A lot smaller than expected. At least the food was great. More info Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar - The LINQ Las Vegas $$ $$ Price: Moderate • American • The Linq • 4.3
• MD MikeD Atlanta Metro • 7 reviews 5.0 Dined 6 days ago Outstanding steakhouse overall. The waiter team was very attentive but not overly hovering. Our ribeye and filet mignon were both excellent and cooked exactly as requested (my wife is high maintenance on her definition of medium). The Wilted Spinach salad was unexpectedly delicious and unique. We will be back in future visits to Vegas. More info Delmonico Steakhouse $$$ $ Price: Expensive • Steakhouse • The Venetian and Palazzo • 4.7
• BM BlackM vip Dallas - Fort Worth • 24 reviews 4.0 Dined 7 days ago Food was pretty good, service was not. Took forever to get our server to come and they weren’t that busy. Then she gave us a dirty look when we asked for another latte. Never asked us how the food was, my fries were cold. Wouldn’t go back. More info SUGARCANE raw bar grill Las Vegas $$ $$ Price: Moderate • Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • The Venetian and Palazzo • 4.5

Trending dishes in Las Vegas

Restaurant experiences trending in las vegas, strip view dining, kusa nori omakase experience, restaurant week at kassi beach house, restaurant week menu, rotating view - inner row seating, gr steak chef's table experience, dragon menu, dine at martha's personal tables, self-guided foodie tour - tivoli village, sushi omakase, steak night america: 3-course prix fixe menu, 3 course lunch menu, kitchen view seating, get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in las vegas.

• The 10 Best Burgers in Las Vegas Right Now

No dish is simultaneously as iconic and as versatile as the hamburger. Reflecting that diversity, hamburgers grace the menus of all sorts of Las Vegas restaurants. From high-end to health-focused, the city’s most noteworthy burgers reflect the varying tastes and cultures of its denizens. One thing they all have in common? Passionate chefs and an emphasis on quality ingredients. Here are the ten best burgers in Las Vegas right now.

• These 15 Las Vegas Restaurants Are the Best of the Best for Celebrating Special Occasions

There is always a celebration happening in Las Vegas — what other city can say that? Whether it’s Friday or Monday, a bachelorette party or bottle service for the sake of bottle service, every occasion is a special occasion in Las Vegas. While there is something truly magical about a place where everyone is trying to have the best night of their life, the inherent spectacle of it all poses a challenge when attempting to really celebrate. This begs the question: When you are attempting to commemorate a truly special occasion in Las Vegas, how do you do it? The answer: by choosing the perfect restaurant. From glittering Strip venues with views as opulent as the food to intimate neighborhood spots meant for shared plates and warm conversation, there is no standard formula for the ideal special occasion restaurant in Las Vegas. Whether your celebration takes the form of cocktails, twinkling lights, and no dress code in the Arts District or the kind of steakhouse worth putting on an evening gown for, consider these restaurants for your next special occasion in Las Vegas.

Discover Las Vegas

Second only to gambling the world’s most recognizable gaming destination, restaurant culture in Las Vegas is loud and proud. A popular outpost for Food Network stars’ restaurant offshoots or New York and Los Angeles restaurateurs looking for space and an eager audience, Las Vegas has been a real player on the culinary scene for years, despite its landlocked situation (unsustainable though it may seem, fish abounds.) In addition to the glitzy big names of casino restaurants, the city off-the-strip is dotted with strip malls many of which have become food destinations of their own. Whether its regional thai or better sushi than you ever thought could be served in the desert, the world is your, figurative, oyster in Vegas.

Frequently asked questions

Which restaurants in las vegas are dog friendly.

Dog friendly restaurants in Las Vegas include The Pepper Club by Todd English , Fine Company and Bacchanal Buffet - Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Which restaurants in Las Vegas are child friendly?

Child friendly restaurants in Las Vegas include Bacchanal Buffet - Caesars Palace Las Vegas , Hell's Kitchen - Caesars Palace Las Vegas and Mon Ami Gabi - Las Vegas

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