17+ Best Restaurants in Paris You Need to Try

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Paris is filled with delicious dining nearly in every inch of the city, from quaint corner cafes, great affordable quick eats, and fine dining Michlin-starred restaurants; some even with an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower.

Now navigating which restaurants to visit can be a challenge, especially if you have a limited time in Paris. And, If you’re like me, you want to enjoy a great meal when traveling.

After living in Paris for a month, and visiting over 5 times, it was my mission to narrow down the best restaurants in Paris that I’ve tried. (and trust me, I’ve tried many that didn’t make it on this list)

What makes these the best restaurants? I narrowed down the top places with incredible ambiance, fun or cozy vibes, and great service, but most importantly the food had to be delicious.

Now of course I can’t try every single restaurant in Paris, so if I missed your favorite restaurant, leave a comment below and share!

Here are my top vetted and tired restaurants in Paris you’ll love on your next visit to Paris. Sorted in random order.

Brasserie Des Prés

Tucked away in the bustling St. Germain Des-Prés is Brasserie Des Prés, a delicious and affordable French Brasserie with a gorgeous interior that’s just as good as the food.

The location couldn’t be cooler as well, located on the somewhat hidden cobblestoned passage Commerce Saint-André.

Outside you have a large patio for drinks, and inside you have a few floors serving classic French dishes like onion soup, steak tartare, eggs mayonnaise, and more favorites for lunch and dinner.

We didn’t have a reservation for a busy Saturday afternoon but were seated quickly around 3:30 PM. I loved the overall bustling fun ambiance with funky ceramic water jugs like owls, lemons, and cats.

Apart of the Nouvelle Garde group, you won’t go wrong with any of their restaurants!

Carboni’s

Carboni’s is a chic Italian restaurant in the trendy neighborhood of Le Marias. Its motto is an “ode to Italy” and it combines a candlelight sexy cool atmosphere with delicious dishes. It has a cool vibe, but it’s great for a date or girls’ trip!

Plus you’ll find an intimate cocktail bar downstairs, Bar Sotto serving pre or post-dinner drinks with a vinyl jukebox player.

You have to order the signature Cacio Pepe Pici pasta, which had us return to this restaurant to have a second time!

Freddy’s

I still keep thinking about the food at Freddy’s, because out of every single dish ordered (8 different tapas) each dish was unique and delicious and gave a WOW factor.

Freddy’s is a lively and energetic tapas-style restaurant with a great wine list.

There’s high-top bar seating throughout this small restaurant, with some seats facing the kitchen.

On the menu, you’ll find sharable small plates from vegetable dishes like mushrooms, and deviled eggs with fish eggs, to meats like pork belly and chicken, and seafood plates. On any night, this small spot is buzzing with every chair taken.

If you love tapas and trying multiple dishes, I promise you’ll have a great meal here.

Chez Janou

This trendy corner bistro, Chez Janou usually has a line out the door with locals and tourists alike, because the French Provencal cuisine is delicious and not too expensive.

This spot has a cozy interior with bright-colored paintings on the wall and a central circular bar. It’s always buzzing without pretension.

They take reservations by phone or in person, and to avoid waiting in line, I’d make a reservation in person for a later date in your trip! I got lucky to visit before the rush on Saturday afternoon and was seated right away.

P.S. You must order the famous chocolate mousse that is served in a huge heaping.

Brasserie Martin

Apart of the Nouvelle Garde group, at Brasserie Martin you’ll find a classic French brassiere vibe with a modern twist with everything homemade from scratch using fresh in-season ingredients!

Brassiere Martin is known for its delicious rotisserie roasted meats, along with your favorite French classics like escargot, french onion soup, and eggs mayonnaise.

Water is served in fun ceramic jars, and the decor is your classic French brasserie vibes with mirrored walls, bistro tables, and a warm and friendly ambiance, filled with locals and some tourists.

Terra

Set in a moody space with glass roof interiors, palm leaves, and a wine wall, Terra is a perfect option for a modern delicious dinner.

Open only for the evening, Terra serves fresh cuisine where all produce comes in fresh daily (no freezers on site) Plus it’s based on a seasonal menu, so you know you’re getting the best with great recommendations from the staff.

Main plates made to share, and did not disappoint! Reservations are recommended.

Poulette

Poulette is tucked away on a bustling street and is adorned with beautiful art nouveau tile work and a zinc top bar that takes you back in time with friendly relaxed service.

I loved the fresh small menu, and everything we ordered was packed with flavor. Plus you’ll find some vegetarian options for starters and mains.

Of course, they have a great wine list, but here is your chance to order some delicious cocktails. The Basil Smash was perfection!

Darocco

Tucked away a short 10-minute walk from the Louvre, Darocco is a stylish & delicious Italian restaurant perfect for lunch to rest your feet from touring that isn’t a tourist trap.

Pasta is made on-site, and Darocco has some of the best pizzas in Paris all using the freshest ingredients. Plus there is a great cocktail menu and wine list. This spot is perfect for a weekday lunch or a fun evening.

And if you love beautifully designed restaurants, you’ll love the mirrored ceilings, lush velvet sofas, and natural elements throughout.

Plus it’s connected through a beautiful covered passageway, Galleries Viviane, which is on my list of things to do in Paris.

Madame Brassiere

If you are looking for a memorable dinner with incredible cuisine and views, you really can’t beat dining inside the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brassiere.

Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll find yourself with a great view of Paris, and the iron details of the Eiffel.

I was so impressed with the 3-course dinner. Everything was fantastic with beautiful plating and unique flavors.

Madame Brassiere was one of my all-time favorite dining experiences in Paris. If you want something for a special occasion or unforgettable memories, you won’t be disappointed.

There are two seatings for lunch and dinner: 12 PM & 1:30 PM for Dinner 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM, with reservations required.

Be sure to order the porfieroles for dessert!

Aux Crus Bourgogne

If you are looking for a classic French Bistro, Aux Crus Bourgogne is your true vintage chic bisto complete with a 20th-century dining room, mirrored walls, velvet cushions, and dim yellow lighting that matches the tone of the Parisian Street lights.

This spot is bustling with locals, and in the warmer months, you’ll find a cute outside patio just around the corner from the buzzing Rue Montegoeaux, known for shops, cafes, etc.

On the menu, this is your time to order the French classics serving family & regional cuisine since 1901, and you won’t be disappointed!

Au Bon Accueil

If you are looking for an Eiffel Tower view restaurant that has fantastic Michelin cuisine for the price, Au Bon Accueil is your answer.

This quaint local restaurant serves classic French cuisine and has great 3 course meals for lunch and dinner (€39 for lunch and €45 for dinner). Be sure to make a reservation as it’s a small busy restaurant.

The Eiffel Tower view is only from the small outside patio, so when making your reservation make a note to sit outside!

Note: Closed Saturdays & Sundays

Love the Eiffel Tower like me? Check out these hidden Eiffel Tower Photo locations throughout Paris.

Bistrot Instinct

I don’t think you could go wrong with a meal at Bistrot Instict, an unpretentious Michelin Star restaurant serving homemade cuisine using seasonal products. Every dish on the menu is inventive, colorful, and gourmet.

The restaurant itself is quite small with only a handful of tables, so reservations are a must. Another thing I loved is the great wine list and cocktail menu with unique creations.

CoCo Paris

I was a little hesitant to come to Coco Paris because there are hit-or-miss reviews online. However, I thoroughly had a fantastic time for weekend brunch, and I found the prices to be fair considering the stunning atmosphere and live music.

During brunch, you’ll find a stylish but more relaxed vibe with the sun shining through the gorgeous double-high windows. The service was attentive, and I enjoyed the brunch menu with favorites like eggs benedict and avocado toast. Plus the interior is worth seeing!

Brunch was under 100 with a bottle of wine and appetizers and main courses for two.

Gruppomimo

If you love truffle, creamy burrata, fresh pizzas, and pasta, you’ll love Gruppomimo. And because it’s so good, you’ll find this restaurant has a few locations throughout Paris.

We visited the location in the 11th Arrondissement, which had a large dining room with a glass ceiling and a colorful interior with plants and gallery photos on the walls.

The Pasta “Alla Valentina” is the star of the show prepared in a wheel of pecorino and topped with truffle.

Pink Mamma

This multi-level hot spot serves up delicious Italian cuisine in a very Instagram-worthy setting; in fact, I’ve listed it in my top Paris Instagram Spots list.

Now the reason you might find a line out the door is the food is worth it- I always get the truffle pasta and delicious pizzas. Plus they have plenty of vegetarian dishes.

Be sure to check out the top floor for great views, and dine at a table with a glass roof- perfect for lunch!

Le Train Bleu

Probably one of the most opulent restaurants I ever visited filled with chandeliers and frescos, Le Train Bleu is a bucket list restaurant serving traditional French meals since 1901.

This restaurant is located in the Gare de Lyon Train station, so it’s not necessarily very close to the Paris center, however, it’s reachable by metro just 15 minutes from the Louvre. Le Train Blue is perfect if you’re looking for a beautiful upscale restaurant for special occasions.

On the menu, you’ll find French Classics like Foie Gras, and beef tartare, but the truffle gnocchi with artichoke was my favorite! Plus some menu items come with a special presentation. I ordered the Lamb which was carved tableside in a rolling silver buffet.

Sinner Paris

 If you’re looking for something completely different, check out Sinner Paris where this hotel lobby restaurant turns into a chic and sexy party scene lit up by candle sticks, red lights, and a smoke machine with a DJ on Fridays & Saturdays.

While the prices are high, the ambiance is incredibly cool and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal with the fusion-style menu. The steak tartare tacos were incredible along with the tuffle edamame.

More Paris Restaurants to Try

Of course, there are so many great restaurants to try in Paris, and my list of options always keeps growing as I visit. Here are even more restaurants on my to-try list with great reviews!

1. Girafe Paris: Beautiful Eiffel Tower View restaurant
2. Brezih Cafe: Known for Crepes, locations throughout Paris
3. Septime: Top-rated Michelin Star Restaurant, book 2+ weeks in advance
4. Parcelles: Trendy spot in le Marais, Reservations needed.
5. Le Procope: Tradtional menu in a 1600’s space.
6. Carette: Known for decidant hot chocolate

Paris Restaurants Tips

To make the best of your dining experiences in Paris, here are some tips!

Make reservations: To avoid waiting long for a table, or disappointment, it’s best to make a reservation for any dining experience in Paris (especially if you are visiting for a limited amount of time) Restaurants are of the smaller size, and don’t accommodate many tables.

Book first seating: If you enjoy “picking” out your table, make the earliest reservation. Most of the time restaurants let you choose where you want to sit, and you’ll have the most options when you’re first to arrive.

Dinner Restaurants Open Later: Get used to eating a bit later than your routine as restaurants open for dinner around 7 or 7:30 PM. Locals typically eat around 8 PM.

Take advantage of Last-Minute Cancelations: If you are looking to snag a last-minute table, restaurants usually send out confirmation emails 24 hours in advance. Some confirm or cancel their reservation. Call the restaurant, or look online the day before to get any new open tables.

Learn more Paris travel tips in my blogger’s guide to Paris!

What food is Paris Known for?

If you want to try the foods that Paris is known for, here are some typical French dishes you should order which you’ll find at French Bistros and Brasseries.

• Croque Monsieur / Croque Madam: Breakfast sandwich with ham and cheese
• Escargot: Snails marinated in oil & garlic
• French Onion Soup: Classic onion soup with cheese on top
• Steak Tartare: Raw beef served with a side salad
• Eggs Mayonnaise: French-style egg salad, served like deviled eggs
• Entrecôte steak and fries: Premium cut of steak served sliced with french fries
• Chocolate Mousse: Thick chocolate mouse
• Profiteroles: Ice cream sandwiches served with pastry and chocolate sauce

Have a favorite restaurant in Paris that wasn’t listed? Leave a comment below and share it with our readers!

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