The 30 best restaurants in Paris

Telegraph

15-04-2025

From the bistro terraces to the ubiquitous boulangeries, Parisian life is quite literally arranged around food. Eating out is more than mere nutrition, it's a daily opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of great food and drink, and the wonderful products that French terroir has to offer. Those looking for traditional French fare will find plenty of options, from glitzy Michelin-starred restaurants set in grand hotels, to hearty local bistros serving up all the classics. But it's also an increasingly diverse restaurant scene, offering more light and even vegetarian options and cuisine from other cultures.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best Paris restaurants. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, bars, nightlife, attractions, free things to do and shopping, plus how to spend a weekend in Paris.
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Best all rounders
Best for families
Best for cheap eats
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Best for walk ins
Best all rounders
La Belle Epoque
When former king of Parisian nightlife Franck Maillot bought this brasserie on Rue des Petits Champs, he had a pleasant surprise during the renovation when the team discovered original features from the Belle Epoque era, to which this lively address owes its name. The original mosaic floors, Deco columns and wall-mounted mirrors provide the ambiance for this sophisticated and buzzy brasserie and bar located on a quieter side street near the Louvre and Palais Royal. Young chef Mathieu Poirier works with regional suppliers to offer seasonal upscale French brasserie fare, with a lighter twist on classics like poulet fermier. There's a great selection of French wines. The vibe varies hugely from work lunches on weekdays to a real fashion crowd during Fashion Weeks.
Area/neighbourhood: Louvre/Opéra
Nearest metro: Pyramides
Contact: labelleepoqueparis.fr
Price: ££
Reservations: Recommended
Café du Commerce
Located on rue de commerce in the distinctly un-touristy 15th arrondissement, the elegant Café du Commerce is a favourite with Parisians. The plant-decked 1920s dining room, set across three levels, is understated yet one of the most attractive and elegant in the city, crowned in glory by a retractable glass roof. Marie and Etienne Guerraud have been at the helm since 2003 and have a rich network of French suppliers. On the menu you'll find French classics with a lighter, modern twist: think house-smoked salmon served with cream and chives to start, followed by Magret de canard and traditional brasserie desserts. Prices are very reasonable in relation to the quality of the food and the space.
Aux crus de Bourgogne
You can't go far wrong with this long established bistro close by to Les Halles, the home of Paris's main food market until the 1960s. Today Rue Bachaumont is in the heart of a now trendy district neighbouring chic independent shops and boutique hotels. The result is a mix of a hearty Parisian bistro – thanks to the lovingly restored 1930s décor – and a cool clientele and buzzy feel. The menu is still à l'ancienne; there's a signature pâté en croûte, plus beef tartare served with chips, followed up by something like the traditional rum baba. All of this is washed down with, as the name would suggest, a fine selection of Burgundy wines. On weekdays, the set menu for lunch offers great value.
Au Père Louis
Duck behind the large boulevards that enclose the Luxembourg Gardens to find Au Père Louis, a wine bar and restaurant offering a convivial and tasty helping of traditional French hospitality. In the cosy space full of nooks and crannies, you'll find more than 60 varieties of wine available by the glass and a very good quality selection of regional brasserie classics like French onion soup, Auvergne sausage or Toulouse cassoulet. There's a great selection of desserts and digestifs too, like Armagnacs and Cognacs. Service is warm and reliable.
Area/neighbourhood: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Nearest metro: Odéon
Contact: auperelouisrestaurant.fr
Price: ££
Reservations: Recommended
Restaurant Bachaumont
Get a taste of authentic Parisian nightlife at the vast restaurant of the trendy Hotel Bachaumont in the Sentier district. You can warm up with an excellent cocktail at the bar, before getting comfortable in one of the banquette booths that line the dining room. On the menu: outstandingly good beef steak served with mashed potatoes for carnivores or a citrus- and coconut-flavoured dahl curry for vegetarians. Desserts courtesy of Sophie Coulombel are a highlight. Expect a warm welcome and a fashionable atmosphere. It's a great spot for a date night.
Café Max
This hearty historic bistro served as a clandestine meeting place for the French Resistance during World War II and the name Max comes from the code name of resistance figure Jean Moulin. In recent years, it has been acquired by esteemed chef Frédéric Vardon (39V), but he has retained the old-world charm, as well as the clientele that still includes political and diplomatic types. Expect classic dishes done expertly, like eggs mimosa, sardines or even pig's ear to start, followed by steak and fish options and classic desserts like crème caramel – plus French wines to match. The feel is warm and intimate with a classic bistro aesthetic featuring a zinc counter, vintage posters and wood panelling.
Area/neighbourhood: Left Bank - Invalides
Nearest metro: La Tour-Maubourg
Contact: cafemax.fr/en
Price: ££
Reservations: Recommended
Le Grand Bain
This laid-back neo-bistro address, serving gorgeous seasonal small plates, is well worth the trip out to the artistic Belleville quartier in the 20th arrondissement. Originally, the culinary lovechild of Brit Edward Delling-Williams and Frenchman Edouard Lax – formerly chef and front-of-house respectively at the popular Au Passage – Le Grand Bain offers an ever-changing roster of inventive delights, such as scamorza fondue with chicory, or pigeon with pointed cabbage, washed down with a selection of natural wines, served at the central bar.
Bistrot Paul Bert
Paris is awash with very good bistros, so it is no mean feat that Bistrot Paul Bert has over the years retained its reputation as one of the best. The menu features copious portions of French classics such as steak frites, andouillette and lemon and butter sole served with pan-fried potatoes, all done with finesse. Décor is delightfully traditional with mosaic tile floor, long banquettes and white tablecloths and a warm ambiance is to be expected. Leaving room for dessert is obligatory: try the legendary Paris-Brest – a round of pastry with delectable hazelnut praline cream in the centre.
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Best for families
Bob's Bake Shop
Parisians may be loyal to their baguettes, but the New York-style bagels in this welcoming American-owned diner have the locals flocking for breakfast and lunch, especially on the weekend when it's extra busy with young families. You can't go wrong with the signature bagels on offer – cream cheese, smoked salmon etc – or you can opt for the never-ending egg bun, filled with a deliciously runny omelette with thick-cut fried potatoes on the side. For sweet tooths, Bob offers pancake stacks, pie, muffins and donuts. Coffee is also top-notch.
Breizh Café
Transport yourself to a summer's day in Brittany in one of the restaurants of this small chain of gourmet creperies. Breizh (pronounced 'brez' with the raspy French r) is the Breton word for the Brittany region and on the menu you will find traditional Breton buckwheat galettes in classic varieties like the 'complète' (ham, cheese and egg) or more experimental gourmet choices using seasonal cheeses and meats. Accompany your main course with a Breizh Cola, a less saccharine cola produced in Brittany, or a delicious brut cider. For dessert, it would be rude not to order a sweet crepe filled with apple compote and salted caramel and topped with vanilla ice cream.
Ground Control
Not so much a restaurant as a huge food court with something to please just about every taste. Housed inside a former SNCF warehouse in the east of Paris close to the Seine, the hip venue is a favourite with locals, in particular young families who come here for the space, relaxed atmosphere and regular children's dance party events. Food-wise, you can choose between cheese boards to pizza to Indian-style street food. Natural wine and craft beers flow for the grown-ups.
Area/neighbourhood: Gare de Lyon
Nearest metro: Gare de Lyon
Contact: groundcontrolparis.com
Price: £
Reservations: Walk-in
Étsi - le bistro
This modern Greek restaurant is full most nights, and with good reason. Tucked away on a sideroad in the shadow of Montmartre, this welcoming address offers light, ingredients-led small plates to share. Choose from satisfyingly tangy vine leaves, melt-in-the-moth garlic potatoes with feta, or grilled octopus on a bed of polenta. Tasty seasonal desserts round it off and well chosen Greek wines finish the offering. Sister restaurant étsi - l'ouzeri is nearby.
Area/neighbourhood: Montmartre
Nearest metro: Lamarck - Caulaincourt
Contact: etsi-paris.fr/le-bistro
Price: ££
Reservations: Recommended
L'Européen
L'Euorpéen is a great address for a traditional Parisian brasserie experience. The décor is gorgeous, harking back to the restaurant's Belle Epoque beginnings - it's all mirrors, chandeliers and Chesterfield-style banquette. The food on offer is just as delightful. As well as great brasserie fare (snails, beef tartare, crème brûlée etc.), it is known for its fabulous seafood, served on extravagant multi-level platters. Slurp on Normandy oysters and savour the subtle flavours of welks served with aioli. The location right by Gare de Lyon makes this a great pitstop if you are taking a train down to the south of France.
Area/neighbourhood: Gare de Lyon
Nearest metro: Gare de Lyon
Contact: l-europeen.com
Price: ££
Reservations: Recommended
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Best for cheap eats
L'As du Fallafel
Rue des rosiers, the charming cobbled seam of the historic Jewish quarter, the Pletzl, is dotted with fashion boutiques, vintage shops and charming Kosher bakeries, as well as glorious-smelling street falafel joints, of which L'As was the first and is still by far the most popular. On any given day (apart from Friday evening and Saturday morning when it is closed) you will see throngs of locals and visitors alike queuing up to get the signature tubby pita, stuffed with falafels, roasted aubergine and cabbage and some of the best spicy harissa you've ever had – it's well worth the wait.
Area/neighbourhood: Marais
Nearest metro: Saint-Paul
Contact: instagram.com/lasdufallafel
Price: £
Reservations: Walk-ins or takeaway
Jay's Pizza
There's no shortage of pizza joints in Paris, but there are a precious few selling the dish New York style by the slice – and even fewer that are as good as Jay's. Opened in 2024, this small takeaway shop quickly became a hit, attracting queues come lunch time in the hip Strasbourg Saint-Denis neighbourhood. For 10 euros you can choose two slices and a drink, to takeaway or gobble at the few tables at the venue. The classic margherita and pepperoni slices are exemplary.
Area/neighbourhood: Strasbourg - Saint-Denis
Nearest metro: Strasbourg - Saint-Denis
Contact: instagram.com/jayspizza_paris
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations
Bouillon Chartier
This fabulous Art Nouveau cantine may be a legendary Parisian institution, but it's anything but snooty. The popular eatery started life as a workers' café at the turn of the 20th century, offering hearty fare from the regions of France, like snails, eggs mayonnaise, roast chicken and profiteroles. The menu has changed little over the years and it is still one of the most affordable meals in Paris. Hurried waiters dressed in traditional black waistcoats and white aprons zip around the dining tables, dispensing menu advice and banter and scribbling the customers' orders on the paper tablecloths. You can't reserve a table, instead diners are asked to queue, head early in the evening to avoid a longer wait.
Area/neighbourhood: Grands Boulevards
Nearest metro: Grands Boulevards
Contact: bouillon-chartier.com
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations
Land & Monkeys
A riddle: how can it be that French people are purists when it comes to their beloved pastry, yet Parisians queue to get their hands on vegan patisserie? The answer is the quality of this small offshoot chain of the baker's Maison Landemaine, specialising entirely in vegan treats. Stop by to sample the pillowy brioche, the pleasingly sticky cinnamon bun or the exquisite tarts. The bread is top-notch, too.
Area/neighbourhood: Various (Montmartre, Marais, Bastille)
Nearest metro: Various
Contact: land-and-monkeys.com
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations
Higuma
There's no shortage of Japanese restaurants along central Rue Saint-Anne, known for Japanese and Korean cuisine, but this one has maintained a strong following over the years for its excellent ramen, prepared with aplomb in front of you (get a seat at the counter for the best view). Choose from 10 different ramen varieties featuring pleasingly glossy broth and wonderfully tender noodles. Donburi and katsu curry complement the offering. Wash it down with an Asahi beer. Note: few options for vegetarians.
Area/neighbourhood: Louvre/Opéra
Nearest metro: Pyamides
Contact: higuma.fr
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations
Chez Gladines
This old-fashioned eatery serving traditional Basque food is a mainstay of the villagey Butte aux Cailles neighbourhood on the Left Bank. Expect a hearty atmosphere – chequered tablecloths and generous portions and a lively buzz, especially on weekends. Signature dishes showcase the rich, often meat-heavy cuisine of south-western France – try the 'escalope montagnarde', a veal scallop slathered in cantal cheese, served with creamy mushrooms and fried potatoes. Basque wine flows to accompany your meal.
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Best for fine dining
​​Pur'
The gastronomic restaurant at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme has had a slinky makeover (think dark wood and dimmed lighting) courtesy of Franco-Mexican designer Hugo Toro. Inside, the Michelin-starred cuisine, prepared in front of you in the open kitchen, is as exceptional as ever; it's a fine choice for an upscale treat. The refined tasting menu uses meticulously sourced mostly French ingredients worked in unexpected and exciting ways. To start, you might have sweetcorn ice cream with a polenta and parmesan tuile or an ingenious Provence tomato 'Bloody Mary' soup, followed by white truffle ravioli. Desserts are overseen by world-class patissière Narae Kim, named pastry chef of the year in 2024 by Gault&Millau.
Area/neighbourhood: Opéra
Nearest metro: Opéra
Contact: paris-restaurant-pur.fr
Prices: £££
Reservations: Essential
Le 39v
This refined but relaxed restaurant is located on the top floor of a building at number 39 on the prestigious Avenue George V, right in the heart of the high-end area known as the 'Golden Triangle', and is accessible by its own private elevator. Suppliers for the carnivorous French menu are chosen by the talented but affable chef Frédéric Vardon, who is passionate about showcasing French 'terroir'. In the indulgent dinner menu you'll find options from the light (braised seasonal vegetables) to full-on meat feasts such as steak or roast pigeon. You can watch the busy team of chefs at work from the glass-walled dining room which overlooks the kitchen on the other side of an interior courtyard — the sides are separated by a roof garden featuring an olive tree, seemingly suspended in space six floors up.
Café de la Paix
Occupying a whole city block in the shadow of the Palais Garnier opera house, Café de la Paix offers grand old-school Parisian dining par excellence. The restaurant opened in the 1860s and is one of the French capital's most iconic dining spots, once frequented by the likes of Emile Zola, Oscar Wilde and Ernest Hemingway. The menu offers French gourmet classics — think luxurious seafood platters piled high with oysters and prawns, or steak served with green beans and puréed potatoes. There's décor to match in the opulent restored Second Empire dining room.
Area/neighbourhood: Opéra
Nearest metro: Opéra
Contact: cafedelapaix.fr
Prices: £££
Reservations: Recommended
Bar Vendôme, the Ritz
This restaurant located inside the Ritz Paris calls itself a 'brasserie', but this is no neighbourhood affair. Seasonal French classics are served up in the beautiful glass-roofed summer house with a view out onto the ornate hotel gardens. Expect top-notch versions of roast chicken, sole meunière with creamy mashed potato or Normandy beef with roast potato. For dessert, you can choose from a selection of pastries by the hotel's celebrated pastry chef Francois Perret: try his signature chestnut madeleine for your very own Proustian experience. By the way, these desserts are on offer along with gourmet sandwiches at Ritz Le Comptoir, a sort of 'street food' offering located just behind the hotel on Rue Cambon.
La Condesa
The discreet entrance of this restaurant just below Pigalle belies a refined address offering a creative and memorable dining experience, recognised with one Michelin Star. Mexican chef Indra Carrillo Perea, who has previously worked in Japan and Italy, expertly blends flavours, textures and ingredients from all these cultures to create a refined gastronomic offering: think pollack marinated in soya served with delicately braised Brussels sprouts and wildflowers, an exquisitely clear mushroom broth or vegetables prepared give ways. The space is elegant, adorned with red marble and mid-century-style wood panelling, plus eccentric touches like the personal cutlery drawer and the waiters' elaborate trolleys. You can opt for the full blow-out 8-course dinner menu (a tidy 180 euros per person excluding wine), or else go for the more approachable lunch menu.
Area/neighbourhood: South Pigalle
Nearest metro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Contact: lacondesa-paris.com/en/le-restaurant
Prices: £££
Reservations: Recommended
114 Faubourg
Housed inside one of Paris's grandest Palace hotels, Le Bristol, 114 Faubourg offers luxury brasserie fare par excellence. Since executive chef Arnaud Faye took the helm in 2024, the dining room buzzes with new energy and serves up increasingly inventive flavour combinations. The sole 'à la plancha', served with capers and lashings of peppery olive oil, is particularly excellent. Wonderfully done classic desserts complete the meal (try the millefeuille). Wine pairings can be added. Expect flawless service.
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Best for walk ins
L'Avant Comptoir
The wildly popular Le Comptoir gastronomic restaurant by Yves Camdeborde is just next door and is almost always booked months in advance. But you can get a great taste of the produce-first offering at the dinky bars next door: the Avant Comptoir de la Terre (more meat specialties) and the Avant Comptoir de la mer (more seafood). Prop yourself up at the lively bar and enjoy reasonably priced French small plates, like mackerel with grapefruit and horseradish and the pork trotter terrine. There's a great selection of French wines on offer to accompany, from €3 to €20 per glass.
Area/neighbourhood: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Nearest metro: Opéra
Contact: camdeborde.com
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations
Chez Omar
Chez Omar is nothing short of a local institution on Rue de Bretagne in the lively Upper Marais district. It's known for its friendly waiters, traditional vintage bistro décor (think banquette, bevelled mirrors and grand central counter) and generous servings of North African couscous. The atmosphere is invariably relaxed (and also family-friendly) and the service charming. Vegetarians can take the vegetable stew, which can be spiced up with the harissa; meat-eaters love the North African merguez sausage made from lamb meat. There are also some French classics on offer like steak and chips. Do like the locals and get chips on the side of your couscous! Wine is inexpensive and available by the glass. For afters there are North African pastries and mint tea.
Saravanaa Bhavan
If you find yourself with a rumbling stomach and time to spare near Gare du Nord (waiting for your train, for example), you would be wise to avoid the rather underwhelming bistros that line the streets around the front of the station and head instead to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis along the side of the station where you'll find yourself on the edge of Paris's Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan area. Among many great vegetarian canteen-style restaurants, Saravanan Bhavan is an extra popular favourite thanks to its delicious selection of South Indian cuisine, including excellent dosa. The perfect light lunch before or after your train.
Area/neighbourhood: Gare du Nord - La Chapelle
Nearest metro: Gare du Nord
Contact: 00 33 1 40 05 01 01; open 10am to 11pm 7 days a week
Prices: £
Reservations: No reservations needed
Les Philosophes
The jovial Xavier Denamur is at the helm of a clutch of much loved bistros on Rue Vielle du Temple, a lively strip in the buzzy Marais district. The chef is passionate about using local and seasonal ingredients to create quality dishes. Les Philosophes is a neighbourhood staple and serves an impressive selection of French dishes for lunch and dinner, from traditional meaty fare like boeuf bourguignon to lighter vegetarian options. It's a lively spot in the evening with friendly service. Xavier Denamur also owns brasseries Au Petit Fer à Cheval just next door with its horseshoe-shaped bar, La Chaise au Plafond and the wine bar meets bookshop La Belle Hortense, just across the street.
Area/neighbourhood: Marais
Nearest metro: Saint-Paul
Contact: rphunter.com/cafeine-reservations-3
Price: ££
Reservations: Walk-ins only
Tae Dong Gwan
Rue Saint-Anne, tucked discreetly between the Louvre and Palais Garnier opera house, is known for its cluster of Japanese and Korean restaurants. Among them, this cosy and buzzy Korean address is a firm favourite. Whether you're stopping in for lunch or a casual dinner, expect quick, efficient service and most importantly truly scrumptious food – from the slurp-worthy seafood soups to the thoughtfully prepared bibimbap. Add plenty of the hot sauce for extra punch.
Area/neighbourhood: Louvre
Nearest metro: Pyramides
Contact: instagram.com/taedonggwan_paris
Price: ££
Reservations: Walk ins only
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How we choose
Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Hannah, originally from London, spent years working out the intricacies of French grammar before moving to Paris, where she works as a journalist specialising in French culture and society. She enjoys cycling Paris's avenues and boulevards on her trusty bike, eavesdropping in café terrasses and visiting the weekly flea market at her local, Puces de Saint-Ouen.