In a rare occurrence, I’m writing about where to eat in Paris rather than where to drink because the usual emails and DM’s I receive asking this question have increased substantially lately. Maybe it’s visitors coming for the summer Olympic games or maybe it’s people wanting a distraction from the current heavy political and/or social climate. Either way, it seems much more efficient to reply to the multiple queries with one tidy roundup.
My Recommendations for Where to Eat in Paris
The selection below, which is far from exhaustive and focuses mainly on French food, includes only my favorite Paris restaurants that I’ve either discovered within the last year or those to which I return regularly. It’s what I would suggest to any friend who just wants to know where to eat in Paris with no other criteria. While my list of loveable restaurants is long, I’m not including anything that I haven’t been to recently enough to know it’s still worth dipping into your wallet for.
photo credit: @Matthieu Salvaing
One of the most iconic restaurants in Paris, La Tour d’Argent, might just have been my favorite lunch of the last year. With a stunning view of Notre-Dame and the Seine, this Michelin-starred institution is famous for its legendary duck as well as its massive wine list. While I’m certain dinner there is marvelous, we went for a midday meal. I highly recommend this as one of the most luxuriously, leisurely, loveliest lunches in the city. If you are going to do one big dining experience on your trip to Paris, La Tour d’Argent has you covered for fantastic food, superlative service and Parisian heritage. Also, since their renovation, they have a beautiful bar on the ground floor for an aperitif before your meal – or a digestif after, as they specialize in cognac.
photo credit: Jean Marc Palisse
Helmed by the formidable chef Hélène Darroze, Marsan is a testament to the finesse of modern French cuisine. I am fortunate enough to eat in some seriously swanky restaurants. But, when I went to Marsan for dinner with BFF and fellow foodie Wendy late last year, it was the kind of meal that renewed my faith in this level of dining. And, don’t miss the Darroze family Armagnac on the digestif cart. Also, it’s not far from the Bar Josephine of Hotel Lutetia, which makes for a nice cocktail hour before dinner.
For a taste of classic French bistro fare, Chez Georges is foolproof. This quintessential Parisian “restau” has been serving up traditional dishes since 1964. The rustic charm of the interior, combined with comforting classics like escargot, coq au vin, and profiteroles, make it an enduring favorite. I first ate there many years ago and wasn’t disappointed on my most recent visit a few months ago. And the upside is that it doesn’t hit every list of “must dine” restaurants in Paris, so it’s still bustling with locals who appreciate the excellent steak frites and the beautiful baba au rhum dessert ( serve yourself on the rum!)
Le Quincy
Le Quincy offers an unpretentious French dining experience that feels like stepping into a cozy, provincial restaurant from a better-fed, less-social-media-invaded time. This charming bistro is known for its generous portions and hearty dishes like rabbit with mustard sauce or beef bourguignon. It’s the kind of place that brings out the communal terrine of paté or bowl of chocolate mousse from which you serve yourself. The convivial atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal with friends, be it first-time Paris visitors or long-time residents like me. (no website, but it’s located in the 12th)
When friends want to know where to eat in Paris if they only have time for one meal, I regularly recommend L’Avant Comptoir. This collection of busy wine bars, known for stand-out small plates, is an all-time favorite. It’s connected to the acclaimed restaurant Le Comptoir next door, which is also worth a visit. However, I have a special fondness for the L’Avant Comptoir wine bars. The original, L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre, focuses on meat dishes, while the adjacent L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer offers a seafood-centric menu. Just a few steps away, L’Avant Comptoir du Marché provides more seating and a broader selection of delectable bites to enjoy with a glass – or bottle! – of wine. Don’t miss the duck tongues if they’re on the menu, but there are plenty of more mainstream options as well. It’s one of the very best restaurants in Paris for foodies and wine lovers! And did I mention the butter servings on the countertop are the size of your head?
This is one of the spots I hesitate to share for where to eat in Paris because I kind of want to keep it as my little secret. But, it’s hidden away enough in the 15th arrondissement, that I can safely suggest La Cave de l’Os à Moelle for a unique lunch experience (or evening aperitif wine and snack) without losing my local fav to touristic frenzy. This cozy bottle shop is the perfect backdrop for hearty, rustic dishes served family-style at midday. In the evening you can order up wine and small selections of cheese and charcuterie (the boudin noir is enough to convert those who aren’t already fans!) Don’t confuse it with the restaurant across the street of a similar name, which is good…but doesn’t hold the same place in my heart as La Cave. You can also buy bottles of wine to go at retail price.
For seafood lovers wondering where to eat in Paris, Clamato is a no-brainer. Located just across from its popular, award-winning big sister restaurant, Septime, Clamato offers the same high-quality food without the need for reservations. They serve a variety of fresh and inventive seafood dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. The emphasis on sharing plates makes it an ideal destination for a casual meal. I often recommend that visitors and friends hit Clamato instead of fighting for space at Septime. And just around the corner from both is Septime wine bar for a drink and snack while waiting for your table at Clamato.
This Belleville bistro with charming retro tiling has vintage tables and chairs packed into every available space, squishing diners practically elbow to elbow. But, it’s well worth crowding in with in-the-know locals for crazy good small plates at very nice prices. Tasty tidbits like beef tataki and razor clams are washed down with wines from their wildly natural list – but those that like their vino a little less funky should be able to find something suitable as well. And you’ll likely see the resident kitty cat weaving between table legs or napping on any available surface. And it’s very close to Combat or Kissproof for a drink before or after.
photo credit: Le Radis Beurre
Le Radis Beurre is a true out-of-the-way neighborhood gem in the 15th arrondissement. The owners prioritize seasonal ingredients from well-sourced producers for an updated take on traditional homemade terrines, meat dishes, or the fish of the day. For those with an appetite for offal, the menu almost always also includes a couple of very well-executed nose-to-tail options like pigs feet or sweetbreads.
Arnaud Nicolas, a celebrated charcutier and chef, brings his expertise to his eponymous restaurant and boutique in the 7th arrondissement. Nicolas who holds a coveted title of MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France, i.e. best craftsman in the field) is reintroducing the Parisian public to a more elevated experience in terms of charcuterie with signature dishes like pâté en croûte and terrines. The decor is sparse and pleasantly simple, to better leave focus on the food. Bonus: it’s not too far from the Eiffel Tower, an area in which it’s often difficult to find worthwhile restaurants.
photo credit: Freddy’s wine bar page
Freddy’s Wine Bar never lets me down for delicious small plates and great wine. It’s a chicly cool yet unpretentious wine bar that offers an impressive selection of wines curated from both local French vineyards and international producers (and, like so many modern spots these days, there is a big focus on natural). The menu of small, seasonal, local plates is designed for sharing. If I’m in Saint Germain des Pres and not sure where to go for an impromptu snack or small plates meal, this no-reservations venue is a sure bet.
Where to Eat in Paris For Something Other than French
All of my above recommendations for where to eat in Paris focus pretty much on French food. If you’re a longstanding resident or just been here for a bit and ready for something not French, here’s a few of my current recommendations:
photo credit: Autour du Yangtse website
Autour du Yangtse specializes in authentic xiao long bao, delicate soup dumplings filled with savory broth and tender pork or crab, crafted with meticulous care by Chef Guoqiang Zou. The eggplant is another personal favorite, but everything on this menu is delectable.
This bright, sparkling white tile Mexican restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and up to date fare, with reinterpretations of dishes from Chef Carlos Moreno’s childhood. It’s casual, relaxed and delicious and goes beyond the standard taqueria. Also, they’re doing some very fun frozen mango margaritas at the moment and their selection of salsas is seriously hot, on all levels!
For those seeking a fusion of Southern charm and French flair, Treize au Jardin is your ticket. This cozy café, across from the Luxembourg Gardens, serves up an eclectic mix of Southern American cuisine and to-die-for biscuits for brunch and lunch. Treize au Jardin’s warm atmosphere and unique dishes make it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists looking for a little comfort.
Where to Eat In Paris Cocktail Bars
I’m mainly just hear to talk restaurants today, but there are plenty of bars on my site that also serve food. I’ve covered only restaurants above and realize it might be worth putting out an entire post on where to drink cocktails and also have some food from bar snacks to something more substantial like Danico, Dirty Lemon, Cambridge Public House, Candelaria, Mesures, Bonhomie, Red House (for Taco night), Classique, Mary Celeste or Kissproof. That’s just to name a few but give a shout if you’re interested in hearing more about the best places to combine both eating and drinking cocktails in Paris. Maybe another roundup is in order….
Trusted Resources for Where to Eat in Paris
I have some great friends in Paris who spend plenty of time professionally talking about restaurants. If you want to take a deeper dive on where to eat in Paris your first stop should be Paris by Mouth, which is pretty much the reference for Paris restaurants and also does some great food tours.
Otherwise, some friends who put out newsletters that often include food tips or regularly talk about great places to eat on their IG feeds are:
David Lebovitz blog and substack newsletter
Emily Monaco “Emily in France” substack newsletter
La Cuisine Paris’s Le Chou Chou monthly newsletter
Those are just a few off the top of my head, but I’ll update this section as I think of more fantastic foodie resources in France!
