The 38 Must-Visit Restaurants in Paris

This welcoming wine bar and bistro offers delightful French comfort food alongside a fantastic selection of wines without the need for a three-month wait to book. Founded by Scottish wine merchant and long-time Paris resident Tim Johnston, the restaurant is now run by his daughter Margaux in the dining room, with her French partner, Romain Roudeau, in charge of the kitchen. Together, they create a true French culinary experience that lives up to their motto: “We always deliver the goods.” The menu changes with the seasons, featuring dishes like celery soup with cockles, chives, and whipped cream; sautéed wild mushrooms with egg yolk and prosciutto cream; duck filet with Swiss chard and chestnuts; and scallops with leeks, baby potatoes, and parsley cream. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

Located in the city center, right between Opéra Garnier and the Louvre, a variety of Japanese and Asian restaurants line Rue Sainte-Anne and the surrounding streets. Don't miss the popular Menkicchi for gyoza and some of the city's finest ramen. Locals rave about the Le Speciale ramen, featuring handmade noodles in a rich pork broth, a marinated egg, a slice of pork belly, and seaweed. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

Young chef Eugénie Béziat’s role as head chef at Espadon, the flagship restaurant of the Hotel Ritz, marks a bold shift from the typical offerings of luxury hotel dining in Paris. Rather than relying on foie gras and truffles, Béziat's unique cooking draws inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of her West African childhood, all while showcasing her exceptional French culinary skills. Her signature dish is a refined chicken yassa that melds French and Senegalese flavors, featuring heirloom poultry from Houdan in the Yvelines. Located in the 1st arrondissement.

Finding quality French cuisine in central Paris can be tricky, which is why this 1950s luncheonette remains a beloved spot for office workers, luxury boutique staff, and tourists alike. While its bright chairs and vintage tiles add to its charm, it's the restaurant's proximity to the elegant Place Vendôme that draws crowds for authentic French sandwiches — baguettes filled with ham and Fourme d’Ambert blue cheese from Auvergne — alongside classic comfort dishes like escargots, onion soup, duck confit with sautéed potatoes, and desserts like chocolate mousse or tarte Tatin. With reasonable prices for a central location, an interesting crowd, and a quintessentially Parisian vibe, arriving early is advised to beat the rush. Located in the 2nd arrondissement.

Since its opening in 2021, this wine bistro in the Marais has attracted a bustling crowd drawn by owner Sarah Michielsen’s warm hospitality, sommelier Bastin Fidelin’s exceptional wine selection, and the delectable modern bistro cuisine crafted by chef Julien Chevallier. The chalkboard menu changes frequently, featuring delights like baby clams steamed with herbs and shallots in white wine, vitello tonnato, breadcrumbed braised beef cheek served with jus and baby vegetables, and tiramisu topped with toasted hazelnuts. This stylish comfort food meets the current cravings of Paris, especially when enjoyed with attentive service and an impressive choice of wines by the glass. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

Set in a slender space illuminated by skylights in the Upper Marais, chef Manon Fleury’s restaurant has gained immense popularity for good reason. The predominantly female staff offers outstanding attention, while Fleury’s vegetable-forward cuisine is both delicate and inviting. Menus change frequently to reflect seasonal ingredients and the chef's creativity, featuring highlights such as a grain tribute with corn velouté, corn flan, and corn-multigrain beignet; raw shrimp paired with fermented rice cream, peaches, and shiso; and cuttlefish with zucchini spaghetti, Parmesan, fresh almonds, and barbecued pork skewers. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

Bertrand Larcher, hailing from Brittany, has established exceptional creperies from Cancale to Tokyo. In Paris, several locations highlight top-notch Breton ingredients, with his venue in the Marais being an excellent spot for enjoying galettes and crepes. Try the galette filled with smoked herring and potatoes, and follow it up with a matcha, white chocolate, and strawberry crepe. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.

If you don’t mind a bit of noise, this lively, narrow bistro in the Marais with a marble-topped bar will ensure a fantastic evening. Owned by the affable Édouard Vermynck, the atmosphere feels festive, with animated conversations flowing between tables, supported by an excellent wine selection. To enjoy the experience without feeling hurried, book during the second seating. Look forward to indulgent dishes like rich pork rillettes from Normandy, garlic and parsley sautéed oyster mushrooms, and andouillette (chitterling sausage) paired with chicken and morel mushrooms in creamy sauce. Each main comes with crispy hot frites, generous portions, and don’t miss the chocolate mousse (the tarte Tatin with raw cream is also superb). Located in the 4th arrondissement.

Young chef Martin Maumet has established one of the finest dining experiences on the Left Bank with his bold, vibrant, and innovative approach to French cuisine. A meal in the sleek, gallery-like environment starts with a variety of hors d’oeuvres and flows into a selection of contemporary French dishes infused with Asian influences, highlighting vegetables and seafood. The menu changes frequently, with potential offerings including Sardinian gnocchi paired with mussels in a fragrant shellfish broth, free-range heirloom chicken accompanied by carrots, and Iberian pork served with roasted root vegetables and chimichurri. Desserts often incorporate vegetables, such as butternut squash ice cream garnished with chestnuts, pistachios, and yuzu. Located in the 6th arrondissement.

Despite being a favorite among tourists, finding an exceptional French meal on the Left Bank can be a challenge. For an unforgettable Gallic experience without breaking the bank, reserve a table at chef Antonin Bonnet’s establishment. The quirky decor captures the essence of Rive Gauche, and diners rave about Bonnet’s commitment to using top-notch French ingredients, honoring their natural flavors. The beef is sourced from Anne-Laure Jolivet's organic farm near Angers, while the freshest catch of the day and seasonal vegetables are prepared with remarkable finesse, evident in dishes like Breton lobster with beet pickles and veal sweetbreads with truffle cream. Located in the 6th arrondissement.

With its delicate lace curtains, cut-glass dividers, and bentwood seating, this historic bistro exemplifies why enduring uncomfortable flights to Paris is worth it. Their boeuf bourguignon is hailed as the finest in the city, a true testament to French culinary excellence, enriched by a flavor-packed sauce derived from slowly simmered meat juices. Reservations are essential, and be sure to indulge in the Grand Marnier soufflé for dessert. Located in the 6th arrondissement.

Renowned charcutier and chef Arnaud Nicolas specializes in exceptional handmade pates, sausages, and terrines, breathing new life into a historical facet of French cuisine. Located on a tranquil avenue in the upscale 7th arrondissement, the restaurant features rustic stone walls, a beamed ceiling, and sleek gray moldings. Classic dishes like roasts and meat pies, dating back to the Middle Ages, are served as starters, followed by a seasonal menu. Nicolas showcases his talent with dishes such as turbot paired with cep mushrooms, salmon coulibiac for two, beef cheek braised with red wine and carrots, veal sweetbreads with girolles mushrooms, and a decadent chocolate soufflé. Located in the 7th arrondissement.

Chef Christophe Pelé leads this prestigious two-Michelin-star establishment located in a refined 19th-century townhouse near the Champs-Élysées. The property, owned by Prince Robert of Luxembourg—proprietor of Château Haut-Brion near Bordeaux—features opulent tapestries, oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, and intricate moldings, all serving as a surprising backdrop for Pelé’s innovative and playful approach to contemporary French haute cuisine. The tasting menus, which vary frequently, might include dishes such as langoustine ceviche infused with elderflowers and black sesame, elvers (young eels) paired with lamb’s brains, grilled red mullet with beef marrow and ginger, and rice pudding accented with sorrel and apple. The service is friendly, complemented by an impressive wine selection. Note: Lunch menus provide a more budget-friendly opportunity to savor Pelé’s culinary artistry. Located in the 8th arrondissement.

Frequently hailed as the premier vegan restaurant in Paris, Faubourg Daimant aims to provide exceptional gastronomy while adhering to its plant-based philosophy. The menu showcases the chefs' meticulous techniques and creative flair, featuring dishes such as carrots glazed in barbecue sauce and tofu croquettes designed to mimic pig’s trotters. The tiled dining area offers a lovely setting for meals, complemented by a charming courtyard for outdoor dining when the weather permits. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

The area surrounding the Gare du Nord train station may seem unremarkable, yet this small bistro à vins is packed with patrons. Despite its ordinary location and the tight seating, diners flock here for some of the finest and most affordable French comfort food in Paris. Chef Thomas Brachet’s chalkboard menu changes each day, always offering a tempting variety of contemporary dishes—like a salad of green beans, apricots, speck, and fresh almonds, or John Dory meunière with vegetable accras (beignets)—alongside traditional favorites, including langoustines with house-made mayonnaise and what many claim to be the best sausage and potato purée in the city. Don’t miss the stuffed cabbage and the rice pudding with cinnamon and orange. Reservations are highly recommended a few days in advance. Located in the 10th arrondissement.

The meticulously designed interior of this elegant modern bistro features olive-green banquettes, globe-shaped lamps, dark wooden tables, stenciled tile floors, and custom ceramic dishes, perfectly embodying the effortlessly chic Oberkampf district in the 11th arrondissement. Japanese chef Ryuya Ono presents a creatively inspired menu filled with vibrant flavors. The offerings change frequently, but each dish showcases the chef's precise and cosmopolitan flair: smooth haddock velouté with trout roe paired with smoked and charred potatoes; tuna sashimi elegantly garnished with Stracciatella and delicate slices of cucumber and yellow peach; and succulent suckling pig shoulder served in a robust clam jus. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

While Paris boasts numerous North African restaurants serving couscous and tagines, this vibrant Moroccan Mytoury distinguishes itself with the exceptional quality of its ingredients, earning a loyal following among Parisian chefs. The couscous features fresh seasonal vegetables and tender baby lamb sourced from the Pyrenees. The kitchen also produces its own bread and North African pastries, complemented by a captivating selection of mainly natural wines. The ambiance is lively yet tasteful, showcasing mosaic-topped tables, lanterns, and soft candlelight. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Emerging chef Maxime Bouttier gained recognition for his culinary talents at Mensae in the vibrant Belleville district of northeastern Paris. He has now launched his own chic restaurant in a loft-style white duplex set within a former textile factory in the 11th arrondissement. At Géosmine (meaning “odor of the soil”), Bouttier emphasizes the natural flavors and textures of fresh produce. On a recent menu, artichokes barigoule (braised with white wine and herbs) were elegantly wrapped in thin slices of lardo di Colonnata, creating a delightful contrast of earthy flavors and textures. Green asparagus was paired with pistachio cream and chickweed for a similar effect. Be sure to try the freshly baked cake of chocolate, vanilla, praline, and fleur de sel. Géosmine offers a prix fixe menu for dinner, while lunch is available à la carte. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

This beloved Singaporean coffee shop is a prime example of Paris’s ever-growing global culinary landscape, serving delightful all-day breakfast and coffee. The menu features lovingly crafted Singaporean comfort dishes such as satay skewers, shrimp and chicken laksa, chicken rice with bouillon, beef curry, and fried chicken accompanied by coconut rice, peanuts, and sambal. Don’t miss the pandan chiffon cake, and consider picking up a jar of their superb house-made sambal. Prices are reasonable, and the shop welcomes customers every day of the week. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

In this café-turned-modern bistro, innovative restaurateur Florent Ciccoli perfectly captures the tastes of young, creative Parisians. The ever-evolving menu features fresh, inventive dishes, such as a delicate yet flavorful crabmeat tartelette with tarama, fava beans, celery, tandoori spices, and trout roe. Other recent offerings have included vitello tonnato with artichokes, barbecued rib steak accompanied by Catalan chicory, anchovies, and pommes Dauphine, as well as a rhubarb millefeuille. The bistro boasts an excellent selection of natural wines and a few sidewalk tables for outdoor dining. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

While Paris is abundant with corner cafes, few offer such delicious fare at reasonable prices throughout the day. This vibrant Mytoury, helmed by trendsetting restaurateur Florent Ciccoli, features a chalkboard menu that changes daily. You can expect to find delights like freshly baked pizzettes, caillette (herb-stuffed sausage wrapped in caul fat and served with pickled mustard seeds on a bed of potato puree), and blood sausage paired with roasted corn and guindillas (Basque pickled peppers). Be sure to save room for the lemon tart dessert. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

With the difficulty of snagging a reservation at chef Bertrand Grébaut’s laid-back modern bistro, you might arrive anticipating a meal that will blow your mind. However, that’s not Grébaut’s approach. His cuisine is described as “innocent, spontaneous, and balanced,” featuring exquisitely delicate dishes such as mushrooms in oyster and foie gras broth, and seared tuna complemented by raspberries and tomato water. The service is warm and relaxed, and the airy, loft-like setting enhances the experience. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Chef Bertrand Grébaut’s seafood bar remains one of the trendiest spots in Paris. Reservations aren’t accepted, so to avoid a wait, aim to arrive right at opening time, 7 p.m., or after 10 p.m. The menu changes daily and features dishes such as smoked shrimp with roasted red pepper and white beans, tuna tartare, ceviche, oysters, crab fritters, and more. It also offers impressive platters of fresh seafood like clams, shrimp, sea snails, and other treasures. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Chef Adrien Cachot’s restaurant is one of the most talked-about new openings in Paris. The blind tasting menus provide a profound and intentionally disorienting journey through avant-garde 21st-century French cuisine. The minimalist dining room, featuring white pedestal tables and black chairs, creates an environment for the chef to challenge diners’ palates. From a sleek stainless-steel open kitchen, bold dishes appear, showcasing bizarre, brilliantly inventive, and almost universally delectable ingredient combinations. Standout dishes from a recent experience included mochi “cachot e pepe” reminiscent of risotto with pepper and citrus; sweet potato paired with lentils, anise, and sea crab; and veal prepared in three unique styles (tongue, intestines, and brains) accompanied by various sauces. Vaisseau is not recommended for those who are hesitant or particular about their food. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Le Paul Bert, a renowned bistro in Paris, fulfills the classic French culinary expectations of tourists with its traditional dishes. In contrast, its more adventurous sibling, Le 6 Paul Bert, offers creative cuisine within a modern bistro setting. This vibrant restaurant, featuring a marble counter and red tables, is led by Pauline Séné, a rising star in the culinary scene following her tenure at the now-closed Fripon in Ménilmontant. With a frequently updated menu, Séné showcases her passion for vegetables, fresh textures, and global flavors through dishes like yellow pollack with ajo blanco, zucchini, fennel, and apple; dill gnocchi paired with smoked herring; pigeon served with creamed corn, prunes, and harissa; and brownies featuring miso caramel and peanuts. The 26 euro lunch menu is one of the best deals in the city. Located in the 11th arrondissement.

Bruno Verjus, a former food blogger and critic turned chef, has a discerning taste for the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from his trusted suppliers. He enjoys engaging with diners seated on sea-foam green chairs at a counter overlooking the open kitchen. There, he crafts dishes such as white asparagus from Alsace, veal sweetbreads with lobster sauce, and wild salmon from the Adour river in southwestern France drizzled with olive oil sabayon. If available, don’t miss the signature chocolate tart topped with caviar for dessert. Located in the 12th arrondissement.

In his bistro reminiscent of an Edward Hopper painting near the Bastille, chef Christophe Philippe presents the finest chocolate mousse in Paris. Crafted from the exquisite chocolate of Italian Claudio Corallo, sourced from the remote African islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, this rich, unique, and deep dark fluff will leave you longing for more.  Located in the 12th arrondissement.

If you're seeking an authentic experience, visit this classic Parisian bistro, a rare gem popular among an older local crowd. The dining area features wood paneling and tiled floors, adorned with red-and-cream jacquard tablecloths and napkins. Michel Bosshard, known as Bobosse, runs the place with a theatrically grumpy demeanor, treating friends to prune de Souillac (plum liqueur) while playfully teasing others. Enjoy hearty, traditional French dishes like house-made terrine de campagne, stuffed cabbage, and a classic blanquette de veau (veal in cream sauce). Note that they only accept cash, and prices can be a bit high. Located in the 12th arrondissement.

Nestled in the heart of Paris's largest Asian neighborhood, which includes communities from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, this bustling Vietnamese restaurant is helmed by chef Te Ve Pin. Indulge in their superb bo bun, featuring freshly made nem (deep-fried spring rolls) and sautéed beef over rice noodles, drizzled with a savory sauce. While the pho is excellent, regulars highly recommend the pho satay, which includes beef, garlic, and peanuts. Located in the 13th arrondissement.

As the French culinary scene gradually shifts away from meat, many still have a fondness for exceptional steak frites. So, where can you find the best beef in Paris? Former butcher William Bernet’s cozy, wood-paneled bistro on the Left Bank is the answer, featuring a straightforward menu of expertly aged beef cuts along with dishes like steak tartare, sirloin, and rib steak. Portions are generous, so consider skipping an appetizer and opting for some cheese (the Saint Nectaire is exquisitely matured) or dessert (the house-made creme caramel is a must-try). Their wine selection is also remarkable. Located in the 14th arrondissement.

It’s dedicated, unassuming chefs like David Rathgeber who contribute to Paris's reputation as a remarkable food destination. He took the reins at this well-known restaurant, once run by the flamboyant chef Lulu who delighted figures like the late President François Mitterrand, and transformed it into one of the city's finest bistros. A visit to the tranquil 14th arrondissement is well worth it for his skillful interpretations of classic dishes, including pork knuckle rillettes with foie gras and an exceptional cassoulet. The menu also features lighter options like cuttlefish carbonara and sea bream tartare with green tomato and coriander sauce. Don't miss the epic creme caramel. Located in the 14th arrondissement.

Chef Mory Sacko has emerged as a luminary in French cuisine, renowned for his unique fusion of African, French, and Japanese flavors in Montparnasse. The son of Malian immigrants, he grew up enjoying his mother's traditional dishes alongside American fast food. Following a stint at a prestigious Paris hotel, he trained under chef Thierry Marx, a Michelin-starred chef with a passion for Japanese culinary arts. Look forward to dishes such as lobster in miso with smoked pepper and lacto-fermented tomatoes, sole spiced with togarashi shichimi, and lovage wrapped in banana leaves served with attieke, a couscous-like dish made from fermented cassava pulp. The restaurant’s name honors both the chef and Yasuke, a former enslaved Mozambican who became a samurai in 16th-century Kyoto. Located in the 14th arrondissement.

This charming, casually sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurant in eastern Paris is a favorite among food critics for a memorable yet affordable dining experience. Canadian chef Noam Gedalof crafts refined and creative French dishes, while his wife, sommelier Etheliya Hananova, curates an excellent selection of reasonably priced, lesser-known wines from around the globe. The menu changes frequently based on Gedalof's inspirations and seasonal ingredients, but be sure to try the sea bream tartare with buttermilk vinaigrette; risotto with beurre blanc, butter-poached lobster, and caviar; organic Corsican veal chop; and a chocolate soufflé for two. Located in the 16th arrondissement.

Often overlooked by tourists, the vibrant Batignolles neighborhood in the 17th arrondissement features this charming, affordable bistro that’s worth a visit. Surrounded by lovely flea market treasures — vintage posters, prints, and curated objects by the welcoming owner Thibault Sizun — diners can enjoy expertly seasoned traditional French cuisine from chef Soda Thiam. Originally from Senegal and raised in Italy, Thiam excels in pasta dishes, including agnolotti filled with blood pudding and ramps in cider sauce. Other offerings include a creamy cauliflower soup with herbs and pumpkin seeds, rabbit escabeche with tarragon mayonnaise and grilled cabbage, pork-and-duck stuffed cabbage with onion puree, and a freshly made apple tart for two. Located in the 17th arrondissement.

Nestled in the serene 18th arrondissement, away from the tourist bustle of Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre, this relaxed bistro attracts a discerning mix of locals and word-of-mouth visitors for the exceptional cooking of Paul Boudier and Albert Touton. The menu features many dishes with Southern French or Italian influences, including outstanding homemade pastas, ceviche topped with shavings of bottarga, and pork belly braised in cider with roasted fennel. Located in the 18th arrondissement.

Situated in a working-class area on the northeastern edge of Paris, the birthplace of Édith Piaf, Belleville stands out as one of the city's most vibrant food districts. Here, the brother-sister duo Léa and Louis-Marie Fleuriot operate this budget-friendly modern bistro in a former corner café. While she manages the kitchen, he oversees the dining area, offering market-driven cuisine that reflects the neighborhood's essence. The striking petroleum-blue exterior features large windows that flood the indigo, zinc-topped service bar, open kitchen, and wooden tables adorned with cloth napkins and Opinel knives with natural light. The chalkboard menu changes daily, showcasing dishes like mussels in a creamy saffron bisque, haddock in coriander court bouillon with mushrooms and potato puree, and a rich, eggy crème caramel with caramel sauce. Located in the 19th arrondissement.

A favorite among young Parisian creatives, including chefs, Belleville remains one of the top dining destinations in the city. With its striking fire-engine-red exterior and minimalist decor, Le Cheval d’Or is celebrated for the contemporary Asian dishes crafted by chefs Hanz Gueco and Luis Andrade. The menu is frequently updated, featuring items like red tuna tartare paired with watermelon and egg yolk, pork belly Tatin with red pepper, rhubarb, and pearl onions, and a delightful orange marmalade cheesecake for dessert. Located in the 19th arrondissement.

For a relaxing retreat, Paris chefs flock to this cozy wine bar in Belleville, where Argentine-born chef Raquel Carena, who is self-taught, serves some of the most satisfying dishes in the city. The chalkboard menu is ever-changing, showcasing her love for offal and fish, and highlighting her affinity for tart and sweet-and-sour flavors. Expect to find delights like mackerel tartare with smoked vinegar, tuna steak paired with black cherries, and a rabbit and mushroom ragout in a rich red wine sauce. This spot captures the bohemian spirit of Belleville, which is rapidly gentrifying. Located in the 20th arrondissement.