The 11 BEST MICHELIN STAR Restaurants in PARIS in 2023
Erica Forster
French cuisine is world-famous, and top chefs from all around the world have set up their restaurants in Paris. Prepare your taste buds – we’re taking a look at some of the city’s best Michelin-rated restaurants.
Pro Travel Tip: Looking for a refined food experience in Paris? We recommend joining our Super Expensive Paris Food Tour, where you’ll be led by a guide who is either a sommelier, chef or champagne producer. Feast on cocktails, caviar, soufflé, and more in some of Paris’s most authentic and chic eateries. We promise you an unforgettable night!
The Top Michelin Rated Restaurants in Paris
The Michelin Guide began to award stars to fine dining establishments in France in 1926. Since then, Michelin Stars have become a renowned international rating system for exceptional cuisine. In 2020, Paris was home to a whopping 119 Michelin star restaurants, placing it second on the list of cities with the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world (behind Tokyo). With so many quality dining options available, it’s not easy to pick and choose. We’ve outlined some of our favorite Michelin-starred restaurants in the City of Light to help you get a head start.
Le Jules Verne
Photography by Marie-Line Sina
€€€ | French|1 Michelin Stars | Chef Frédéric Anton
Eating at the Eiffel Tower in Paris is anything but clichè which is why it is first on our list to try. If you can get a reservation, which is not easy, this is the ultimate dining experience. Le Jules Verne is a one Michelin Star restaurant under head Chef Frédéric Anton who has earned 3 stars at Le Pre Catelan, another restaurant he owns.
I personally don’t believe there is an overall better dining experience than having an elegant meal inside the Iron Lady while in Paris. Read our article on making a reservation at Le Jules Verne and other Eiffel Tower restaurants to book.
Le Cinq is a fine dining restaurant located in the elegant Four Seasons Hotel George V. With three Michelin stars, it goes without saying that the food here is phenomenal. The dining room is largely considered one of the most impressive dining rooms in Paris.
A night at Le Cinq is a once in a lifetime sort of experience for many, so it’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion on your trip. We recommend making reservations well in advance, as travelers from around the world are dying to eat here. This is the quintessential fine dining experience and one of the best restaurants in Paris in terms of high quality food.
Privileged Access Eiffel Tower Night Tour With Seine River Cruise
Sometimes the most amazing moments happen by chance. Other times, they are orchestrated by professionals. Our Eiffel Tower tour takes you on a cruise down the Seine River for incredible views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Champagne included, of course. Then you’ll be guided to the Eiffel Tower, skip the long lines, and head up the elevator to the second floor for a night to remember.
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Paris Local Food Tour in le Marais
Embark on a culinary journey in Le Marais—one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. Most food tours in Paris offer cheese and wine, but we include a full, sit-down meal! Enjoy a feast of French cheeses, oysters, street food, boeuf bourguignon, crème brûlée, and more. This 3-hour food tour combines the best of Paris’ culinary heritage and you won’t find a better deal out there!
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our comprehensive Paris Guide for more planning resources.
L’Oiseau Blanc
Photo provided by L’ Oiseau Blanc
€€€ | French|1 Michelin Star
This chic restaurant is located on top of the luxurious Peninsula hotel. While it may not have been awarded as many Michelin stars as some of our other top picks, the combination of the high quality food and jaw-dropping views make this one of our favorites. Not only will you have a great view of Paris in general, but you’ll have a truly fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. Remember if you make a dinner reservation, you’ll be able to see the tower twinkling at night!
Another unique part of L’ Oiseau Blanc is their décor theme, dedicated to two French aviation pioneers. They even have a suspended replica of the plane the pilots used to attempt the first Trans-Atlantic non-stop crossing in the restaurant. It’s not too often that you see a high-end restaurant with this kind of character, and we think it’s a plus.
An intimate “micro-restaurant” where you’ll feel cozy and comfortable. If you’re feeling adventurous, go with the Carte Blanche option for dinner, where the chef will get creative with a five-course tasting menu personalized for that night. Just down the street, the owner has also set up Frenchie Caviste, a wine bar serving natural wines. You can’t go wrong with either spot, although the wine bar focuses on serving small plates.
It’s worth noting that over the past few years Frenchie has become very popular, especially with those visiting from outside of Paris. Because of this and the restaurant’s very small size, you’ll definitely need to reserve in advance here.
Want to feel like you’re strolling into a palace to eat food fit for a king? Look no further than Le Meurice. The dining room was inspired by one of the rooms in the Palace of Versailles, complete with antique mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and magnificent frescoes. The large windows overlook the Jardins des Tuileries. The Michelin Guide has even dubbed Le Meurice ‘the archetype of the great French restaurant’.
This restaurant is run by Alain Ducasse, one of the most decorated chefs in the world. Here their motto is preserving the authentic taste of each ingredient. You’ll be able to order with your eyes closed here and still receive something exceptional!
This spot doesn’t have a Michelin Star (yet), but it does have Bib Gourmand status. What exactly is a Bib Gourmand restaurant? This Michelin rating is only given to eateries who offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for around $40 – and of course, the food must be excellent. Essentially, this is a restaurant delivering a high quality dining experience at a reasonable price.
Les Canailles Ménilmontant is a true French bistro. Located within walking distance of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, they serve classic French fare in a simple, homey setting. Try their rump steak with Dauphine potatoes, the roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and mushrooms, or their house favorite dessert, a Grand Marnier soufflé. If you aren’t able to splurge on a restaurant with Michelin stars, this is the next best thing.
Vegetarians looking for the ultimate dining experience, rejoice! Arpège is a restaurant boasting three Michelin Stars with a heavily vegetable-inspired menu. Arpège’s Head Chef Alain Passard has even famously stated: ‘I want to elevate the humble vegetable to a grand cru’. All of the vegetables, fruits and herbs used here are 100% natural and grown in three different gardens all owned by the restaurant and chef.
While the highlight is the Garden Menu, they do also have a Land and Sea Menu for those looking for more than veggies. Dining here is a true culinary adventure and the flavors cultivated are some of our favorites.
Set in the heart of the Palais-Royal Gardens, at this one Michelin Star restaurant you’ll be able to enjoy your meal outdoors if you wish. They have a tasting menu for 165€ which is a great way to test a bit of everything. The presentation and menu items are creative and impressive.
If you happen to be visiting in the summer, they have jazz evenings on Thursdays, which is a true treat while you’re soaking up the ambiance on the terrace.
This Michelin star restaurant is famous for its food and amazing views of Notre Dame (the dining room is on the seventh floor). It’s known as somewhat of an iconic spot in Paris – while it may not have three Michelin Stars, people have still been vying for reservations here for decades. Their wine cellar has almost 320,000 bottles, and some have even dubbed it one of the most beautiful wine cellars in the world. People dining at the Tour d’Argent are able to visit the cave with the restaurant’s caviste, which is an amazing experience in itself.
Hours: Thurs – Sat 12PM – 2PM | 7PM – 9PM Sun | 12PM – 2PM
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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 be left out of 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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Skip-the-Line Palace of Versailles and Gardens 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.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our comprehensive Paris Guide for more planning resources.
David Toutain
€€€ | French|2 Michelin Stars
David Toutain has been wowing foodies in this restaurant since 2013, after building up his skills in other top kitchens in Paris since he was 20 years old. Commonly referred to as one of the most inventive chefs in Paris, his food reflects a nearly unmatched creativity. Those who love impressive presentation and tons of flavors will be in heaven. There’s a variety of menu options available, including some that offer up to 15 courses.
Hours: Thurs – Sat 12PM – 2PM | 7PM – 9PM Sun | 12PM – 2PM
Le Pré Catalan
Photo provided by Le Pré Catalan
€€€€ | French|3 Michelin Stars
Rounding out our top ten list is another 3 star Michelin restaurant. Set inside the Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris’s biggest parks covering over 2,000 acres, the restaurant is housed inside a Napoleon III style pavilion. Langoustine raviolis are one of the most recommended main course dishes and are outstanding. For dessert, their ‘apple’ is infamous – a sugar sphere filled with apple cider mousse, Carambar candy ice cream and more. This is a great option, especially if you’re looking for a location that’s in a less crowded area than the city center.
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