18 BEST Restaurants in Paris France for Foodies
Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by April Nicole
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Finding the best restaurants in Paris, France, can be a daunting task for any traveler.
With its reputation as a global culinary capital, the city offers an overwhelming number of dining options, each promising a unique gastronomic experience.
As a food enthusiast who has spent years exploring Paris’s culinary landscape, I understand the challenge of selecting where to eat in Paris.
My expertise stems from countless meals at bistros, Michelin-starred restaurants, and hidden gems across the city. This guide aims to solve your dilemma by highlighting the crème de la crème of Parisian dining.
Whether you seek traditional French cuisine, contemporary dishes, or exotic flavors, you’ll find curated recommendations that ensure an unforgettable dining experience.
Best High-End Restaurants in Paris
1. Le Cinq
Address: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
Le Cinq, located in the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel George V, is the pinnacle of French haute cuisine. Under Chef Christian Le Squer, the restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with impeccable service. The décor, reflecting classic Parisian elegance, sets the stage for a menu that features exquisite dishes like the famed langoustine with caviar and the creamy brie de Meaux with black truffles. A must-try is the lamb seasoned with Sarawak pepper, presenting a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Best Restaurants in Paris France
2. L’Astrance
Address: 4 rue Beethoven, 75016 Paris, France
At L’Astrance, in the quiet 16th arrondissement, Chef Pascal Barbot specializes in creating whimsical dishes that tell a story. The restaurant offers a three-level tasting menu that changes regularly, depending on the freshest ingredients available. Guests can expect to indulge in dishes such as the surprise “Astrance” dish, a signature that adapts daily, and the buttery Breton lobster. The minimalist interior ensures all attention is focused on the food and the intimate dining experience.
3. Ducasse sur Seine
Address: Port Debilly, 75116 Paris, France
Dining aboard Ducasse sur Seine offers more than just a meal; it provides a moving panorama of Parisian landmarks. This boat-restaurant serves French contemporary cuisine crafted by Alain Ducasse, focusing on simplicity and flavor. Highlights include the fillet of sole with seaweed butter and the confit of lamb shoulder with spices. The unique dessert, chocolate from Alain Ducasse’s Manufacture, is a must-try for chocolate lovers.
4. Guy Savoy
Address: Monnaie de Paris, 11 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France
Guy Savoy crafts dishes that demonstrate why he is a legend in the French culinary scene. Located in the Monnaie de Paris, this restaurant is known for its refined approach to traditional French cuisine. Signature dishes like the artichoke and black truffle soup, served with mushroom brioche, and the crispy sea bass with delicate spices are culinary masterpieces. The oyster concassé is a brilliant display of Savoy’s skill in enhancing simple ingredients. Best Restaurants in Paris France
5. L’Arpège
Address: 84 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Chef Alain Passard’s L’Arpège, renowned for transforming the landscape of vegetarian cuisine in Paris, also crafts masterful meat dishes, maintaining three Michelin stars for over two decades. Signature dishes like the beetroot tartar with horseradish and the famous “Arlequin” garden salad with seasonal vegetables showcase Passard’s commitment to flavor and innovation. L’Arpège offers a dining experience that is both a visual feast and a palate pleaser.
7. Chez L’Ami Jean
Address: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France
A rustic bistro that exudes a lively atmosphere, Chez L’Ami Jean offers a menu brimming with hearty Basque cuisine. Chef Stéphane Jégo’s dishes, like the rich rice pudding or the tender côte de boeuf, embody the spirit of traditional French comfort food. It’s a must-visit for those who enjoy generous portions and a boisterous dining environment.
8. Bistrot Paul Bert
Address: 18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France
Bistrot Paul Bert is a quintessential Parisian bistro famed for its steak frites and classic French fare. The bistro’s charm lies in its timeless atmosphere and consistently good food, including the perfectly aged cheeses and homemade desserts like Paris-Brest. This spot is ideal for anyone seeking an authentic Parisian bistro experience.
Best Casual Restaurants in Paris
1. Septime
Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France
Septime, a modern bistro in the 11th arrondissement, is often noted for its innovative approach to cuisine and its commitment to sustainability. Chef Bertrand Grébaut offers a seasonal menu featuring dishes like smoked eel with hazelnut, which perfectly encapsulates his modern, refined approach to cooking. The restaurant’s sleek, contemporary decor and its emphasis on natural wines make it a standout in the Parisian dining scene. Best Restaurants in Paris France
2. Clamato
Address: 80 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris, France
Just next door to its sister restaurant Septime, Clamato is a seafood-centric eatery that offers a relaxed dining experience with no reservations required. This spot is perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal of fresh oysters, spicy scallop tartare, or succulent grilled fish, all paired with a selection of natural wines.
3. Le Petit Celestin
Address: 12 Quai des Célestins, 75004 Paris, France
Le Petit Celestin is a charming riverside restaurant offering a picturesque view along the Seine. This bistro serves classic French dishes with a modern twist, such as the escargot in garlic butter and the duck confit. Its warm, inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends. Best Restaurants in Paris France
4. L’Avant Comptoir
Address: 3 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris, France
Part wine bar, part tapas spot, L’Avant Comptoir offers a standing-room-only experience where guests can enjoy small plates in a lively atmosphere. The menu features inventive bites like foie gras burgers and sardine tartine, making it a favorite for those seeking a casual yet gourmet experience.
5. Holybelly 5
Address: 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris, France
Known for its exceptional coffee and brunch menu, Holybelly 5 provides a laid-back setting with a focus on high-quality ingredients and excellent service. Popular dishes include savory pancakes with fried eggs and bacon, as well as the seasonal hash. It’s a great spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon meal, embracing the café culture of Paris with a modern twist. Best Restaurants in Paris France
6. Miznon
Address: 22 rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris, France
Miznon is an Israeli street food outpost in the heart of Le Marais. The casual and energetic atmosphere complements a menu of hearty, flavorful dishes like the whole roasted cauliflower and the lamb kebab. The pitas, stuffed to the brim with ingredients like ratatouille or spicy chicken, are a must-try.
7. Breizh Café
Address: 109 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris, France
Breizh Café is renowned for its Brittany-inspired galettes and crêpes. Made from buckwheat flour, the galettes are both savory and filling, with toppings that range from classic ham and cheese to luxurious scallops in creamy sauce. Don’t miss the cider, sourced from small orchards across Brittany, which perfectly complements the rustic dishes.
8. Frenchie
Address: 5-6 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris, France
Frenchie embodies the essence of a Parisian bistro with its relaxed atmosphere and a menu that borrows from global influences. Chef Gregory Marchand uses seasonal ingredients to craft dishes like the duck breast with spiced plums and the smoked ricotta tortellini. The restaurant’s tasting menu, which offers a little bit of everything, is a delightful way to sample Marchand’s best creations.
Best Classic French Bistros in Paris
1. Le Baratin
Address: 3 rue Jouye Rouve, 75020 Paris, France Best Restaurants in Paris France
Le Baratin, in the vibrant Belleville district, is a quintessential Parisian bistro that offers a robust menu featuring French traditional cooking. Chef Raquel Carena provides a homely yet refined dining experience, with dishes like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder and the duck breast with honey. The wine list is extensively curated, focusing on natural and rare wines from across France.
2. Le Chateaubriand
Address: 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France
Le Chateaubriand revamps the bistro experience with its innovative approach to French cuisine. Chef Iñaki Aizpitarte delivers a fixed menu that changes daily, reflecting his Basque roots and his modern culinary philosophy. The menu might include items like smoked eel with hazelnut, and the unexpected ice cream with olive oil and sea salt. This bistro is ideal for those looking to explore new flavors in a laid-back setting.
Where to Stay – Best Hotels in Paris
After exploring the culinary delights of Paris, you’ll need the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate. Paris offers a plethora of hotel options catering to every budget, from the luxuriously lavish to the comfortably affordable. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to stay in Paris, categorized into luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly options. Best Restaurants in Paris France
All the hotels featured are aesthetic, design-led hotels and come with superb ratings on booking.com.
Luxury Hotel in Paris
1. The Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris is synonymous with opulence and history. Located in the prestigious Place Vendôme, this iconic hotel offers sumptuous rooms and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s famous Bar Hemingway, indulge in a spa treatment at the Ritz Club, or dine in one of its superb restaurants. A stay here allows you to experience the epitome of Parisian luxury.
Mid-Range Hotel in Paris
3. Hôtel Fabric
Located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, Hôtel Fabric occupies a former textile factory, combining industrial chic with modern comforts. The colorful and stylish rooms offer a unique charm, and the hotel provides excellent amenities including a spa and a fitness center. It’s an ideal choice for travelers looking for a stylish yet affordable stay. Best Restaurants in Paris France
Budget-Friendly Hotel in Paris
5. Hôtel Exquis
Situated in the vibrant 11th arrondissement, Hôtel Exquis by Elegancia is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style. Each room is uniquely decorated with quirky, artistic touches inspired by surrealism and modern art. The hotel offers a playful and colorful atmosphere that reflects the bohemian spirit of the surrounding area.
