Restaurants in Paris: this is the list that you can always use
There is no shortage of them on this site Paris tipsThat's just how we are. When planning, it all starts with the overnight stay, and for that, you're all set with this one. all time favorite hotels in Paris. If you covered that, you probably want to know some restaurants in Paris? We have!
Many of what are called the “new” bistros of Paris are actually just restaurants with hip young chefs creating a “line-up” of dishes (read: complicated and few). The word bistro, however, means “fast” and dates back to a time in the early 19th century when Russian soldiers banged on tables and shouted “Bystro!” So it is nice to walk into a place that is simply a Parisian bistro, and has no ambition to be anything else. Le Bon Georges, ladies and gentlemen: a bistro at its best, without becoming dull or old-fashioned, but doing exactly what a bistro is supposed to do.
Amagat is one of our favorite restaurants. Even the walk there is special: around the corner, then again, over cobblestones (terrible for people in heels), around another corner, and yes, there it is. A super-popular, Spanish-oriented restaurant with natural wines and craft beers, friendly service, and, as mentioned, a Spanish-inspired cuisine. Although everything there is just a little bit different from the norm. It's a great place to sit inside (ask for a spot at the bar), but, let's be honest: try to get onto the terrace in the summer, because the whole place is just like a movie set.
Oh boys, Le clown bar The 10th arrondissement in Paris is one big party. And yes, by now described (and perhaps even milked for all it's worth) in many books and blogs, but nevertheless, we are delighted time and again when we take a seat on the terrace of Le Clown Bar (oddly enough, we have never eaten inside yet, even though that is oh so cozy). Back to that name: Clown Bar. It is called that because the entire interior is a colorful, circus-like affair, and that is because the bar is located (almost) next to the all year long the circus of Paris is located, the Cirque d'Hiver.
So, a bar—the name says it all—but not a place to just drop in for a drink. You come here for a full meal, and that is certainly expected of you. Gotta love the FrenchYou’ll want to go too, because the menu is fantastic! A bit classic and a bit modern, nothing complicated, everything delicious. Apart from the food, you certainly won't get bored there: both the interior and the clientele are a feast for the eyes. The place is small, so be sure to make a reservation, especially on weekends.
In 2023, Bistrot des Tournelles was named 'Bistro of the Year,' and we are fans too. We are certainly not the only ones, as it is busier than busy, which has pushed local guests pretty much out of the clientele. And even though it is overflowing with tourists and the bistro's success sometimes works against them, at the same time, it is just incredibly cozy, the food is good, and the staff are un-Frenchly friendly.
A promising newcomer in the French capital: HarlequinOn paper, it's a restaurant, but the menu tells a different story: it leans more on a strong selection of wines and smaller dishes than on elaborate main courses, making the whole experience feel more like an (very) extensive drinks reception. Think of crispy boeuf bourguignon croquettes greedily dipped in spicy mayo, a classic pâté en croûte, and a generous charcuterie board that is always a hit. If you arrive later in the evening, the tone changes: the music goes up a notch (vinyl, naturally), the atmosphere loosens up, and before you know it, you're rolling out.
Buvette
Buvette is a all-time favorite. From New York to Paris, you can come here for your perfect (hangover) brekkie, but also certainly for a boozy lunch, a glass of wine at the bar or dinner in the evening. So you can go to Buvette all day long.
This is one of those almost too perfect Parisian bistro, but this place is no exaggeration. If you’ve never been to Paris, this is probably how you imagine it. Cozy, small, linen tablecloths, a copper bar, hanging factory lamps, and a retro cracked tile floor. The menu changes daily, ensuring you get something new and unexpected on your plate every time. In addition, there is a strong focus on wine, so you are always in good hands here as well.
Cross the threshold and Osteria Góto welcomes you into a relaxed, warm atmosphere where you immediately feel at home. Exactly as befits a good osteria. Inspired by Venice and the world of cicchetti, So, while those are small bites you get with a glass of wine in traditional bacari in Venice, here it is about sharing, tasting, and lingering. During the day, it remains simple and seasonal: a changing lunch menu with two starters, a salad, and two main courses to choose from.
Behind a classic interior featuring mirrors, candlelight, and an old-fashioned bar lies a kitchen that handles things just a little smarter than you might think at first glance. Here, there is no excess or frills, but rather dishes that rely on technique, timing, and a keen sense of balance. Vegetables receive the same attention as fish or meat and are treated with precision, often presented lightly and purely so that every ingredient stands out. Fish dishes are subtle and controlled, without heaviness, while the meat is given time: slow-cooked, full of flavor, and served without frills. Restrained, sure-footed, and surprisingly elegant in its simplicity.
For lovers of Spanish cuisine: at Early June Paris you must be. The trendy tent of the subject is located just outside the center of Paris, along the Saint-Martin canal (also a bonus). Delicious food, at least from what we saw because the menu changes every 2 weeks. A specialty and highly recommended is the panna cotta (they always have it for you). The menu is accompanied by an extensive wine list, something for everyone. Early June is fun, delicious, and one not to be missed when in Paris.
Of course, we come to Paris to dress up a bit, and we love doing that at Lapérouse. It is luxurious, there are beautiful works of art, and it has a touch of Art Deco.
There are two different terraces and two dining areas here. In each of these spaces, details refer to the journey of La Pérouse (an explorer who disappeared on mysteriously in 1788): the wooden materials represent the traveler's boat, wicker furniture evokes his tropical destinations, and blue hues evoke the ocean. So, very well thought out, absolutely. like
LE Grand Café has been since the opening last summer hot en HappeningLocated in the iconic Grand Palais It captures the spirit of the classic Parisian brasserie, but grand and sweeping, yet intimate enough for a dinner for two. The place belongs to the group behind hotspots like Loulou Paris and Girafe Paris, and is therefore unmistakably part of the Parisian scenesIt feels like one of those places where Paris reveals just that little bit of itself. Perfect for long lunches and evenings that effortlessly transition into cocktails.
The interior, designed by Joseph Dirand, mixes warm tones with marble, terrazzo, and rich textures. On sunny days, you especially want to sit outside here, on the beautiful terrace overlooking the Petit Palais, close to the Champs-Élysées.
The ultimate rooftop terrace in Paris? Or at least a particularly well-executed rooftop terrace? Restaurant Perruche is the title, above the Printemps Haussmann (Homme, the men) department store, and remember that name until the next rays of sunshine! Although it’s not bad inside either, that aside. Our love for yellow (ochre yellow, lemon yellow, Easter yellow, filthy yellow…) is delightfully satisfied there, and furthermore, it is a feast for the decadents: first of all, an insanely good view over the city, arrogant staff (well, sort of), and very good, though damn pricey, food. Tip: have a drink and a small bite there; fill up elsewhere afterwards.
Yes no yes, but of course we are not averse to a hip address in Paris. But if we have to choose, we will go for a classic brasserie in the city. Like this classic: La Coupole Paris. A classic much: the business in the Montparnasse district in Paris opened as early as 1927... That is during the Roaring Twenties, when Montparnasse was populated by artistic people such as writers and artists. They completely destroyed the Art Deco-style restaurant and that energy is still there. The dishes are also classic and the staff is French through and through (except for the very arrogant thing: we were helped more than kindly). The specialty here? Fruits de mer! Do it, you'll like it.
There are those brands that immediately evoke a world. Ralph Lauren is the perfect example of this: classic, preppy, and timeless. That atmosphere comes fully to life at Ralph's Restaurant in Paris, right in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, at 173 Boulevard Saint Germain. You step into a 17th-century city villa through an impressive porte-cochère and emerge into a romantic courtyard that feels like a countryside setting in the city. Outside, wrought iron, blue and white cushions, and elegantly set tables; inside, warm wooden beams, leather, and classic paintings. On the menu, you will find refined classics such as lobster rolls and Caesar salads, as well as a hearty burger.
The Mary Celeste
For people who are not necessarily happy with a full menu and actually only get stressed from it The Mary Celeste There isn't much on the menu, so stress away. Everything on it is good, so making the wrong choice is not an option. It is a wine bar that is perfect for having a drink and where you accidentally stay for a bite to eat.
This bistro is definitely a favorite: the place was originally a wine bar, run by the (Scottish!) father of the current owner, Margaux, who nowadays handles the service. organizes; her boyfriend Romain runs the kitchen.
Once inside, you immediately run into a wall covered with wine. Another wall is strewn with a sort of children's drawings – a quirky Great ambiance, you could say. We shared a steak (because the portions are big!) with mashed potatoes. The gravy came separately in a small pan that went back to the kitchen completely clean. The super sweet service completes the picture. No matter how often we’ve been there, Juveniles delivers time and time again.
Restaurant Django is a popular (and hip) place in Paris, on the hill towards the Sacre Coeur. Rest assured; no tourists covering the chairs on the terrace – no, they are the purebreds locals who would very much like to take a seat here. Reservations are one thing black so save that date immediately when you book your Thalys ticket.
Django has a cozy atmosphere and the food is top-notch. You've also come to the right place for a nice glass (or bottle) of wine. And: it's close to plenty of favorites! Hotel Grand Pigalle is across the street, Hotel Amour is nearby, and Bavette is around the corner.
Near Frenchie Pigalle may be known by now (Pigalle, not to be missed). You come here for restaurant Django, but you certainly can't miss Frenchie Pigalle either! It is the chef and his dishes that do it here. The well-known chef of Frenchie (who previously mainly had all his business in Rue du Nil or Rue du Frenchie) wanted a casual set up place. Accessible, cozy, cozy. Success. The interior is nice and makes you want to crash straight away. Cozy benches, cozy corners. The menu is a great feast, especially the smoked ricotta is a pearl and worth a photo - deep, diverse colors that decorate the plate. The restaurant is housed in Hotel Grand Pigalle, also highly recommended.
Just the interior and ambiance of the small one Gros Bao deserve kudos. Photo-worthy anyway. The red-blue tent immediately catches your eye and draws you in, whether you have time or not. What do you eat there? Delicious hot buns, dumplings, noodles, delicious tofu and fantastic chicken dishes.
Moreover, it is a very good stop if you have... low budget evening in mind, or you need a short (not too long) dinner. Neighbor also gets 10 points.
On Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the following is turning at Dumbo Everything revolves around the smashburger: simple, fast, and well executed. The focus is on a perfectly grilled patty with crispy edges, soft bread, and classic toppings. High-level comfort food. It is a typical grab-and-go spot with a small seating area by the facade, where you often eat your burger standing or on a nearby bench. The atmosphere is young, busy, and dynamic, with a mix of locals, foodies and casual passers-by. Ideal for a quick, but satisfying stop in the heart of Pigalle. Meanwhile, it has grown into multiple locations in the city, but Le Pigalle was the firstborn.
The Great Bath
The Great Bath, sister restaurant of Au Passage, reminds one of Au Passage in every way: even the semi-open kitchen behind checkered glass and the dark blue aprons are the same. The food – trés French, of course – is fantastic. Chef Edward Delling-Williams cooks with special local, seasonal products and has, even though that is hugely 'in' at the moment (because he doesn't cook just because it's 'in'), a fondness for unusual vegetables. Healthy food, but with a dollop of butter. Which is sometimes very healthy too.
Jah Jah by Le Tricycle is a colorful, relaxed spot in Paris where Afro-vegan comfort food takes center stage. The menu revolves around bowls, street food, and plant-based dishes with Caribbean influences: spicy, fresh, and full of flavor.
During the day, it is informal and fast-paced, with a constant flow of takeaways and quick stops. Later in the day, it transforms into a lively hangout where locals and creatives linger for food and drinks. A small, cosmopolitan spot in the 10th arrondissement with a warm, laid-back energy.
Bar Omi Located in the heart of Paris, close to the Tuileries and Place Vendôme, it feels like an intimate blend of wine bar and Japanese restaurant, a place they describe themselves as a “spaceship,” which immediately says something about the modern, almost otherworldly aesthetic.
The focus is on sleekly executed sushi and minimalist Japanese cuisine, with great attention to product, temperature, and texture. Everything is presented with precision. This is complemented by a carefully curated wine and cocktail list that subtly complements the experience.
The dust from the previous restaurant had barely settled when Emma Rajaud (from the events sector) and Julien Chevallier (formerly of Parcelles) were ready to spruce things up. The place was aired out, given a fresh coat of paint, and everything acquired a new, unique character. The neighborhood gained a genuine bistro, which goes by the name Patine. This duo has thoroughly renovated the establishment and now spoils us with a refined and classic menu.
We wrote about it in 2013, when we had not had this site live for very long, and the neighborhood bistro opposite the entrance of Le Market some child red (tip tip tip!! this is a covered market square on the RUE de Brittany, inconspicuously next to the cheesemonger. And also the place where young and yup Paris shops for fresh groceries and where you sit down for a budget-friendly meal). Bee Cafe Charlotte can you rightly so for a typical French breakfast, complete with an egg, coffee, and fresh juice. Or for bagels, hamburgers and fries in a paper cone. Or for a mean Hot goat cheese salad. And ice cream for dessert. House Berthillon, the best ice cream in town (according to Café Charlot).
Arcanum 17, a few doors down from Café Charlot, brings Southern cuisine to Le Marais with influences from San Sebastián and Catalonia. The cuisine is product-focused, with fish and seasonal produce as the common thread, inspired by Barcelona's vibrant food culture: dining at the bar opposite an open kitchen, with small dishes following one another in quick succession.
The interior combines a Parisian bistro with a Spanish tapas bar, finished in carmine red with leather sofas and maritime details. At the center is a large bar for aperitifs and cocktails, where the atmosphere becomes informal during the day and intimate and warm in the evening.
Bouillon d'Amsterdam has made its entrance into the city and it is immediately boom businessSo booming, in fact, that the business announced the opening of a second branch after just one month. That shows things are going well. Yet the concept is anything but new. The Amsterdam bouillon has clearly looked to its Parisian predecessors, where this type of working-class restaurant has been a fixture since the late 19th century. Originally established to feed the working class and ordinary Parisians quickly, hot, and affordably, the concept has remained virtually unchanged since then.
In such a classic bouillon, the atmosphere is always lively: waiters in traditional uniforms noting your order on the tablecloth with a steady hand, the buzz of the guests, and the Art Nouveau decor with mirrors that further emphasize that typical hustle and bustle. You don't make reservations there; you just join the queue. And that is precisely part of the charm. In Paris, you will find three of them, each with the same spirit but just its own distinct atmosphere.
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a new pizzeria in the 11th arrondissement that fits perfectly into today's Parisian food scene: stylish, unpretentious, and driven entirely by craftsmanship. In an intimate, minimalist setting, everything revolves around sourdough pizzas made from ancient grains, with a strong focus on fermentation and pure flavor. The menu is small but carefully curated, featuring both classic and surprising combinations. Settle down at the bar for a glass of wine while the pizzas emerge from the oven with a light, perfectly charred crust.
We almost never skip Chez Janou for a (Sunday) lunch and/or dinner. A classic. The quintessential French brasserie is a gift in the middle of Le Marais. Here on the corner, on nice days, the terrace is the French summer from the holiday books, the quintessentially French menu and the chocolate mousse… Oelala…
Dents de Loup Located in the 9th arrondissement is a modern butcher shop and eatery in one. During the day, you can buy products there or take a seat directly at the counter to eat what is being freshly prepared. The concept revolves entirely around meat: charcuterie, pâté en croûte, and slow-cooked dishes, with a clear nose-to-tail approach and a strong focus on origin and quality. Everything is made on the spot. You sit at steel tables or at the counter, right in the middle of the open kitchen. The atmosphere is lively, functional, and a bit raw.
As is often the case in Parisian ways: Astair is the successful project of a trio of French know it alls (in the good way). We mention Jean Valfort, Charles Drouhaut, and Jean-François Monfort. What you get then is beautiful decor (a fantastic bar, ceilings covered with a layer of cork, brass, and orange armchairs – orange in the good way. You will like the menu if you a meat lover you, but you can also spot a fish and everything in between and around it. Furthermore, it is mainly just deliciously French.
Behind the door of 25 Rue de Buci you will find Cassaro's, an Italian restaurant inspired by the golden years of the Dolce Vita, the “sweet life” we all long for. An ode to Italy in the 60s, but with a Parisian twist. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with glasses well-filled with Negronis and Barolo flowing freely. The cuisine is a timeless celebration of classics such as Parmigiana, Linguine alle Vongole, and Tiramisu, complemented by sometimes bolder interpretations, although the classics remain the real draw.
This is the kind of thing you'd actually rather keep to yourself, but we're going to share it with you anyway. Le Baron Rouge it is. Plenty of room (by Parisian standards, at least) for all the regulars, including you and your party. Glasses of wine for just three euros—who could say no to that? We certainly wouldn't.
It is around the corner from the covered market on Place d'Aligre, so you don't even have to walk around. Although you would still have to do so if you weren't in the neighborhood. Cozy inside, pleasant outside on the "terroir" with a wine in your hand that comes straight from the barrel. Nothing more to do.
Janine's Restaurant Located in the 17th arrondissement is a contemporary Parisian bistro by Alexia and Florent Artis, who traded their careers for honest, homemade cooking. The menu is deliberately small: a few starters, main courses, sandwiches, and desserts every day, made with market-fresh produce. In a warm interior with wooden accents, visible vegetable crates, and classic tableware, everything revolves around simplicity, the seasons, and good food.
If your Paris plans are on hold for a while, you naturally try to secure a reservation at restaurant Septime, the restaurant with the iconic staircase (and the cover of our book). Little Escapes just across the border!). If that doesn't work, make that reservation (it buy book you can always just do it!), then put the unknown Gare au Gorille on your list. This restaurant was opened by a handful Offspring of September. Find your restaurant Gare au Gorille just a stone's throw from the train tracks leading to and from Saint-Lazare train station. The two owners who once worked at Septime do not aim to follow in the footsteps of the famous restaurant: the hip-hop that blares from far away already shows that they want to be a good bistro above all. Low threshold, always good and always pleasant.
There is little as nice as a casual evening in Paris, in a restaurant that is apparently not that special and therefore attracts enthusiasts rather than hipsters. Fancy it? Then reserve a table at the FrenchieThe restaurant is run by the French chef who got his nickname, Le Frenchie, from Jamie Oliver while he was in charge of the pots and pans in London. He gained some more experience at the Gramercy Tavern in New York and eventually opened his own place in his hometown of Paris. No table? (Reservations are preferably made two months in advance) Don't panic. Cross the street to Frenchie Bar a Vins for a smaller but just as tasty (bar) bite.
In case you're wondering where the crème de la crème of Paris (and those of New York, London, Tokyo and the rest of the world) eat in Paris, then the answer is: at the Septime restaurant. How do they do it? Just like everyone else: by steadily logging in or calling every three weeks, for at least six months, just about the only way an evening in the restaurant is possible - as far as we know, the owners do not give preferential treatment. And that's just one of the things that comes with dinner restaurant Septime Paris even more desirable.
Clamato
Almost as good and slightly easier to get into: Clamento, next door, owned by the same owners. But to be perfectly honest, Clamento might just be the favorite. Slightly less hyped, also nice.
Kodawari Ramen It feels more like a film set than a restaurant. As soon as you step inside, you find yourself in a recreated Japanese street, complete with neon lights, wooden stools, and steaming pans. Everything here revolves around ramen: powerful broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and toppings that are perfectly balanced. The menu is deliberately small and focused, which only benefits the quality. It is not for nothing that it was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide: A recognition of excellent quality at a good price. No long evenings, but fast, intense and To the point.
Not really on the route: you will find restaurant Cheval d'or Paris in the 19th arrondissement. But anyone who has ever sat down in the light, serene (in terms of furnishings) no bullshit restaurant where the best of France and Asian cuisine come together, you will certainly never want anything else. Promise. And you didn't expect that when you entered the deep red kitsch facade in the Chinese district in Paris. Cheval d'Or ('golden horse') serves delicious Chinese dishes with a French twist. Clams in a lemongrass broth, delicious lean carpaccio with yuzu and soy sauce, smoking hot bao buns filled with extremely tender pork, more pork served on top of noodles plus an egg yolk waiting to be pierced, white and green asparagus served over a damn good white sesame cream and a comforting custard bao with custard. NOM.
Just one last drink?
For that, you go to the nice little cocktail bar. Little Red Door. From the outside you see a striking red door in the otherwise gray facade, you step through it and you imagine yourself spending an evening completely immersed in cocktails. Nothing too crazy, and they will certainly taste good. Nice for a French person night out, a case where you think you can speak French at the end of the evening, we all need an evening like that sometimes.
