The Best Restaurants in Paris

As an American dating a French man who lives in Paris, learning about and exploring Paris through its food scene, has been a top priority for me.  With so many cultural differences between the United States and France, (food and dining out being one of the main differences), I’ve made it a mission to learn about French cuisine and dining etiquette to better understand French culture.  Now, I’ve eaten at over 30+ restaurants in Paris, which allows me to confidently say that not only have I discovered the very best restaurants in Paris; but I’ve also been able to learn about French culture and cuisine along the way.  Here are my top recommendations on where to go on your next visit to the “City of Lights”…

 

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Where to Eat in Paris

Along with my favorite restaurants in Paris, you’ll also find what kind of cuisine is served at each place, what to expect for the atmosphere, and which arrondissement each restaurant is in.  In France, an arrondissement is a neighborhood.  When choosing where to eat, take note of which restaurant is in which arrondissement and book based on what you’re doing for the day/where your hotel is located.

Also, I highly recommend making reservations in advance as the culture in France is to really slow down and take your time.  For this reason, they don’t flip as many tables throughout the night because people tend to sit for hours, so it can be tricky to walk in and get a table.

 

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Auberge Bressane

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining (€€€)

Auberge Bressane is by far, my favorite French restaurant in Paris.  It’s elegant, fun, and serves incredible traditional French food.  The highlight of visiting Auberge Bressane is its soufflé-trio for dessert – a mix of salted carmel, chocolate, and Grand Marnier mini soufflés.  You’ll want to order this at the beginning of your meal so the kitchen has time to prepare!

 

Aux Bons Crus

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

Similar to Auberge Bressane, Aux Bons Crus is also a traditional French restaurant, but it’s a bit more casual.  With red, checkered tabletops and a lively atmosphere, Aux Bons Crus is the perfect restaurant to try if you’re diving into the world of French food.

 

Breizh Café

Cuisine:  Creperie | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

In my opinion, Breizh Café is the ideal restaurant to grab a table outside at lunchtime, order a glass of wine, and try traditional French crepes and galettes.  There are tons of options from galettes stuffed with meats, cheeses, fish, or veggies; making it a great option for everyone.

 

Chez Alain Miam Miam

Cuisine:  Sandwich Shop | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

In my opinion, Chez Alain Miam Miam serves the tastiest sandwiches in all of Paris (at least, that I’ve gotten my hands on).  In an unassuming sandwich shop, located in one of Paris’s most exciting neighborhoods – Le Marais – you can enjoy traditional French meats, cheeses, and bread all together as one tasty sandwich.  While you should expect a long line out front, I promise it’s worth the wait.

 

Chez Janou

Cuisine:  French Bistro | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

When I think of a typical, lively French restaurant… Chez Janou comes to mind.  By far the most fun restaurant I’ve dined at in Paris, Chez Janou gives off the ultimate party atmosphere.  With tables close together, a rather intimate setting, and loud music… it’s hard not make friends with a table nearby.  While the food here is mediocre, I definitely recommend Chez Janou for its atmosphere and chocolate mousse.  (Don’t miss the chocolate mousse).  For the best time to visit, I suggest a late night, weekend reservation.

 

Double Dragon

Cuisine:  Filipino | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

Started by two sisters (who also own Le Servan), Double Dragon is an incredible Filipino restaurant in Paris’s 11th arrondissement.  It’s casual but modern, and gives off the feeling that you’re dining in a close friends home.  When you visit, you’ll definitely want to order the lechon kawali (pork belly); one of the best items on the menu.

 

Formaticus Fromagerie

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

Located in the Montmartre district, Formaticus is a fromagerie, or French cheese restaurant.  If you want to do some French cheese tasting, this is definitely the place to go.  Plus you can try different French meats and wines too!  It’s the perfect place for a pre or post-dinner snack.

 

Frenchie – Bar a Vins

Cuisine:  French Fusion | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

Frenchie Bar a Vins is a wine bar that also happens to serve some of the most delicious French fusion food I’ve had in Paris.  They have a sister restaurant across the street that has a Michelin star, so the fact that the food is so delicious, is really no surprise.  Frenchie Bar a Vins does not take reservations, so if you want to snag a table, I suggest going around opening time.  If you don’t make it right away, there is a small bar area where you can wait around for a table – which is well worth it.

 

Huitrerie Régis

Cuisine:  Seafood | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining (€€€)

Huitrerie Régis is a very small seafood restaurant on an unassuming street.  It’s the perfect place for a seafood platter or plate of oysters and wine before heading off to dinner.  This restaurant doesn’t take reservations and is quite small, so if you’re set on trying it out, I suggest coming for lunch or early in the afternoon as the evenings can be quite crowded.

 

L’Annexe

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

L’Annexe is a cozy and casual restaurant in Paris’s Montmartre neighborhood.  Here you’ll find traditional French meals on an ever-changing menu based on the season.  It’s the perfect place to dine if you want to feel like a local.

 

L’As du Fallafel

Cuisine:  Falafel | Atmosphere:  Casual (€)

Located in the Jewish Quarter of the Le Marais neighborhood, L’As du Fallafel is famous for their falafels, shawarmas, and kebabs.  It’s a simple eatery with both tables inside and a takeout window if you want to take your food to go.  L’As du Fallafel is closed on Saturdays.

 

L’Assiette

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

L’Assiette is another incredible, traditional French restaurant.  It’s quite small so if you want to dine here you will definitely need to book ahead of time.  The star of the menu is their cassoulet, a traditional French dish consisting of beans and meat.  And while it might not sound appetizing, I promise you, it’s out of this world.

 

L’Avant Comptoir du Marche

Cuisine:  Tapas | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

In the beautiful Saint-Germain district of Paris, L’Avant Comptoir du Marche is a fun and casual tapas style restaurant ideal for lunch.  Belly up to the bar and observe their expansive wine selection as you wait on a few tapas style dishes to arrive to your table.

 

Le Clown Bar

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Fine-ish Dining (€€)

Known for serving veal brain, I knew that I couldn’t miss Le Clown Bar when I began visiting Paris.  While the food is excellent and the restaurant is beautifully designed and intimate; it does draw more of an American crowd.  If you’re looking to feel more immersed in French culture, I’d skip Le Clown Bar.

 

Le Potager du Pere Thierry

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€)

Le Potager du Pere Thierry is an unassuming restaurant hidden in the winding streets of Montmartre.  Upon passing by, it doesn’t stand out as anything special.  But if you take a moment to peak inside, you might notice that this small restaurant is always packed to the brim with locals enjoying a good, classic, and affordable French meal.

 

Le Servan

Cuisine:  French-Asian Fusion | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

As mentioned previously, Le Servan is the sister restaurant to Double Dragon that was started by two sisters.  Unlike Double Dragon, Le Servan serves an Asian twist on traditional French foods.  You definitely can’t miss the blood sausage wontons.

 

Marche des Enfants Rouges

Cuisine:  Multiple | Atmosphere:  Casual (€-€€)

Marche des Enfants Rouges is Paris’s oldest, covered food market located in Le Marais.  There are multiple different restaurants here serving cuisines from around the world!  Choose between Moroccan, Italian, Asian, or traditional French!  The options are endless.

I suggest visiting Marche des Enfants Rouges at a time where you can leisurely stroll around, try out different dishes, and really taking your time.  The market can be crowded with long lines, so you’ll want to go on a day when you have ample time to wait around.

You should also know that opening hours of the market change depending on the season.  Make sure to double check before you visit.

 

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NHOMe

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Fine Dining (€€€)

NHOMe is a one-star Michelin restaurant in the luxurious first arrondissement.  The owner and head chef, Matan, had opened NHOMe and it only took him two years to earn his first star.  Upon speaking to him, I learned that he started working in a three-star Michelin restaurant at the age of 16, and trained throughout both Paris and London.

The food at NHOMe is unique, intriguing, interesting, and will constantly make you say, “what is THAT?!” (in an utterly delicious way).  If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, I highly recommend it!

 

Pantobaguette

Cuisine:  Japanese-French Fusion | Atmosphere:  Causal (€€)

If you’re a tapas girly (or guy), Pantobaguette is one of those underrated places that not too many people know about yet.  It’s a small restaurant, in Montmartre, and the menu packs some incredibly delicious tasting small plates.  If French food isn’t your thing (or you just need a break from the richness of the food), I highly recommend Pantobaguette!

 

Restaurant Au Passage

Cuisine:  French | Atmosphere:  Casual (€€)

While Restaurant Au Passage is French, to me it feels more like a French fusion restaurant, the perfect place to start if you’re just initially dipping your toes into French cuisine.  The menu is made up of small, shareable plates and is constantly changing so there’s always something new to try.

 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TAKING A FRENCH COOKING CLASS?  BOOK HERE!

 

France Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting France

 

While I’m forever on the hunt to find the best restaurants in Paris, and trust me – I have so many more to try; this list is a great starting point whether it’s your first visit to Paris or third.  If you have any questions about dining in Paris or have a restaurant suggestion, leave a comment below!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Paris, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reelby searching “#ppinfrance” or under my highlights for “France 1″, “France 2”, & “France 3”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “France” highlight

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