French cuisine is undeniably one of the best in the world, and there’s no better way to savor it than diving in headfirst. This guide, crafted by our passionate team of Parisians, is updated annually to showcase the absolute finest restaurants in Paris. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this culinary adventure.
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Best Restaurants in Paris
When it comes to French restaurants, everyone wants to know where to find the best spots, right? But let’s clear something up: “best” doesn’t always mean the priciest. You can score incredible meals without breaking the bank. This list I’ve put together covers a diverse range of options, from cozy bistros to luxury dining experiences, so you can explore and find the perfect fit for your taste and budget. Trust me, the culinary scene in France is all about discovery—so get ready to dig in and savor every bite.
1. Avant Comptoir de la Mer €€
Why the Best: While it may not be haute cuisine, this spot is a favorite among our guidebook staff, who go there every time they are in Paris. And I absolutely love it. The experience is truly unique—you find yourself outside, savoring fresh oysters and small plates served with pads of rich, creamy butter. With its focus on seasonal produce and inventive pairings, Avant Comptoir de la Terre offers a menu that highlights the best of French terroir. The vibrant atmosphere and the ability to mingle with fellow diners make it an absolute delight.
What is it near: Boulevard Saint-Germain
Address: 3 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
2. Les Marches €€
Why the Best: Open every day of the week and close to the Eiffel Tower, Les Marches brings you back in time when things were simple. Family owned with no extra frills besides, good, traditional French cooking.
The chefs take extreme care in each dish and it shows when it hits your mouth. Go back in time when you were a boy in France and your grandma was cooking. That is the best way I can explain your experience here.
What is it near: Eiffel Tower
Address: 5, Rue de la Manutention – 75116 PARIS
Want more in depth restaurant recommendations around the Eiffel Tower? Check out our comprehensive list of Where to eat near the Eiffel Tower.
3. Passage des Panoramas €€
Why the Best? This is an essential dining experience in Paris. I can’t definitively say which spot is “the best” because they all have something special to offer—just trust your instincts and follow your nose! I have to admit, I initially avoided this place because I thought that it was just an Instagram hotspot. While it is certainly Instagrammable, it’s so much more than just a photo op. The atmosphere is incredibly authentic and vibrant, with charming little tables next to a variety of restaurants. The air is filled with delicious smells, and you’ll find interesting people conversing in multiple languages. I stopped by on the last day of my research trip, and it turned out to be the highlight of my experience.
What is it near: Palais Garnier
Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris, France
4. Baieta €€€
Why the Best: It is true that this restaurant has a Michelin star, but that’s not why I listed it. It is not based on Parisien fare, but on Southern France’s wide bouquet of flavors. You can feel that you are in the Mediterranean when you walk in and taste the food.
Baieta means ” Kiss” in the Niçois dialect and their goal is to make it just as pleasant. The 7 course tasting menu with accompanying wine will run you 150€, but it is worth every Euro cent. Leave the cold and grey of Paris for a few hours and be kissed by the warmth of the South.
What is it near: Notre Dame
Address: 5 Rue de Pontoise, 75005 Paris
If you want to have a great meal while visiting popular Paris attractions, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near Notre Dame.
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5. Café Lapérouse Concorde €€
Why the best? When you imagine dining with royalty, does a vision of grand ceilings, royal blues, elegant pastry platters, and plates from your grandmother’s china cabinet come to mind? Then you’re already picturing Café Lapérouse Concorde! As chic and refined as it looks, the café has a surprisingly laid-back, welcoming vibe—making it my go-to spot for brunch or a post-Louvre snack. Get there before 11 am and you absolutely must try their freshly pressed juices and truffle-fried eggs.
What is it near: Louvre
Address: 12 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
Is your hotel near the Louvre? For a more in depth restaurant guide, check out Where to eat near the Louvre.
6. L’Oiseau Blanc €€€€
Why the Best? When writing an article like this, I usually avoid hotel restaurants so as to promote individual establishments. I will break my rule here, because I feel that this restaurant is simply divine. It has a Michelin star and definitely deserves it.
Their 5 course tasting menu will cost you 185€ ( excluding drinks) which is steep, but well worth it. Everything is immaculate and perfect. The dress code is chic/elegant and I almost forgot to tell you- It is a rooftop restaurant with a 360 degree view including the Eiffel Tower and pretty much the rest of the city.
If you are going to splurge one night, this is the place to do it
What is it near:: Arc de Triomphe
Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris
Is your hotel around the Arc de Triomphe? For a more in depth restaurant guide near the Arc de Triomphe, check out Where to eat near the Arc de Triomphe.
7. La Cantine du Troquet Daguerre €€€
Why the Best? When you walk in, you might be wondering why I added this to the best list. The restaurant is very unassuming and most people walk past it, never knowing of the Delicious meals they will be missing. Quality/ Price ratio is outstanding and I would say that in other restaurants of this quality you are paying almost double.
The cuisine is a mixture of some classic dishes with a lot of new twists for the modern diner. The chefs usually come out to say hi and ask how everything is going and make sure you get the créme brûlée or the cheese plate for dessert!
What is it near: Paris Catacombs
Address: 89 Rue Daguerre, 75014 Paris
Is your hotel around the Paris Catacombs? Check out Where to eat near the Paris Catacombs.
8 Camille €€
Why the Best? Camille is definitely under the radar, which makes it even more interesting to visit, since you won’t find many tourists here, just local frenchman having a good meal.
The cuisine is classical French, so if you have been eating New Age, Fusion or non traditional French fare, and are saving yourself for the right place, welcome.
Perennial favorites such as Escargot, Filet de Boeuf with Béarnaise sauce, Magret de Canard ( Duck) and of course the Tartare are all dishes that will have your belly, and your wallet, thanking you.
What is it near: Marais
Address: 24 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris
Is your hotel around the Marais? Discover Where to eat in the Marais.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out Paris Guide for more resources.
9. Sacrée Fleur €€
Why the Best? Be aware of the many tourist traps that you will find in Montmartre- there are too many to count. I highly recommend when you are in this area to take a bit of a walk and eat here. The food is great, the staff is super friendly- what else do you want in a restaurant?
Full disclaimer- this is a meat restaurant. Their speciality is meat and they are proud to say it. If you haven’t already tried at this point, then I recommend trying the frog’s legs here as well.
What is it near: Sacré-Coeur Montmartre
Address: 50 Rue de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris
Is your hotel in Montmartre? For a more in depth restaurant guide, check out Where to eat in the Marais.
10. Le Bistro du 11 €€
Why the Best? I know I know, this was an article about Paris, but Versailles is not far away and most people will visit Versailles during their stay, so I wanted to add it. Plus, so many people have asked me where to eat in Versailles, I decided to slip this one in here.
The cuisine is Modern French and the menu is not big at all. The price/quality ratio is super and the staff are very accommodating. If you happen to be in Versailles, don’t miss the chance to eat extremely well for a good price.
What is it near: Versailles
Address: 10 Rue de Satory, 78000 Versailles
Is your hotel in Versailles? Dicover Where to eat near Versailles outside Paris
11. Chez Fernand €€
Why the Best? As soon as you walk through the pale yellow doors of Chez Fernand, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Parisian family reunion. I will warn you, it’s anything but romantic, with tables so close to one another you might as well be eating together. But between the happy flow of conversation and the waitstaff buzzing around making sure everyone is happy, it’s suddenly all part of the fun. And that’s even before Rémi Lebon’s legendary beef bourguignon lands on your table and their famed creme brulee rounds off your meal.
What is it near: Notre Dame
Address: 13 Rue Guisarde, 75006 Paris
If you want to have a great meal while visiting popular Paris attractions, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near Notre Dame.
12. L’Atelier Rouliere €€€
Why the Best? If you’ve been to a brasserie in Paris, you know they are a thing of beauty. They’ve got that whole high-ceiling, huge-mirror, tables-just-close-enough thing down to an art, and one of my all-time favorites is hidden between the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Seine. You’ll want to add it to your GPS as it’s all too easy to pass by thanks to its traditionally unassuming front. But step inside and you’re hit with the tough decision of choosing between French classics like escargot, beef tartare, or a perfectly seared steak. (Pair it with an onion soup!) Its prices reflect its upscale vibe, but it’s one of those places you gotta try once while in Paris.
What is it near: Monument à Delacroix
Address: 24 Rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris
If you want to have a great meal while visiting popular Paris attractions, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near Notre Dame.
13. Le Moulin de la Galette €€
Why the Best? Ever stumbled upon a place and wondered how it’s not fully booked months in advance? That was Le Moulin de la Galette for me. Here’s what’s great: First, it’s right by Montmartre’s iconic Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre, with plenty of outdoor tables. Second, Renoir thought it was so picturesque, that he immortalized it in one of his paintings. Third, their French cuisine always hits the mark. Fourth, the prices are refreshingly reasonable. And finally, it’s not just any restaurant—it’s in a windmill! I’d still suggest making a reservation a couple days ahead, but if you’re already in the neighborhood, you could very well get lucky with a walk-in.
What is it near: Palais Garnier
Address: 83 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris
Is your hotel in Montmartre? For a more in depth restaurant guide, check out Where to eat in the Marais.
14. O’Neil €€
Why the Best? If you’re looking for the perfect place to post up with a pint and give your legs a well-deserved break from the sightseeing, head to O’Neil. As the first microbrewery opened in Paris, back in 1991, it sets a very high standard of what an upscale brewery can be. Now, don’t get me wrong, you can still enjoy your beer of choice with classics like fish and chips and burgers at the bar. But they also have the likes of beef tartare and grilled salmon on their menu. It’s laid-back but with just the right touch of grown-up sophistication.
What is it near: Notre Dame
Address: 20 Rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris
If you want to have a great meal while visiting popular Paris attractions, check out our list of the Best Restaurants Near Notre Dame.
15. Le Nemours
€€ | Coffee & Pastries | Breakfast
Why the Best?: If you want a classic Parisian café experience with a prime people-watching spot, Le Nemours is the place. Sitting under the grand columns of Place Colette, this chic brasserie is perfect for a pre-Louvre breakfast or a late-morning coffee break paired with a pastry.
What is near: Louvre Museum
Address: 2 à 7 Galerie de Nemours, 2 Place Colette
Is your hotel near the Louvre? For a more in depth restaurant guide, check out Where to eat near the Louvre.
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