Dining
Paris's cuisine surprises as much for its variety and range as it does for its quality and exquisite presentation. From small family-run bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants run by internationally famous chefs, dining here is more art than science. Sweets, pastries, cheese, and fresh market produce are also an essential part of the Parisian gastronomic experience. Top it off with a treat from a speciality chocolaterie and a fine local vintage in the evening to complete the tour of the best delicacies Paris has to offer.
lesya Kuznetsova/Shutterstock.comHôtel du Nord
Hôtel du Nord is an upscale bistro, made famous in a 1930s movie by Marcel Carné, offering a varied menu, ranging from traditional French cuisine to original dishes to be enjoyed in a lovely location by the canal St Martin.
sasaken/Shutterstock.comL'Avant Comptoir de la Terre
Since its audacious opening in 2009, Chef Yves Camdeborde's standing-room-only French pintxo bar, L'Avant Comptoir de la Terre, has garnered accolades for its mouth-watering dishes and natural wines. The subsequent additions of sibling wine bars, L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer and L'Avant Comptoir du Marché, have only heightened its popularity. Known for its bustling atmosphere, jostling crowds, and jolly shouts from bartenders, L'Avant Comptoir de la Terre remains a culinary haven, treating patrons to the finest produce, including Corsican charcuterie and delectable Iberian ham croquettes, paired with a selection of top-notch wines.
Jeanette Teare/Shutterstock.comLe Voltaire
Le Voltaire is, perhaps, amongst the best places in the 7th arrondissement to come for a quintessentially Parisian brasserie experience. Classic French cuisine with dishes polished to perfection, woven bent-wood chairs outside, and a chic ambience with that elusive je-ne-sais-quoi factor.
Song_about_summer/Shutterstock.comLe Potager de Charlotte
Created by two brothers passionate about health, the environment, and animal rights, Le Potager de Charlotte is an intimate spot offering plant-based, gourmet cuisine made from fresh, local, seasonal, and organic produce. From the presentation to the flavors, you can really see the time and thought they have put into each dish. Le Potager de Charlotte is the kind of restaurant where you don't have to be vegan to fully enjoy the food, so make sure to pay a visit and book ahead.
Sebastian Coman Photography/UnsplashLittle Tokyo (Rue Sainte-Anne)
Although Japanese prevails in this aptly named Parisian neighborhood tucked between the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, there is a plethora of Asian cuisines to choose from: restaurants serving everything from Korean bibimbap to bowls of steamy Vietnamese pho pepper the area, enjoying popularity among both locals and visitors.
Thomas Marban/UnsplashFajitas
Classic Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, nachos, and, of course, fajitas dished up in a vibrant Mexican-style setting just a few minutes from the famous Pont Neuf.
Herson Rodriguez/UnsplashEpicure
Hailed as one of the best restaurants in Paris, Epicure offers a unique dining experience inside Le Bristol Paris Hotel. Michelin-starred chef Eric Frechon concocts masterpiece French dishes using unusual combinations of exquisite ingredients, producing such meals as squid roasted with salted butter, puffed spelt, candied eggplant with couscous broth, and lobster coral vinaigrette.
Terje Sollie/PexelsKong
The past few years have turned Kong into somewhat of a legend in Paris. Beneath its glass dome, you can savor some inventive Asian fusion cuisine, grab a drink, and later on, dance the night away, all the while enjoying one of the most romantic views over the river Seine.
Neirfy/ShutterstockTerrasse de l'Alcazar
Alcazar is a contemporary brasserie located in St Germain-des-Près, where you can enjoy traditional English and French dishes prepared by skilled chefs in a chic atmosphere filled with lots of greenery.
andrecastro / Shutterstock.comPierre Gagnaire
Pierre Gagnaire is located near Champs-Élysées Avenue, inside Hôtel Balzac, and is one of the city's most solid and appealing restaurants, ranked among the world's top 50. Expect to pay up for the lunch and dinner menu and make sure you make a reservation well in advance.
Luiz Rocha / Shutterstock.comAllard
There are still local neighborhood restaurants serving excellent food all over Paris. One of them is Allard, in the 6th arrondissement, over on the left bank of the Seine. A traditional 1930s bistro offering elevated, traditional French dishes and wines in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Space_Cat/Shutterstock.comLe Balzar
Located in the lively Quartier Latin, close to la Sorbonne, Le Balzar is a classic Parisian brasserie, which has, since 1896, been serving traditional French dishes in a gorgeous Art Nouveau interior or at terrace tables. Many of the city's famous authors have been regulars here.
artist11/Shutterstock.comL'As du Fallafel
When in the mood for some Middle Eastern cuisine, head to Rue des Rosiers, in the 4th arrondissement. On and around this street, you will find many establishments serving delicious Middle-Eastern and Yiddish/Eastern European specialities. Chez Hanna, King Falafel Palace, and Chez Marianne are just a few of them. L'As du Fallafel, in particular, is known for making the most famous falafel sandwich in Paris. It’s a no-frills, little eatery serving besides falafels, shawarma and kebabs, to go or to stay, plus Israeli wines.
gkrphoto/Shutterstock.comZo
Zo is a cosy restaurant that offers Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has an exotic and welcoming décor and is very lively on the weekends. On the menu, you will find dishes ranging from sushi and pizza to steak and pasta.
funkyfrogstock / Shutterstock.comRoomies Etienne Marcel
Hamburgers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about dining in Paris, but Roomies will make you rethink that. Here, you can customize your own burger with their homemade sauces and fresh ingredients. The friendly staff will gladly guide you through the process in good English. At just a 10-minute walk from Notre Dame, it is well worth a visit.
NatashaPhoto/Shutterstock.comLa Maison de Verlaine
Once home to French poet Paul Verlaine, La Maison de Verlaine is a small and charming family-owned restaurant offering a menu of French classics like escargots, duck breast, tarte tatin, and crème brûlée to be enjoyed in an old-fashioned atmosphere.
StockPhotosLV / Shutterstock.comRouge Bis
Situated in the bohemian Montmartre district, just a stone’s throw from the Moulin Rouge, Rouge Bis is a popular brasserie offering a delightful glimpse into traditional French cuisine. The menu boasts classic French onion soup, succulent duck confit, rich beef bourguignon, ratatouille, and the famous escargots. The bustling atmosphere and top-notch service enhance the overall experience, making Rouge Bis a must-visit when in the area.
B and E Dudzinscy/Shutterstock.comBoutique yam'Tcha
A favorite among local foodies, yam'Tcha's head Chef Adeline Grattard creates dishes that mix French tradition with an Asian flair, resulting in combinations like scallops with peppers and black soya. In keeping with the mixed feeling of the place, for refreshments, you can choose from a variety of Asian teas or French wines.
Endla / Shutterstock.comFounti Agadir
Paris has many North African restaurants and one of the best is the Moroccan Founti Agadir. Located on the left bank, it has a fine selection of good-value couscous, tajines, and pastilla dishes.
hlphoto / Shutterstock.comAnnapurna
This Indian restaurant has been serving the best of North Indian gastronomy ever since 1967. The décor is authentic and stylish. On the menu, you will find tasty dishes like lamb curry, onion bhajis, and chicken tikka, as well as a few vegetarian and vegan choices.
Shebeko/Shutterstock.com