Top Places To Eat in the Latin Quarter of Paris in 2025
Erica Forster
Home to the Panthéon, Luxembourg Gardens, and Sorbonne University, the Latin Quarter is one of the city’s most charming and iconic neighborhoods in Paris. Its streets, especially the famous Rue Mouffetard, overflow with restaurants and cafés, so how do you weed out the tourist traps? We’re here to guide you to the best restaurants in the Latin Quarter of Paris.
Pro Tip: Planning where to eat on your trip to Paris? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re hungry in the city. Check out our guide to Paris for more planning resources, our top Paris food tours for a memorable trip, and the foods you have to try in Paris.
Best Restaurants in the Latin Quarter of Paris
If you’re in the iconic Latin Quarter of Paris, you may want to stop, enjoy a meal, and soak up the atmosphere. To help you distinguish the great from the overrated, we’ve put together this list of the top places to eat in Paris’ Latin Quarter.
Le Méchoui du Prince
Photo courtesy of Le Méchoui du Prince
€€ | Moroccan Restaurant|Limited Outdoor Seating
With ritzy reds and golds setting the tone, exposed beams adding a touch of Old World charm, and authentic decorations bringing it all together, Le Méchoui du Prince is one of those places where you immediately forget the outside world exists.
Passed from father to son, it’s been a staple of the Latin Quarter for over 50 years and is always my go-to when I want traditional Moroccan fare. Their tagine and couscous always hit the mark, but if you’re up for trying something new, I’d recommend their pastilla. It’s basically a spiced chicken pie and these guys do it right!
Every street in Paris seems to have a bistro or two, and one of the most common questions I get is, “How do you know which ones are good?” Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof method, but I’ve found a good rule of thumb: the less they try to lure you in, the better the food. Look for a place with simple, slightly worn décor, a few sidewalk tables, and chalkboard or weathered menus.
Bistro des Augustins fits this description perfectly and is an ideal spot for a classic Parisian meal. Do as the locals do and go for their gratin.
The Louvre is the largest art museum on Earth and the crowning jewel of Paris, which is why it’s on everyone’s bucket list. Don’t miss out on an incredible opportunity! Join a passionate guide for a tour of the most famous artwork at the Louvre. Skip-the-line admissions included.
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Ultimate Palace of Versailles Tour from Paris
Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why stress over the logistics? Meet a local guide in central Paris who will purchase your train tickets and ensure you get off at the right stop. Then enjoy a guided tour of the palace and the unforgettable gardens. Skip-the-line admissions included to the palace and gardens.
If you can’t decide whether you want a savory or sweet crêpe, head to Les Crêpes de Louis-Marie and try both. It’s situated on one of the far ends of the Latin Quarter but worth the walk, especially if you pair it with a visit to Place Monge and the Marché Mouffetard—two great open-air markets.
All of the crêpes are made fresh and there are vegetarian options available. The restaurant also has a very casual feel to it, so it’s a great choice if you’re traveling with kids. Don’t forget to try some cider while you’re there—the traditional pairing for crêpes.
Dining tip: You’ll notice galettes on the menu too, these are similar to crêpes but made with buckwheat flour. Perfect if you’re gluten-free!
Chez Gladines has five locations in Paris, but don’t mistake it for a chain restaurant. They specialize in Southwestern French food with Basque flair, so expect more dishes with ingredients like duck, peppers, and Basque sauce (a blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices). You’ll also find French classics like foie gras, escalope, and snails, along with more familiar options like steaks, burgers, and salads.
The portions are generous and the atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for groups and kids. Although reservations aren’t accepted by phone or email, you can visit earlier in the day or the day before to book a table.
€€ |Japanese Restaurant|Great Ambiance | No Outdoor Seating
You may not have come to Paris for Japanese food, but when the cuisine is as fresh and the atmosphere is as delightful as Kodawari Ramen, you’ll quickly change your tune. Between homemade noodles, straight-from-the-market produce, and perfectly spicy kimchi, this small restaurant easily holds its own in a neighborhood known for great restaurants.
Besides the food, the ambiance is unbeatable. You’ll feel like you’re in a hidden spot in historic Tokyo, with authentic decorations, a small kitchen with a bar that you can post up at, and even Japanese toilets. No reservations are accepted, but you can scan their virtual queue and wander the neighborhood while you wait.
When the sun is shining and I’m in the mood for a good meander, I set my sights on Jardin du Luxembourg. Then, when I’ve strolled up an appetite, I hop over to Au Petit Suisse for a classic croque monsieur—to be enjoyed on their patio across from the garden. I’ve never once thought, ‘I wish I was doing something else.’ So, that must be a sign of a good plan.
Besides croque monsieurs, you’ll also find daily specials and a few more up-market dishes like beef tartare and duck breast. None of their options are overly fancy, but for traditional bistro food, you can’t get much better.
€€€€ |Elegant French Restaurant| Michelin Star | Incredible View
Celebrating a big birthday or anniversary, or just want to splurge at least once on extremely fancy cuisine while in Paris? Look no further than La Tour d’Argent. This Michelin-star restaurant is famous for its upscale French cuisine and spectacular views of Notre Dame through its floor-to-ceiling windows (the dining room is on the seventh floor).
By far La Tour d’Argent’s most popular dish is its signature pressed duck. Which, if you’re eager to try, it’s best to mention when booking as a limited amount is served each night. If you miss out or are just not a fan of duck, no worries. Between their beef fillet, prime rib, roast chicken, and pork belly, you’ll be in good hands. You can also ask your server for recommendations on both food and wine if you’re unsure.
All that said, La Tour d’Argent is definitely the most expensive restaurant on this list and you’ll want to be prepared to pay at least €100 per person, if not double that. But if you can afford it, it’s worth the money.
€€€€ |Elegant French Restaurant | For Truffle Lovers
Parisians have long had a love affair with truffles. Their earthy notes and nutty undertones add the perfect savory bitterness to pasta, foie gras, and steaks. The classic enthusiasts will tell you this is where it ends, but modernists will say these flavor-packed fungi make pretty much any dish better.
Which side of the fence do you fall on? If, like me, you love a good modern twist, you’ll love the menu at La Truffière. From gnocchi and beef fillets to artichoke and tanariva chocolate with ice cream, you’ll find the shaved bits of truffle add such an intriguing element to each dish.
There are three dining areas located inside, with the most impressive being their vaulted cellar dating from the 17th century. Because it’s not a large restaurant, we recommend calling ahead for reservations.
Sitting on the busy corner of Rue de Mirbel and Rue Monge is one of the best spots in the Latin Quarter to grab a pre-dinner cocktail and snack. Opt for a table in their glass-enclosed terrace, which lets you enjoy people-watching while also being protected from the elements
Their prices are on the very friendly side, with the majority of cocktails costing €7.50 (even cheaper during happy hour from 5 pm to 10 pm), while small bites range from €5 to €15. While it’s not gourmet dining, the charm and value for money make it a no-brainer for a laid-back evening out.
Privileged Access Eiffel Night Tour with Seine River Cruise
Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. In this case, you’ll have an evening to remember as you cruise the Seine for an hour, sipping champagne and taking in the sites like Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and more. Afterwards, follow your guide past the long lines and take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor for an unforgettable view.
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Skip the Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens Tour from Paris
Versailles isn’t that difficult to get to by train, but why deal with the stress on your own? Our guide will meet you in central Paris, purchase your train tickets, and ensure you get off at the right stop in Versailles. With skip-the-line tickets, you’ll bypass the crowds and get right into this incredible palace as your guide explains the most incredible (and controversial) history of France’s favorite palace.
Along the always buzzing Rue Mouffetard, you’ll find my favorite Greek restaurant in all of Paris—La Crète. Somehow it’s remained out of the tourist limelight, despite its close proximity to the charming Place Monge and Place de la Contrescarpe. But from the moment you step into the cozy cave-like interior, it’s clear it’s a place locals frequent time and time again. Chatter from patrons and staff spills out onto the streets, as do delicious smells of grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked pita bread. My go-to is the souvlakia, but if you’re a meat eater, I’d definitely recommend their plate of mixed grilled meats.
Don’t judge this place by its outside appearance or close proximity to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, because it’s anything but a tourist trap. Le Petit Châtelet has been passed from father to son for four generations and absolutely brims with a sense of nostalgia and grandmother’s cooking.
If you can, grab a spot by the open fireplace so you can watch the chef expertly grill the meat over the open flame. I’d also recommend going with their set two-course or three-course menu and definitely save room for one of their giant profiteroles.
There are some restaurants in Paris that I absolutely love, even if I can’t quite put my finger on why. Cave La Bourgogne is one of them. It’s not fancy and won’t turn heads with its appearance, but when I’m in the Latin Quarter and want something casual and quick, this is my spot. The service is always fast, so if I have other plans, I can be in and out in under 40 minutes—which is pretty impressive for Paris. As far as food goes, you can’t go wrong with one of their croques or club sandwiches, and even if you pair either with a glass of wine, you’ll end up with less than a €20 bill.
€€ | Traditional Bistro | Outdoor Seating | Guide Favorite
There are the spots the tour guides recommend to guests, then there are the ones the tour guides go to themselves. TournBride is the latter, and I have a feeling that before long, it’s going to boom in popularity. It’s quintessential Parisian, where everyone sitting seems lost in a book, lost in a journal, or lost in a conversation. They’re not just there for the seat though. TournBride’s traditional French food is just incredible and although priced on the higher end for a bistro, it’s worth the money.
Every once in a while, I want just a really really good, simple burger. The kind where the bread and the meat melt into each other and you have to finish it in one go because if you set it down, it’ll completely fall apart. And I’m sure you’ve guessed it, Bistrot 88 is the place to do this. It’s mainly frequented by students looking to score a good deal on beer, which gives a nice lively buzz to the restaurant.
My fellow cheese lovers—this one’s for you. Le Vieux Bistrot is famous for its raclette, and if you’ve never heard of it before, let me explain. Basically, a wheel of raclette cheese is heated until it begins to melt. Then, it’s scraped onto plates of boiled potatoes, cured meats, and bread. This means the majority of Le Vieux Bistrot’s dishes come topped with cheese. Besides raclette, they also serve fondue savoyarde, Gruyère-topped French Onion Soup, and carpaccio sprinkled with thinly sliced parmesan. Need I say more?
Café Delmas—my mid-morning coffee break, and my pre-dinner cocktail bar. Their terrace overlooks Place de la Contrescarpe, which is excellent for people watching with either a cappuccino or a cocktail in hand. It sounds weird, but it’s quite fun to be able to sit in the same seat and ponder the difference between the morning rush and the after-work rush. Plus, if I’m a bit hungry, their snack menu never disappoints. Between charcuterie boards, fragrant focaccias, and escargot, there’s something for every level of hunger.
Let’s talk dessert. Like a golden apple crumble, decadent chocolate mousse, and more pastries than you could ever name. Merci Jérôme Mouffetard absolutely dominates the dessert scene in the Latin Quarter, yet somehow, there are never more than a few people in line. This is especially surprising because their sandwiches and salads are also incredible. My only guess would be that there’s limited seating, so most people get their orders to go. Which isn’t a bad idea considering Jardin du Luxembourg is an easy 12-minute walk away and is an excellent place for a picnic.
La Methode is one of the restaurants where no matter the time of day, there will be at least a small gathering of people hanging out. Set where Rue Descartes and Rue de la Montagne Ste Genevieve meet, its location naturally draws people in. Top that with a mix of traditional and modern French cuisine, reasonably priced cocktails, and really good coffee, and you’ll see why La Methode just works. Add to that charming green decor, exposed beams, and a bar that seems to stretch forever, and you’ve got a recipe for a neighborhood favorite.
L’Écurie isn’t exactly the kind of place that screams, “Eat here!” from the outside—I’d passed it plenty of times without a second glance. Then a friend, clearly more in-the-know than me, insisted we meet there for lunch in the Latin Quarter. They promised the food was so good, that I wouldn’t mind the crowds, and it turns out, they were right.
A few minutes after arriving we were led upstairs to a dining room that’s more exposed brick and beams than frills. I had their cheeseburger and my friend went with roast chicken, and while their crème brûlée was tempting, we were stuffed. Bottom line? If you want good food and don’t have a reservation, this is your spot!
Let’s not forget about brunch! The kind where half your group, who have just woken up, go for a freshly made omelet with ham and cheese while the other half, having already been to a bakery a few hours ago, opt for the salmon sandwich with lemon cream. If that sounds familiar, Le Petit Cardinal is where you’ll want to be.
Between its outdoor seating and glassed-in terrace, the people-watching is prime here, and as it’s located only a few minutes walk from the Panthéon, it’s the perfect place to either kick off your day or stop for a mid-morning fuel up. One thing to note: the coffee can be hit or miss, so if that’s your main priority, you might want to consider another spot.
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